Summer Fair 2026
Embrace the Season this Summer
Join us for three fantastic days of family fun, live entertainment, and community celebration. Returning by popular demand, this year’s summer fair brings back everything you loved—along with a few fresh surprises—to make it another unforgettable experience.
Showcasing Local Talent (full list HERE soon):
Explore a wonderful selection of artisan stalls featuring the creativity and craftsmanship of local makers. From beautifully handcrafted gifts to unique, bespoke finds, every piece is made with care and has a story to tell.
We have got a fantastic line up to entertain you this year. Enjoy a full programme of live performances and activities designed to entertain and inspire the whole family, with favourite animal attractions and popular children’s inflatable area, and lots more to come.
Enjoy a delicious range of refreshments — from cool ice creams to hot dogs, don’t forget to try the latest ales and produce made here by the monks.
Don’t miss an opportunity to have a guided tour of the abbey by the Abbot of Buckfast.
Plan Ahead: Pre-book your car parking to make arrival on the day smooth and stress-free.
This is more than a summer fair — it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and heritage. We look forward to welcoming you.
If you have any questions please see our FAQs below or email us on events@buckfast.org.uk
Schiller Hall:
11:00 Fionnuala Kirby
12:45 Pont Neuf
15:00 Rob C
Outside Abbey:
10:30 Newton Bushel Morris
11:30 Newton Bushel Morris
14:00 Rock Choir
15:50 Morris Dancers
Schiller Hall:
11:00 Terrie May McNulty
13:00 Ain’t Misbehavin
Outside Abbey:
All Day: Patrick the Pony, Circus Skills and Pottery Painting …….
14:00 Rock Choir
15:30 Grimspound Border Morris
16:30 Grimspound Border Morris
Schiller Hall:
12:45 Bow Creek
13:45 Bow Creek
15:00 Sax Works
Outside Abbey:
All Day: Patrick the Pony, Circus Skills and Pottery Painting…….
10:30 Valiant Harvest Mummers Play
11:00 Abbey Bells
12:00 Valiant Harvest Mummers Play
13:00 Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Band
14:00 Valiant harvest Mummers Play
14:15 Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Band
15:45 Black Bess Border Morris
FAQs
Entry to the Summer Fair is free, however there is a parking charge of £6 per car. This is payable on the day via cash or card. Alternatively, you can pre-book your parking ticket HERE.
The main event car park is situated a short distance from the Abbey and involves a 10 minute walk through scenic woodland.
We would recommend those with pushchairs and limited mobility are dropped off in the main Abbey car park, then return to the event parking.
There is a designated drop off and pick up zone located within the main Abbey car park that is recommended for those with pushchairs and limited mobility. This can be used for dropping off at the start of the event, then parking in the main event car park following the signs. Please speak with the parking assistants on the day for directions if needed. This can also be used as a pick up location at the end of the event day after collecting your vehicle from the main event car park.
The event car park is sign posted on your way to us. The best postcode to reach the event car park is TQ14 7JL and the what3words to the car park is ///crockery.grad.origins.
Blue Badge parking is available in the main Abbey car park, please be sure to have your Blue Badge with you on the day. The best postcode to reach the main Abbey car park is TQ11 0EE and the what3words to the car park is ///scorching.bigger.whom.
The event is open between 10am and 5pm, from Thursday 6th to Saturday 8th August.
Buckfast Abbey is a dog friendly site, but please keep them on a short lead. They are welcome to enjoy the gardens and grounds, however, only assistance dogs are permitted inside buildings and the Abbey Church. There is a covered terrace area located at the Grange Restaurant where dogs are welcome join their owners whilst dining.
Information to come.
There is a designated First Aid room located next to the main site bathrooms (under the Grange Restaurant). A medic from Action For Life will be available to assist from the First Aid room. Many of the events team are also First Aid trained, please see an events team member in hi-visibility to assist you.
An events security management team will be present on site throughout the event.
The event fire assembly location is in front of the Abbey Church. Members of the events team will be present to manage the fire evacuation procedure.
There is a designated area for lost adults and children to congregate to at the Welcome Tent or the Westgate Arch depending on which is closer to you. Both areas are event entrances and exits, they will have a team member present to communicate lost persons with the events team. Please point this out to your children/family/group and agree to meet here if you become separated.
No alcohol is allowed to be brought on to the site. The event bar is available to purchase beverages. Exhibitors will have alcohol available to purchase for off-site consumption. All traders selling alcohol will operate a strict “Challenge 25 Policy”. Please make sure you have valid ID.
Buckfast Abbey food stands may be displaying and selling food containing nuts and other allergens, therefore, please check with our staff about product allergen information before purchasing.
Buckfast Abbey accept cash and card within our own venues and own event stands. Most exhibitors will take both cash and card, however, we advise bringing cash just in case.
Directions
From the A38 Plymouth to Exeter expressway, take the Dart Bridge turn off and follow the brown directional signs to Buckfast Abbey.
Nearest Train Stations
• Totnes (5.7 miles)
• Newton Abbot (8.2 miles)
• Ivybridge (9.0 miles)
Nearest Airports
• Plymouth City Airport (15.3 miles)
• Exeter Airport (23.0 miles)
• Newquay Cornwall (54.0 miles)
Nearest Motorways
• M5 JCT 31 (17.2 miles)
• M5 JCT 30 (20.5 miles)
• M5 JCT 29 (21.3 miles)
Please see the Entry & Parking tab above for directions for Parking during the event only.
We would love to hear from you regarding your experience at our event. Tag us in your posts of your time at the event and we will repost, share, or spotlight on our story when possible.
Facebook: @buckfastabbeyofficialsite
Instagram: @buckfastabbeyofficial
Hashtag: #BuckfastAbbeySummerFair2026
If you like to share any feedback with our team, please contact events@buckfast.org.uk.
Please email events@buckfast.org.uk should you have any further queries relating to events at Buckfast Abbey.
