Organisers of this year’s Babbacombe Festival have just announced the full line-up for the marquee that will grace Babbacombe Downs from Wednesday 19 June to Sunday 23 June and it’s a mix of family entertainment, great food and drink and, of course, a host of live music.
Martyn Strange, one of the Festival Marquee promoters, said “We’re making excellent use of our fabulous marquee this year with events on every day and every evening and we’re pretty sure we’ve got something for everyone.” The first event on Wednesday 19 June is a completely new one for the Babbacombe Festival. Andrew Cooper, international award-winning wildlife film-maker is presenting ‘Around the World in 80 BBC Wildlife Films’. Martyn said “We’re delighted that Andrew is able to join us for the Festival this year. He’s a well-respected film-maker and, as he’s local too, it seemed a great opportunity to add a really different event to our line-up. Wildlife photography and films are incredibly popular and we’re sure that tickets for this event will sell well, especially as they’re only £7 each.”
Other ticketed events include Saturday night’s Babbacombe Festival Palm Party in conjunction with Palm FM. This is an over 18s only event with tickets selling for £8 each. Palm’s Jennie Park said “We’re really looking forward to our evening in the marquee. We’re going to be taking you back to the 70s and 80s for a night you won’t want to miss! With music, DJs and live band Funkty Dumpty to headline the evening, it should be a great night and the start of the summer party season in south Devon.” Tickets for both these events, along with the ever-popular Oompah Night are available to buy at www.babbacombefestival.com.
If you’re interested in local history then on Thursday 20 June “A Step Back in Time” could be just what you’re looking for. From 10am to 1.30pm there are film shows, guided walks, an exhibition and an opportunity to delve into your family history with experts from the Devon Family History Society.
Saturday 22 June sees the return of Armed Forces Day to Babbacombe Downs. With the Veterans’ Parade, fun displays and all the usual great activities. Apparently, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for plenty of surprises too!
As usual, the marquee is also home to a variety of important fundraising events including a Devon Cream Tea for CLIC Sargent from 11am to 3pm on Friday 21 June with scrumptious scones and tea for just £4 per person on the door. And of course the wonderful Hanbury’s Fish and Chips on the Downs Music Festival which provides the finale for these five days of summer fun on Sunday 23 June. A great line up of live music and entertainment is on offer for people to enjoy whilst eating their Hanbury’s takeaway in the marquee. David Hanbury said “I’m so looking forward to this year’s event, it really is the highlight of the year at Hanbury’s. It’s lovely to see so many people come out and enjoy themselves in the marquee and out and about on the beautiful Babbacombe Downs. We’re in such a stunning location and it’s the perfect day to celebrate that whilst hopefully raising lots of money.” David’s chosen charity this year is the Torbay Holiday Helpers Network (THHN) which he has long been a great supporter of. Babbacombe and St Marychurch Rotary is also making use of the marquee this year with a Rotary Proms Night which is set to be an evening of glamour and patriotic music.
The marquee will be up and buzzing for the final 5 days of the longer Babbacombe Festival, which this year is being supported by the Babbacombe Bay BID, and which starts on Friday 14 June – full details of all the Babbacombe Festival events can be found at www.babbacombe.org with marquee event tickets available fromwww.babbacombefestival.com or by phoning 07977 535563.