BrixFest

BrixFest is a three-day celebration of this charming fishing town, taking place over the Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend, at the end of May. If you are planning a family holiday to Brixham, this is the perfect time to visit, although book early as it's understandably popular. Highlights include live music, cooking demonstrations, an arts and craft market, a vintage car rally, crabbing competitions, heritage craft exhibitions, a children’s day, dragon boat racing and huge firework display. 

Saturday is the biggest and busiest day, featuring the best in local live music, delicious food stalls, talented chefs demonstrating their cooking skills and the Grand Fireworks Display in the evening. Everything is centred around the bustling inner harbour, where you'll find the main stage and some very tempting stalls. The Brixham Town Band opens the event, followed by an impressive line-up of bands, with things coming to an explosive climax at 9.50pm with a huge fireworks display. 

The Dragonboat Challenge is a great event to support on the Sunday of Brixfest, so get down to Breakwater Beach and choose a team to support. Local teams of 11 people row in a 30-foot classic Dragon Boat, in a sport with its roots in ancient China. It's a wonderful spectator sport, with the course right in front of the cheering crowds on the beach.  The course record is currently 54.53 seconds, set in by the 'Buoys 'n' Belles', a team made up of local B&B owners. Rumour has it they practised with buckets and spades the week before the race! 

The Children's Day event takes place down on Breakwater Beach on the Monday and is great fun for all the family. Funded by The Arts Council, there's a packed programme of fun and games in a genuinely stunning location. Experience tales of the sea, build a driftwood boat and take part in arts and crafts activities. Other treats include magicians, face-painting, drama and theatre workshops and performances, a petting zoo, a crabbing competition, and a colourful procession around the inner harbour. And as with most Brixfest activities, it's free for both locals and visitors alike.  

Also on the Monday there are themed events under the Old Fish Market. In the past the themes have included everything from 'Queen's Jubilee' to 'Tea Dance', and '1960s' to '1940s'. Most recently the theme was The Brixfest Heritage Day. Coinciding with this, a National Lottery Funded 'Brixham Heritage Trail' has been created, which lets you download an official iOS app and follow a guided tour through Brixham's history. You can also enjoy an official Brixham Heritage Trail Film for free on their website. Local people were interviewed and their memories were stitched together with historical facts, videos and photographs to encapsulate a part of Brixham's Heritage in film forever more! 

Brixfest events also extend into the half term, with lots of other associated events including the Brixfest Classic Car Rally, The Brixfest Crabbing Competition, events at Shoalstone Swimming Pool and the annual Heritage Sailing Regatta. Visit the website for the latest news and programme.   
https://www.brixhamheritagetrail.com/