72nd festivals, 850+ events, 33 venues….
For more than 70 years, people have travelled to Sidmouth for a week of music, dance, song, creativity and community by the sea. Some discover the festival for the first time. Others have been returning for decades.
Following the 2025 festival, independent audience research found:
• 71% of ticket buyers rated their experience 9 or 10 out of 10
• 73% said they were highly likely to recommend the festival to friends and family
• Visitors travelled from across the UK and overseas
• The festival generated an estimated £7.3 million economic impact for the local area
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
A Festival You Can Experience Your Own Way
“There are opportunities for all to do it their way. You can get involved and participate as much as you’d like or just step back and soak it all up. It reminds me just how much talent there is out there.”
“A week-long holiday with folk music and dance.”
“Like a box of chocolates. So much to choose from.”
Independent research found that around three-quarters of surveyed season ticket holders took part in workshops, social dance or ceilidhs as well as attending performances.
The Magic of Sidmouth
“A glorious combination of seaside, folk song and dance around every corner, and lots of happy people.”
“Fabulous week of folk music, dance and song, with lots of learning opportunities right by a beautiful pebbly beach for relaxation. Efficiently programmed so something for everyone morning, noon and evening.”
One of the strongest themes in audience feedback is the unique combination of culture, coast and community. Visitors regularly describe the atmosphere, seaside setting and sense of place as central to their experience.
A Town Transformed
“A week when sleepy Sidmouth is transformed into a bustling world of colour, music, song and dance in the streets and parks and every possible other available venue.”
“Loads of music, lots of fun, takes over the whole town and is a great place to be.”
“The town is taken over by musicians, dancers and performers of all ages from veterans to children.”
During festival week, music, dance and song can be found across the town, from concert venues and marquees to pubs, gardens, seafront spaces and informal sessions.
Community, Friendship and Belonging
“I usually say ‘Mecca for folkies’ – I’m kind of joking, but I’m also kind of not. I also tell people that it’s the biggest, most energetic festival there is, with so much going on that you need a holiday to recover from your holiday!”
“A lot of geriatrics enjoying something unique and sharing it with a lot of exciting young people.”
Visitors most frequently describe the festival using words such as fun, music, dance, joy, friendly and variety.
Many people come for the programme. Many return for the friendships, shared experiences and sense of belonging that have become part of Sidmouth Folk Festival’s story over more than seven decades.
Looking Ahead
As one of the UK’s longest-running folk festivals, Sidmouth continues to celebrate and share living cultural heritage while welcoming new audiences, new artists and new generations.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sidmouth.
Audience research conducted independently following the 2025 Sidmouth Folk Festival.