Exeter Respect Festival returns to Belmont Park on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 June 2027, marking 30 years of bringing communities together through music, culture, creativity and conversation. The South West’s longest-running festival dedicated to diversity and equality, Exeter Respect is a free two-day celebration that promotes respect for all and says no to all forms of prejudice, discrimination and racism.
The festival has run virtually every year since 1997, growing from its origins at Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre to become a major outdoor event at Belmont Park from 2009 onwards, attracting around 20,000 visitors annually.
Visitor information
Dates: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 June 2027.
Hours: Saturday - gates open 11:30am, festival starts 12:00pm. Sunday - starts 11:00am and runs into the early evening.
Venue: Belmont Park, Belmont Road, Exeter, EX4 6SS. The park is in the heart of the city.
Admission: Free entry. The festival is funded by Torbay Council, English Riviera BID Company, corporate sponsors and individual donors.
Getting there: Belmont Park is accessible by bus, bike and on foot from Exeter city centre. Limited parking nearby - consider using park-and-ride or public transport.
What’s on
The festival programme features live music stages, cultural performances, dance displays, spoken word, creative workshops, food stalls showcasing cuisine from around the world, craft traders and community organisation stands. Activities for children run throughout both days.
The Respect ethos is simple: racism and prejudice often spring from fear, and fear is often based on ignorance. The festival tackles ignorance by creating opportunities for people to get to know one another and share rather than shun their cultures. The celebration is built on the old Commission for Racial Equality slogan: All Different, All Equal.
The festival won two Exeter Living Awards in 2020 - one in the events category and an overall recognition award - reflecting its importance within the community.
Where to stay
Exeter city centre offers a wide range of accommodation. Browse places to stay near Exeter.
