Summer at the Quayside returns

Exeter’s Quayside will come alive with music, art and seaside fun this summer as the much-loved Summer at the Quayside programme returns for 2025.

Organised by the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust, the month-long celebration runs from 29 July to 29 August, with free drop-in activities every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Events will take place at the Transit Shed, the Piazza and other nearby locations along the historic waterfront.

Aimed at all ages, the programme features hands-on workshops, live performances and creative games inspired by the natural beauty and heritage of the Quay.

Highlights include wool weaving with Lou Chapman, miniature boat making with Sophie Doodles, and postcard printing with Double Elephant. Young artists can also enjoy spray stencil art with Szabotage, while scientists-in-the-making can try their hand at seaweed slime with Devon Science.

Music and circus workshops, puppet shows, and community art projects also feature throughout the month, alongside ‘Free Quay Fridays’ with Uncle Tacko and friends delivering traditional seaside fun – including a flea circus and storytelling.

Professor events include the Doodle Jam cartoon experience, Flying with Strings puppet theatre, and collaborative art pieces like Woven in Time.

All sessions are free, open to all, and require no booking – making it an ideal activity hub for families during the school holidays.

Full Itinerary

Tuesday 29 July, Transit Shed
10am–4pm: Wool Weaving with Lou Chapman 
11am–4pm: Miniature Boat Making with Sophie Doodles 

Wednesday 30 July, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Print Your Own Postcard with Double Elephant 

Friday 1 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Free Quay Fridays with Prom Prom 

Tuesday 5 August
Transit Shed, 11am–4pm: Animals & Insects with Helen McCormick Ceramics 
Custom House, 11am–4pm: Doodle Jam with Scott Walker 

Wednesday 6 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Quayside Snapshots with Sara Hurley & Monica Shanta 

Friday 8 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Free Quay Fridays with Prom Prom 

Tuesday 12 August
Piazza, 11am–4pm: Drumming Workshop with Drum Devon 
Piazza, 11am–4pm: Circus Workshop with Higher Beings 
Transit Shed, 11am–4pm: Woven in Time with Weird Sticks 

Wednesday 13 August, Transit Shed
11am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3pm: Flying with Strings with Sarah Vigars 

Friday 15 August, Piazza
11am–4pm: Free Quay Fridays with Prom Prom 

Tuesday 19 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Seaweed Slime with Devon Science 
11am–4pm: Naturemake Workshop with Mountain Ash 

Wednesday 20 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Drop-in Music Making with Moor to Sea 

Friday 22 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Free Quay Fridays with Prom Prom 

Tuesday 26 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Wet Felting Workshop with OrganicARTS 

Wednesday 27 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Drop-in Stencil Spray Session with Szabotage 

Friday 29 August, Piazza
11am–4pm: Free Quay Fridays with Prom Prom