Sun 20th July, 2025
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Bideford Water Festival 2025

On Sunday 20th July 2025, step aboard for a one-of-a-kind journey through history as we mark a century of Bideford Rotary with this year’s special theme: “Sailing Through Time – 100 years of Bideford Rotary"

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Celebrate a Century of Community at the Bideford Water Festival 2025

Step aboard for a one-of-a-kind journey through history as we mark 100 years of Bideford Rotary with this year’s special theme: “Sailing Through Time – 100 years of Bideford Rotary".  The 2025 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
Jul 20, 2025
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
Jul 20, 2025
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
12:30 pm
Cardboard Boat Race Heats Begin
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

Quayside activities

12:00 pm
Opening of Festival
12:10 pm
Fancy Dress Parade
12:15 pm
Bideford Youth Scottish Pipers
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

Stalls

St John Ambulance

Other

We strive to be the leading First Aid training and community support organisation across North Devon & Torridge, fostering a culture of inclusivity, team spirit, and empowerment; imparting life skills and changing lives.

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Tricia's Treasures

Arts & Crafts

Tricia's Treasures has been trading since 2009, we sell a range of boho clothing and accessories. We also have a range of preloved/upcycled clothing, and handmade jewellery.

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Candy‘s Cuisine

Food & Drink

Fresh and authentic Taiwanese food

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Max & Mikes Street Food

Food & Drink

Enjoy an Italian inspired menu

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Burn the Curtain

Other

Join Burn the Curtain for this free family friendly activity! Create your very own tiny sea faring character to take home with you. All pirates, sailors and merfolk welcome.

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Beauty Glow Hair & Makeup

Arts & Crafts

WOW Brush, Twirl Curl 6 in 1 Hair accessory, Festival hats and kids novelties.

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