Sunday 6th September 2026
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Bideford Quay
12 midday
Sun 20th July, 2025
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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.
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
£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!
£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!
Registration required
Registration required
Registration required
Charity
Bideford Air Cadets offers local young people exciting opportunities to build confidence and skills through a wide range of activities. From flying, gliding, and adventure training to STEM, first aid, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, every week brings something new. Cadets also take part in parades, camps, sports, and even international exchanges—it's much more than just flying!
Food & Drink
Street Food - Gourmet butcher's locally produced burgers, bacon, local butcher's sausages, griddled halloumi served in fresh bakery rolls. Hot non alcoholic beverages, cold soft drinks.
Arts & Crafts
Photographic prints, greeting cards and gifts from North Devon based photographer Rachel Marshall
Food & Drink
POLISH STREET FOOD AS HOT DOGS,GOULASH ,DUMPLINGS,HUNTER STEW
Arts & Crafts
WOW Brush, Twirl Curl 6 in 1 Hair accessory, Festival hats and kids novelties.
Charity
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The Bideford Musical Memory café, run by Home Instead North Devon & Exmoor, is a safe and welcoming space for people living with dementia or memory problems, and their carers. There is always plenty of tea, coffee and cake, lots of laughs, and an hour or so of singing. There is access to specialist support, and it is a great opportunity to talk to others living through a similar experience.
