Sun 20th July, 2025
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Bideford Water Festival 2026

The next Water Festival is Sunday 6th September 2026.
2025 “Sailing Through Time – 100 years of Bideford Rotary" was a fantastic success. 30 boats took part, and the 2025 boat builders were, without doubt, the finest ever in our 100 year history of Rotary in Bideford. You helped us to raise MORE THAN £10,000 for good causes.

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Celebrate a Century of Community at the Bideford Water Festival 2026

Step aboard for a one-of-a-kind journey through history as we mark 101 years of Bideford Rotary with this year’s special theme: “101 years of Bideford Rotary".  The 2026 Bideford Water Festival promises an unforgettable day packed with vibrant community spirit, historic tributes, and maritime fun.

Join us at the Quay for a family-friendly celebration featuring live performances, themed floats, and a huge range of market stalls, games, and water-based spectacles. Whether you’re reliving the roaring 1920s or imagining the future, there’s something for everyone – and joining in the fun of the Water Festival is free for all.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates, highlights from past festivals, and this year’s programme as it unfolds. Let’s celebrate a century of service, togetherness and adventure – right here in the heart of Bideford.

Browse last year's photos

What’s on at the festival

Cardboard Boat Race
Sep 6, 2026
1:00 pm

£20.00

Registration required

Build and decorate your cardboard boat and sail it against others, either on your own or with a crew, for a chance to win prizes!

Details & Registration  >View event details
Featured
Cardboard Boat Race
Sep 6, 2026
1:00 pm

£20.00

Registration required

Build and decorate your cardboard boat and sail it against others, either on your own or with a crew, for a chance to win prizes!

Details  >View event details
Finish Cardboard Boats Registration & Scrutineering
Jul 20, 2025
12:00 pm

Registration required

Details & Registration  >View event details
Featured
Finish Cardboard Boats Registration & Scrutineering
Jul 20, 2025
12:00 pm

Registration required

Details  >View event details
Opening of Festival
Jul 20, 2025
12:00 pm

Registration required

Details & Registration  >View event details
Featured
Opening of Festival
Jul 20, 2025
12:00 pm

Registration required

Details  >View event details

Water activities

12:00 pm
Finish Cardboard Boats Registration & Scrutineering
2:00 pm
North Devon Yacht Club Bideford Race
2:30 pm
Carboard Boat Survivors Race
3:00 pm
Pilot Gig Race
3:15 pm
Duck race
3:30 pm
Water Events Prize Giving at Kingsley Steps
12:30 pm
Cardboard Boat Race Heats Begin

Quayside activities

12:00 pm
Opening of Festival
12:45 pm
Bideford Phoenix Morris Dancers
1:15 pm
Applecorers Shanty Group
2:00 pm
Steve Ellison the best of Saxaphone
2:30 pm
Samba Baia Drumming Band
3:00 pm
Chiggypig
4:00 pm
Prize Draws for Raffle and Lundy Prize
4:30 pm
Closing Ceremony
12:10 pm
Fancy Dress Parade
12:15 pm
Bideford Youth Scottish Pipers

Stalls

The Pickwell Foundation

Charity

Charity organisation providing support to different communities in Northern Devon.

Visit website >
Candy‘s Cuisine

Food & Drink

Fresh and authentic Taiwanese food

Visit website >
Next Step Independence

Other

Next Step Independence is dedicated to supporting and caring for young people aged 8–18 who, for various reasons, cannot live with their families. We offer them a secure and welcoming environment they can truly call home.

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North Devon Hog Roast

Food & Drink

A family-run, award-winning catering company in North Devon, we specialise in traditional hog roasts and bespoke events, using top-quality local ingredients with a focus on sustainability.

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Bideford Tarka Rotary

Charity

Tarka Rotary is a club that raises money for local charities and helps out in the community.

Visit website >
LIPPY UK

Arts & Crafts

For those too spectacular to fit in – we create t-shirts and apparel with serious attitude. Whether you’re into music, activism or just good vibes, our pieces are all about self-expression. Eco-conscious? We upcycle pre-loved clothing into one-of-a-kind designs you can wear with pride.

Visit website >
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