Summer in the city

Exeter is the place to be this Summer with so much going on across the city.

Whether it’s a splash in one of Exeter’s water parks, a stroll down at the Quay, or history and pageantry in the city centre, there’s something for everyone.

It all gets underway this bank holiday weekend with the ever-popular water-play facilities opening up across the city.

With the weather warming up, the paddling pools at Heavitree Pleasure Ground and the Splashpad at St Thomas Pleasure Ground will be opening on Friday ahead of the long weekend. The water-play facilities will be open from 10am to 7pm.

The Splashpad was fitted with a newly improved spongy safety surface last year. Children can enjoy the fun water park with its colourful play area and jets of water.

Next month it’s time to celebrate diversity and friendship with the 27^th anniversary of Exeter Respect Festival.

Taking place over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 8 and 9 June in leafy Belmont Park, festival goers will be treated to a feast of live music, dance and entertainment.

And the sound of the Summer continues down at the waterside, with Jazz on the Quay running on Sunday lunchtimes from 30 June to 25 August.  This free event is brought to the city by Exeter Canal and Quay Trust. Check out the Visit Exeter website for a whole host of free events down on the waterside over the summer.

Exeter Heritage Harbour Festival sails into town from 7 to 9 June with boats and entertainment on the quayside. Later, on 14 September there’s the Quayside Shanty Festival.

For those looking for a big of pomp and ceremony, there’s Armed Forces Day on 22 June, with a military parade through the High Street and RAF Brize Norton exercising their Freedom of the City.

That’s followed by the age-old tradition of Lammas on 4 July, with a parade through the city centre followed by the hoisting of the big white glove above the historic Guildhall. The occasion is shared with Exeter Craft Festival on the Cathedral Green, with more than 200 exhibitors showcasing their handmade wares.

For these and so many more other summertime events, head off to the Visit Exeter website