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Quick LinksLocal Knowledge – August 2026
Oakdown Holiday Park · Sidmouth · East Devon
Local Knowledge – August
The Folk Festival opens the month, the Regatta & Air Show closes it — and Bridport’s Melplash Show sits neatly in between.
August near Oakdown is bookended by two of Sidmouth’s biggest events of the year. The Folk Festival runs into the first week of the month. The Regatta & Air Show then takes over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of it, with plenty of ordinary summer weeks in between to enjoy the park itself. In between the two, Bridport hosts its own agricultural show.
Below is our pick of what’s worth doing this month, gathered from the people who actually run these places.
On this page
Sidmouth Folk FestivalRegatta & Air ShowMelplash Agricultural ShowDog Friendly & AccessibleGood to Know
East Devon
Sidmouth Folk Festival
The UK’s oldest folk festival runs from 31 July to 7 August, so it spills into the first week of August properly. Over 700 events take place across the town, with Jools Holland, Kate Rusby and Fisherman’s Friends among this year’s names, closing with a Torchlight Procession down the Esplanade. It’s the kind of week where the whole town takes part, not just the ticketed venues.
Postcode EX10 8BG — The Ham, the festival’s main hub, about 3.2 miles west of the park. www.sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk · 01395 577952. Dogs aren’t permitted inside performance venues, except registered assistance dogs, but well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the official campsite, Blackmore Gardens and the Esplanade.
Accessibility. Personal assistants receive free tickets with proof of DLA or PIP. Accessible campsite spaces can be pre-booked via access@sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk. Mobility scooters can be hired through Coastline Mobility on 01395 513333. Wheelchair access is available at most venues, though town pavements get extremely crowded during the festival, so it’s worth allowing extra time to get between venues.
East Devon
Sidmouth Regatta & Air Show
This bank holiday classic runs 28 to 31 August, with sailing and gig races through the weekend, a fireworks display on Saturday night and an airshow featuring the Red Arrows. It’s one of the town’s biggest weekends of the summer, drawing crowds along the whole length of the seafront.
Postcode EX10 8BG — the Esplanade, about 3.2 miles west of the park. sidmouth.gov.uk/events/sidmouth-regatta-airshow · 01395 512424. Public seafront areas are open to dogs. The flat Esplanade offers highly accessible seafront walkways, with accessible shuttle buses running from the designated festival car parks.
West Dorset
Melplash Agricultural Show
Bridport’s annual harvest celebration runs in late August, a proper agricultural show with the usual mix of livestock, produce and country pursuits. It’s the kind of traditional show that’s been part of the local calendar for generations, drawing exhibitors and visitors from right across West Dorset.
Bridport (DT6) — about 21 miles east of the park. It’s held on a grassy agricultural showground, which can be uneven underfoot, particularly after rain. Dog policy isn’t specified, so it’s worth checking ahead.
At a Glance
Dog Friendly & Accessible This Month
Best for Dog Owners
The Regatta & Air Show’s public seafront areas are open to dogs throughout. The Folk Festival is partly dog friendly too — not inside venues, but welcome at the campsite, Blackmore Gardens and the Esplanade.
Best for Accessibility
The Regatta & Air Show’s flat Esplanade and accessible shuttle buses make it the easiest going this month. The Folk Festival has good provisions too, though its pavements get very crowded. Melplash is a grassy showground that can be uneven underfoot.
Good to Know
A Few Practical Questions
Can I bring my dog to the Sidmouth Folk Festival?
Not inside the performance venues, except registered assistance dogs, but well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the official campsite, Blackmore Gardens and the Esplanade.
Are there discounted tickets for the Folk Festival?
Personal assistants receive free tickets with proof of DLA or PIP. Accessible campsite spaces can also be pre-booked directly with the festival.
What’s on at the Sidmouth Regatta & Air Show?
Sailing and gig races through the bank holiday weekend, a Saturday night fireworks display and an airshow featuring the Red Arrows.
How far is Melplash Agricultural Show from Oakdown?
About 21 miles east, in Bridport.
Which August event is easiest if I’m using a wheelchair or mobility scooter?
The Regatta & Air Show, thanks to its flat Esplanade and accessible shuttle buses. The Folk Festival also has good provisions, but its pavements get extremely crowded, so allow extra time.
Do I need to book anything in advance for the Regatta & Air Show?
The event itself doesn’t require booking, though parking at the designated festival car parks is worth arriving early for, particularly on the Saturday of the fireworks display.
Want to see what’s on in other months? Our full Local Knowledge guide covers the whole year near Oakdown.
Catch the best of August with us
Book your stay and take in the Folk Festival, the Regatta & Air Show, or both.
