3 January 2026 (and every first Saturday of each month)
A long-running community market at The Lantern Youth & Community Centre (High Street) offering fresh local and organic produce, crafts, baked goods and refreshments
visitilfracombe.co.uk. (Recurring monthly event)
3 May 2026: Ilfracombe’s annual May Day parade
This open-air procession (muster at Wilder Road car park at 10:45am) features a green-clad “Jack” giant, Spring figures like Brigid and Bres, drummers, Maypole dancing and more, winding through the town to the Clapping Circle (Wildersmouth Beach)
visitilfracombe.co.uk. (Community May Day festival embracing the spirit of summer.)
27–29 June 2026
A new three-day maritime music festival. Sea shanty crews and folk bands from around the UK perform across multiple venues in Ilfracombe. This “feast for the eyes and ears” of sea songs and traditions includes a full program of performances and family activities (organised by Scuttlebutt Shanty)
9–10 May 2026
A weekend “open studios” art festival. Local artists and craftspeople open their homes, studios and gardens across Ilfracombe (mostly a 20‑min walk of the High Street) for visitors to view and buy artwork
artilfracombe.co.ukartilfracombe.co.uk. The 2025 event ran 10–11 May, and the 2026 trail is expected on a similar weekend (exact dates TBC).
3–4 July 2026
Ilfracombe’s annual Morris-dancing festival. On Saturday 3 July, from 11:00 onward Morris sides dance on the seafront, harbour and at The Landmark (an “open house” Morris event)
On Sunday 4 July the classic “Morris & Friends” vintage vehicle show lines the seafront from 11:00 (with prize-giving at 14:45), alongside food and craft stalls on the Promenade
allthingsmorris.co.uk. (Free, family-friendly folk dance celebration.)
Late November 2026 (date TBC, usually a Friday)
Ilfracombe’s festive lantern parade and Christmas lights ceremony (“Combe Christmas”) along Fore Street, High Street and the Promenade. Expect live music, entertainment, festive stalls and a lantern procession converging at the War Memorial as the town’s lights are illuminated.
This family-friendly holiday event heralds the start of Christmas in Ilfracombe
Late August 2026 (date TBC)
An evening street carnival on the seafront. Dozens of decorated floats and walking groups parade through Ilfracombe, raising money for local charities.
The event features music, food stalls and entertainment on the Promenade from about 5pm, with the procession (from Hillsborough car park through Wilder Road to Broad Street) beginning around 6 PM
5–6 September 2026
Ilfracombe’s free community seafront festival. Based mainly at Ropery Road car park, it offers live music on two stages (folk, shanty, rock, etc.), local food and drink stalls (beer tent, tiki bar, craft market) and family entertainment.
Previous years have included Punch & Judy, pirates, mermaids and other beach shows on the harbour sands. (The 2026 festival, marking its 17th year, follows the success of the 2025 festival on Aug 30–31
Late August 2026 (date TBC)
An evening street carnival on the seafront. Dozens of decorated floats and walking groups parade through Ilfracombe, raising money for local charities.
The event features music, food stalls and entertainment on the Promenade from about 5pm, with the procession (from Hillsborough car park through Wilder Road to Broad Street) beginning around 6 PM
Dilkhusa Grand Hotel, Wilder Rd, Ilfracombe EX34 9AH, United Kingdom
