Set at Newton Abbot race course on Saturday 24 July, the festival created a buzz as soon as it launched.

In fact so many performers wanted to play organisers had to add a second stage.

With stacks of free entertainment for all ages, great food and a special place to chill out, it’s already been heralded as Devon’s mini Glastonbury – except you get to leave your sleeping bag at home.

Pop sensation Will Young headlines the packed line up in his only confirmed appearance in the region this year. Leading up the newer acts are Teignmouth rockers The Quails.

They’ll be joined by celebrated live performers Ade Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds, The Wurzels, Joey the Lips and The Demon Barber Road Show – named Best Live Act in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards
Among the fresh talent being showcased is singersongwriter Ella Edmondson, The Normals, The Rachel Jones Quartet, BeckyFalls, Thinking for Tuesday, Scott Raba, The Bad Apples and Soft Toy Heroes.

Making the festival stand out is the range of entertainment available.

For children there’s free animal-themed activities from badge-making to puppet shows. All ages can clown around at the free circus skills workshops or learn to survive in the wild at the bushcraft sessions.

For those who like a more relaxed affair, there’s a chill out village for mid-fest massages and other alternative therapies, street entertainers milling through the crowds and an arts and craft market to browse through.

In fact, with so much packed into 12 hours, the only danger is that you won’t want it to end.

Tickets cost £40 for adults, £2 for 5-12 years. Under 5s free. Buy online and hear sample music at www.southdevonfestival.co.uk

Headlining this years event will be none other than re-formed rock hit makers Reef! With such classics as the anthem ‘Place Your Hands’ and number 1 album ‘Glow’

Accompanying Reef will be local favourites ‘The Quails and Cosmo Jarvis’ both acts having been on a roll ever since supporting Muse at last years ‘A seaside rendezvous’

The Quails have recently launched their new album ‘The Master of Imperfection’ at Torquay‘s Riviera Centre and are set for a big 2010. Cosmo Jarvis is also in for a big year, with performances at the Camden rawl, The Great Escape Festival and the Isle of Wight to name a few.

Totnes born Ben Howard will be providing a different angle to the festival. The popular singer has most recently toured with Jason Mraz and Xavier Rudd and has built up a huge following after a string of impressive world tours.

They will be joined by London electro group ‘My Tiger My Timing’, who are featuring at Radio 1‘s One big weekend this year. Also, new-age rockers ‘The Bibelots’, who recently returned from the Snowbombing festival in Austria, drawing plaudits from such stars as John McClure of Reverend and the Makers. Both these bands have a very bright future indeed.

There will be more acts added to the line-up over the next month or so, so keep checking the website for all of the up to date information!

There will also be lots to do inside the festival – from games and events to food and clothing stalls and of course there will be a number of bars in place around the site for you to responsibly drink at during the day!

31st May – 6th June – Geopark Festival
Contact 01803 211211

1st-30th June – North Devon Festival 2010
Contact Tel: 01271 324242

4th-11th June – English Riviera Dance Festival
Contact 01803 400500

4th-5th June – Occombe Farm Beer Festival
Contact 01803 606035

10th-20th June – Babbacombe Festival
Contact 01803 211211

1st July – 30th Aug – Art on the English Riviera,
Featuring Damien Hirst
Contact 01803 293593

10th-13th July – Pride Torbay 2010
Contact info@pridetorbay.org

18th July – Pedal Car Grand Prix
Contact 07979 533845

24th July – South Devon Festival
www.southdevonfestival.co.uk

24th-31 July – Teignmouth CarnivalWeek
www.teignmouthcarnival.co.uk

25th July – Torbay Old Wheels Club Riviera Rally
Contact 01803 523015

25th July – 1st August – Torbay CarnivalWeek
Contact 01803 211211

31st July – Marldon Apple Pie Fair
Contact 01803 211211

14th-21st August – Dawlish Carnival
www.dawlishcarnival.com

28th-30th August – Occombe Music Festival
www.occombemusicfestival.co.uk

28th & 29th August – Amber Coast Festival
Contact 0843 2896062 www.ambercoastfestival.co.uk

18th September – LemonFest Music Festival 2010
www.lemonfest.co.uk

Entertainment will take place throughout the pedestrianised town centre, with lots more activity in Bakers Park too – there really will be something for everyone!

During the day time, the Clock Tower stage will be busy with everything from Bhangra dancing from Bengal and ‘Bugsy Malone’ by Coombeshead College; to Tai Chi and music by Kit Holmes.

The ‘Shambles’ (the space in front of Austins furniture store, the Ship and Magpies ) in Wolborough Street will host amazing BMX and skate board demonstrations, featuring the Newton Shredders and there will be further stalls, activities and displays in Bank Street.

Stilt walkers, magicians and puppeteers will be roaming around Courtenay Street and the market area, with an Open Tree Art Exhibition and trail to Bakers Park, courtesy of Transition Town.

As the sun goes down on Saturday night, the clock tower stage will hot up with Samba ROC and N.U.M.B hitting the stage. Al fresco dining will be courtesy of local food providers, including a hog roast, giant paella and a taste of food from around the world. Together with the offer from the surrounding pubs and cafes there will be no need to go home for tea and everyone can carry on enjoying the atmosphere in the Clock Tower Quarter.

Sunday will be a day of music and relaxation, starting with Lemon Rock at 11.30, followed by our own’ Spectrum’; then a little light opera, followed by a return performance from Duke Johnson and the Scorchers to round up the afternoon!

This is an event for the community, by the community and featuring many local acts. Make a note in the diary now!

More information and contact details can be found on the festival website www.newtonabbotfestival.co.uk

Joining Will on the day, amongst other acts, will be Adrian Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds, The Wurzels and support act to Muse’s record sell out concert in Teignmouth, The Quails.

The festival is much more than just music. As well as a huge selection of delicious food outlets offering everything from Thai cuisine to traditional fish & chips, there will also be an exciting range of jewellery, clothing and gift stalls.
The festival is also offering a chillout tent where people can take the chance to experience a range of relaxing therapies including Reflexology and Indian Head Massage. You can also learn what fate has in store for you by having a palm reading or your tarot cards read!

A circus skills workshop will be available where you can learn to juggle, unicycle, tightrope walk as well as bushcraft and den making workshops. Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts are also coming along to keep the kids amused. They’ll also be coming with give-aways. Best of all, these activities and workshops are all free!

Street entertainers will be wowing the crowds throughout the day with juggling, magic and stilt walking. So come along, have a great family day and help make the South Devon Festival THE only festival to be at this summer!

For tickets visit www.southdevonfestival.co.uk