Brixham Harbour
Sunday 9th August, 2026
12:00 till 21:00
Through our partner Rockfish
About the festival
After a fantastic debut last year, the South West Sardine Festival is back for 2026, bigger, better, and just as gloriously fishy.
Join us quayside in beautiful Brixham as we fire up the BBQs, line the harbour with long communal tables, and raise a glass to the great British sardine.
It’s a one-day, all-out, family-friendly street party packed with food, music, laughter, and plenty of that proud seaside spirit.
What is a sardine festival?
Let’s put it this way: if our friends in Spain and Portugal can shut down whole streets to celebrate a tiny fish, why can’t we?
Here in the South West, we’ve got world-class seafood, stunning harbours, and chefs who really know their way around a BBQ. Add in a few cold drinks, some brilliant live music, and a proper British crowd, and you’ve got yourself a Sardine Festival.
Expect:
🪑 Long tables winding through the harbour
🎶 Live bands playing into the evening
🔥 Chefs (famous ones!) BBQing sardines to perfection
🎭 Entertainment for the little ones
🍷 A bar for the grown-ups
🇬🇧 A proper seaside celebration of British fish, fishing and fun
So grab your friends, your family, and your sunnies. It’s time to party..
How does it work?
This year’s festival is ticketed to help us manage numbers and keep things running smoothly.
£12 gets you:
A plate of BBQ’d British sardines — grilled by the likes of Matt Tebbutt, Mitch Tonks, Sam White and more
A fresh salad with a bread roll
There’s just one thing on the menu… you guessed it: the great British sardine. Cooked simply, served whole, and celebrated as it should be.
But what if it rains?
Look, it’s Britain. If the weather turns, we’ll do everything we can to keep the festival going. But if the heavens really open and we’re forced to cancel, here’s what happens:
- Your £12 will be donated to the Fishermen’s Mission, supporting coastal communities and working fishermen across the UK
- You’ll get first dibs on tickets for next year’s festival
- And you’ll have our eternal gratitude for supporting something brilliant
It’s a small risk, but a worthy one.
What’s on?
- Sardines. Lots of them. All cooked on the BBQ by some of the UK’s best seafood chefs
- Live music, from morning to evening NO BUSKERS
- Harbourside good vibes — sit back, soak up the sun (🤞), watch the boats come in, and celebrate this magical little fish in true British style
Commonly asked questions…
Q: Can I bring kids?
Q: What if I don’t like sardines?
Q: Are dogs allowed?
Just a heads up: some areas of the festival won’t be accessible if you bring your four-legged friend, but you’re still very welcome to soak up the vibes from the dog-friendly zone. NEED TO CHECK THIS AS I THINK THE FESTIVAL AREA IS NOT DOG’S FREE
Q: What time does it start and finish?
Q: Can I buy extra food or drink?
Q: How do I get there?
Visitors who wish to park in Brixham are advised to use the long-stay Brixham Marina car park. Brixham also has a centrally located ‘short stay’ car park. We recommend this car park for Blue Badge holders or individuals with limited mobility, as it serves as an ideal central drop-off point.
Q: Is the site accessible?
Q: Will there be veggie options?
Q: What’s the location again?
Sardines, sunshine, and a proper good time.
Get your ticket now and join the celebration on 9th August, 2026!
Branding and website designed by Kim Burke