Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival

Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival 2026

From 22 to 25 May 2026, the seaside town of Sidmouth in Devon hosts the Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival. Set mainly in Blackmore Gardens, this four-day event offers a vibrant celebration of jazz, blues, and roots music by the sea.

Music

The festival features an eclectic lineup including jazz, swing, soul, funk, gospel, Latin, and roots genres. International headliners perform alongside regional musicians and emerging acts, with venues across the town hosting live sessions and free shows.

• Main stage in Blackmore Gardens hosts headline concerts and daytime sessions
• Soul Food & Love Local Stage spotlights local talent in a relaxed lawn setting
• Free fringe performances in pubs, cafes, and listening rooms

Atmosphere

Known for its friendly and inclusive vibe, the festival encourages a laid-back, picnic-style experience. Visitors relax on benches and grassy areas while enjoying music, local food stalls, and regional drinks, all within a welcoming community setting.

Family Activities

The festival is family-friendly, offering music workshops for children alongside opportunities to dance and enjoy live performances suitable for all ages.

Location

Sidmouth’s picturesque coastal setting provides a perfect backdrop, with historic seafront, beaches, and gardens nearby. The town’s cafes and pubs often host spontaneous jazz and blues sessions during the festival, enhancing the overall experience.

By car: Sidmouth is easily reached via the M5 motorway. Leave the M5 at Junction 30 and take the A3052 toward Sidmouth. The town is about 10 miles from the motorway exit. Using postcode EX10 8XR in your satnav will guide you to the town centre or information office. Several public car parks can be found near the seafront and throughout town, but parking can fill up on busy weekends – arriving early is wise. Taxis and local shuttle buses are also available from nearby towns and transport hubs.

By train and bus: There is no train station in Sidmouth itself. The nearest railway stations are Honiton and Exeter St Davids. Honiton lies on the line from London Waterloo, and Exeter St Davids is on the line from London Paddington (as well as the Midlands and North England). From either station, you can continue to Sidmouth by Stagecoach buses or taxi. Stagecoach’s route 9 (from Exeter and Honiton) runs frequently to Sidmouth – the buses depart from Exeter’s city centre bus station and a stop near Honiton station. The journey is scenic through Devon’s countryside.

By air: Exeter Airport (EXE) is the closest airport, about a 30-minute drive from Sidmouth, with flights to many UK and European destinations. Car hire, taxis and buses operate from the airport. Bristol Airport (around 2 hours by road) and Cardiff Airport (about 2.5 hours via train and bus) are larger alternatives, though both require additional travel into the West Country. London’s airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, etc.) are about 200 miles away (around a 4+ hour journey by road or rail). From any arrival airport, you can travel to Exeter by train or coach and then connect to Sidmouth via local buses.

Accommodation: Sidmouth offers a wide range of places to stay, including seaside hotels, cosy guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and self-catering cottages. Options range from budget inns to comfortable family-run hotels. Accommodations tend to book up for popular events, so it is wise to reserve early for the festival weekend. The nearby city of Exeter (about 30 minutes away by car) also has many lodging options. Camping sites and holiday parks are available in the surrounding Devon countryside for those seeking an outdoorsy stay.