From the magical tradition of the Sidmouth Folk Festival to Plymouth’s new Summer in the Scene Dock, we’re blessed with summer events.

We usually make selections for the main part of Go Devon! from unique and lesser known happenings, but some are just too big to ignore. Find out more about them below.

For summer fun where you are, or to find that overlooked gem, don’t forget to check our listings for North and South Devon, they’re updated every week.

There, among other things, you’ll find steam engines, yoga with fish, sculpture, underground cinema, racing gigs, a lobster festival and a tribute to Bruce Springsteen.

Got an event? Contact us

P.S. Thanks for being here! It means a lot that you’re opening and reading Go Devon! every week. If you like what we do, please tell a friend! If you don’t, tell me!

READER POLL

Last week’s poll results: How far will you travel for a good show? (Looks like quite a long way!) (2,870 subscribers)

10 miles - 37.5%

25 miles - 32.5%

50 miles - 30%

10 days of open air events at The Theatre Royal Plymouth, many free

We’re talking poets, rappers, comedy cabaret, a steel band, jump jive band, a quiz night, an open mic night, and even a cake baking competition.

It’s called Summer in the Scene Dock (the space around the back of TRP where scenery and props are unloaded) and runs from Thursday 7th August to Saturday 30th August.

One of the most popular acts is likely to be The Cabarats (above) bringing their funky mix of ska, reggae and Eastern sounds to a free concert on Sunday 17th August at 7pm.

Check the website for more acts being announced in the weeks ahead.

Events take place Thursday to Sunday from 12pm until late. Paid shows from £5.50

Take a 220ft waterfall abseil challenge

Charity fund raisers come up with some off the wall ideas.

This one is taking it literally by getting people to slide down a wall on a rope, except the wall is also a waterfall.

UP FOR IT? Take the challenge and raise money for Age UK Plymouth with an abseil 220ft down the Canonteign Falls.

• Full training is given and entries are open now. Good luck!

8am to 10am. Sunday 10th August. £40, plus fundraising target of £200

Sidmouth: “The indefinable essence of folk music”

Starting with Fairport Convention and ending with a torchlit procession and fireworks, Sidmouth Folk Festival packs in more than 150 music acts, plus workshops, dancing and storytelling sessions over a packed week.

At 71 years old, it’s one of Devon’s great heritage events but continues to move with the times. Watch the showreel here to get a flavour of the colour and depth of the event.

REVIEW: “Sidmouth offers an ever-widening palette of the indefinable essence of folk music.” The Barrier.

LINE-UP: Too many to mention them all, but headliners are Richard Thompson, Sharon Shannon, Dougie MacLean, Seth Lakeman, Dervish, Peatbog Faeries, Grace Petrie and Jon Boden.

Friday 1st to Friday 8th August. Website 

More trumpets and tubas than you’ve probably seen in your life

The quiet towns and villages of West Devon get a loud musical awakening in mid-August when brass bands turn up to play in 10 locations.

Centred in the market town of Hatherleigh, the Bandamonium Brass Band festival sees visiting bands from around the country get mini-bused around playing free concerts.

WHERE TO LISTEN: Hatherleigh, Okehampton, South Zeal, Northlew, Sheepwash, Sampford Courtenay, Whiddon Down, Spreyton and Sourton, ending with a massed bands concert in Hatherleigh on the Saturday.

Friday 15th to Sunday 17th August. More details

See a 1-metre wing span 3D-printed Guardians of the Galaxy spaceship

Meet the expert sculptors using 3D printing, plastics and scratch build techniques at the South West’s largest exhibition of models in Barnstaple.

WHAT TO SEE: As well as spaceships, the North Devon Model Show will probably have your favourite train, plane or automobile or a diorama to marvel at in the 2 huge halls, and remote controlled cars to play with outside.

CHARITY: All profits go to the Plymouth-based Chestnut Appeal fighting men’s cancer. Last year 850 visitors helped raise £2,000 for the Veterans Charity.

10am to 4pm. Sunday 17th August. The Park Community School. Adult £4, child £1, U7 free. Free parking.

Devon Curiosities #68: Leechwell Triple Spring

The Leechwell is a historic holy well in Totnes, formed by three springs, supposedly with healing properties.

Named Toad, Long Crippler (a local name for a slow worm) and Snake, the springs fill 3 rectangular stone basins that are part of an intriguing grotto tucked away in a back street.

HISTORY: Records show they were in use in 1444 and, according to legend, attracted lepers from a hospital outside the town.

• In 2003 building work uncovered a hidden triangular immersion pool behind the springs, supplied by their waters.

There are plans for a public garden incorporating the pool. The spot is well worth a short detour if you are in the town. Here’s the location

WHAT ELSE IS ON?

🌊 North Devon 

🐬 South Devon

🏆️ Get lucky! Win Devon leisure prizes

FEATURED: 🌊 A 3-night stay for 5 people at Corffe Cottages, Barnstaple. Perfect for 2 couples, with a swimming pool, and dog friendly (31st Jul)

🍓 A cream tea for 2 at The Ivy, Exeter (27th Jul)

🐶 A 3-night stay for 5 people and 1 dog in Jasmine Cottage, Sidmouth (31st Jul)

🍺A 15-pack summer beer bundle with T-shirt and sunglasses, from Bays Brewery (31st Jul)

🐮 A luxury 3-night farm stay experience for up to 4 people at Little Comfort Farm, North Devon (31st Jul)

🐴 A 2 night luxury stay including a 3-course meal for 2 at a riverside hotel in Dartmoor National Park (31st Jul)

NEW!  🦅 2 tickets for Eagles tribute band Illegal Eagles at Princess Theatre, Torquay on 24th August (1st Aug)

NEW!  🏇 A table for 4 in the directors’ box at Exeter Racecourse at the opening meeting on Thursday 9th October (7th Aug)

🐑 A 4-night stay for 4 people in Dipple Mill Cottage, self-catering in the North Devon countryside (20th Aug)

🥳 A “Devon escape” package worth £900: a 1-night pub stay, £100 cafe voucher, cider mill tour and cider, dinner in a Kingsbridge restaurant, a 4-month coffee subscription and a £100 beer bundle and some cookware (31st Aug)

⛵️ A sailing weekend for 2 on a classic yacht from Dartmouth with an experienced skipper and all meals included (31st Aug)

NEW!  🪙 A £500 holiday voucher for a Dawlish family holiday park, plus attraction vouchers - survey (30th Sep)

❓️ Have you won a prize from a link here? Let me know.

New member? Catch up here

🎸 Quirky, unusual, offbeat autumn shows

🌳The Prior of Pilton takes on The Green Man

🫧 The legendary Bideford soapbox derby

💀 Storm strikes outdoor Macbeth

That’s all for this week. Thanks for being a member.

NEXT WEEK: A hidden treasure trove of naval heritage.

Andy, Esme, Lara and the Go Devon! team