Sardines, chefs and harbourside celebrations as Brixham’s new festival launches next week

Brixham Fish Market will host its new food festival next week to celebrate the start of the sardine season and the town’s historic ties to the fishing industry.

The South West Sardine Festival takes place on Sunday 3 August 2025 and will run from 12pm to 9.30pm. Entry is free.

The festival is inspired by coastal celebrations in Spain and Portugal and will bring together live music, family entertainment and street performers, alongside food and drink centred on locally caught, MSC-certified sardines.

Visitors will be able to enjoy freshly grilled sardines and festival wine, served throughout the day. The event aims to promote sustainable fishing and showcase sardines as a versatile and affordable British seafood.

Some of the UK’s most prominent chefs are expected to take part, including Nathan Outlaw, Mitch Tonks, Ben Tonks, Mark Hix, Steven Lamb, Matt Tebbutt, Rich Adams, Jane Baxter, Jack Stein and Kirk Gosden.

Above: Some of the UK’s most prominent chefs are expected to take part

Mitch Tonks, Founder and CEO of Rockfish commented: “We're absolutely thrilled to be supporting the South West Sardine Festival in Brixham this August, inviting locals and those travelling from further afield to celebrate British sardines and the South Devon fishing industry and its history.

“We've been working on this community event for several months and look forward to welcoming some of the UK's most celebrated chefs to get behind the grills, cooking whole sardines over charcoal ready to be eaten on the spot as the party kicks off. Hopefully this will be the first of many Sardine festivals and a way to encourage more people to eat locally caught, seasonal fish throughout the year!”

Above: Aerial view of Brixham harbour

Brixham, one of the UK’s busiest fishing ports, has a maritime history dating back to the 14th century. Organisers say the festival recognises that legacy while also highlighting the town’s role in advancing sustainable fishing practices.

The event has been organised by the local community, with support from the English Riviera BID Company, Brixham Council, Sound Seafood, Brixham Trawler Agents, Bay Coffee Co, Swisco, Brixham Chamber of Commerce, Torbay Council, and Rockfish.

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer of the English Riviera BID Company, commented: “The South West Sardine Festival is a wonderful showcase of what makes the English Riviera so distinctive and special. It’s about celebrating our beautiful coastline, our time-honoured food traditions, and the strong sense of community that’s at the heart of everything we do here.

“Festivals such as this don’t just bring people together, they spark local pride and help boost the visitor economy by attracting those who want to experience a cultural event that is well and truly rooted in the character of the place.”