Turn the Tide returned to Dawlish College on Saturday 23 May 2026 for its fifth year, bringing together live music, creative activities, environmental organisations and community groups for a full day of sustainability-themed events.
This year’s theme, Keeping Dawlish Cool, explored how communities can respond to hotter summers through practical action, creativity and wellbeing.
Visitors enjoyed live performances throughout the day, including a headline set from Devon folk-acoustic duo Sound of the Sirens, alongside local musicians and community acts.
Activities across the site included circus skills, forest school sessions, flag making workshops, wellbeing activities and creative drop-in experiences for all ages. Visitors could also explore electric bikes and vehicles, meet local environmental organisations and community groups, and browse independent stalls and food vendors.
The festival also featured the Wild Pollinator Trail, the Keeping Dawlish Cool Photography and Art Competition, and collaborative community art projects.
Held annually in Dawlish, Devon, Turn the Tide is a free community festival focused on climate, creativity, nature and local action.
Fifth annual Turn the Tide Festival
30+ businesses, community groups and organisations involved
9 free activities, workshops and experiences throughout the day
"A fantastic, family-friendly event that was accessible to everyone.
The festival’s message of healthy planet, healthy people is more vital than ever."
Next year, Turn the Tide will tell the story of The Giant of the Brook - an ancient Devon water giant weakened by pollution, climate change and the loss of nature. Through art, music and community creativity, Dawlish will come together to help restore the giant’s strength and reconnect with the waterways that shape our town.
Turn the Tide will be back on Dawlish lawn, June 2027.