In pictures: Sidmouth Sea Fest 2023

Sidmouth Sea Fest, a free annual one-day festival, was held in the town last Saturday (20 May).

There was also a fundraiser the night before.

The theme was 'driftwood and thrift' (Charlie Fawell)

Produced by Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub, this year's theme was "driftwood and thrift" and focused on re-use and recycling to highlight the importance of acting "responsibly to sustain our seas and use resources carefully."

Sidmouth Sea Fest 2023 (Charlie Fawell)

There was a variety of live music, including The Naughty Steps – a young trio from Sidmouth Zac Robinson, Pascal Bisson and Fin Swann - as well as an up-and-coming Ottery band who have recently secured a UK tour The Kabins. 

Several local bands performed (Charlie Fawell)

Other local bands the McSmiths, the Adders, the Jurrasix and Kula played to crowds in the main marquee and the Sea Side stage.

The Clamship (Charlie Fawell)

The Sea Fest Crew also built a new installation for the festival, a sculpture made entirely from found materials known as 'The Clamship'.

The Bicycle Ballet (Charlie Fawell)

Performances from The Bicycle Ballet and Street Heat samba band entertained the crowds along the Esplanade with the Sea Fest community choir led by Tess Bisson, singing with Sidmouth Primary School.

Street Heat samba band (Charlie Fawell)

Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub Director Louise Cole said: "We are delighted that so many local groups were represented and so many enjoyed the day. 

Dance performers (Charlie Fawell)

"Sea Fest is a free non-commercial event for and by the community. 

Free live music (Charlie Fawell)

"It was fantastically well supported, with the money raised paying for the event along with the help of all our sponsors and grant funders and providing a seed fund for next year's event. 

Sidmouth Sea Fest sign (Charlie Fawell)

"We run on volunteer power paying only for production suppliers, so we are reliant on people coming along to support whether as contributors, buying a drink or a t-shirt or a raffle ticket – it is effectively crowd funded in this way and supports our ethos to provide a free community celebration accessible and inclusive of all."

Enjoying the event (Charlie Fawell)

Local food was also enjoyed from Sidmouth Trawlers, Pura Vida, Café Dish, Pizza Butlers, the Off Road Café and West Country Dim Sum and The Prawn Cocktail Bar on The Ham.