EXETER RESPECT FESTIVAL 2026
Belmont Park, Belmont Road, Exeter EX4 6SS
Sat 06 and Sun 07 June 2026
Saturday doors open at 11:30, festival starts at 12:00
Sunday doors open and the festival starts at 11:00
Exeter Respect Festival 2026 returns to Exeter’s Belmont Park marking the 29th anniversary of the first Respect Festival in Exeter in 1997 that brought communities together to celebrate their differences and commonalities.
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2025’s festival received support from
Exeter Respect Festival 2026
Exeter’s annual celebration of diversity and inclusion returns on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June 2026, as Exeter Respect Festival 2026 brings the city together under this year’s powerful theme: “Different Roots, One Community.” Held once again in the heart of the city to mark our 29th anniversary at Belmont Park, the festival continues its mission to promote respect for all, and to say no to all forms of prejudice, discrimination and racism. As the South West’s longest-running festival dedicated to diversity and equality and human rights, Exeter Respect is more than an event, it’s a movement.
Celebrating Unity
The 2026 theme, “Different Roots, One Community,” speaks to the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and experiences that make up Exeter and the wider region. In a world often divided by differences, the festival aims to remind us of the strength found in unity, and the shared humanity that connects us all. Our differences should never divide us, they are what make our community strong, vibrant, and resilient. This year’s theme is a call to celebrate our unique identities while recognizing that we are all part of one human family.
A Weekend of Music, Art, Food and Dialogue
Festivalgoers can expect a dynamic line-up of 3 stages offering live music and dance performances from around the world. Book cycle holding storytelling and talks exploring issues of social justice, equality, and inclusion. Multicultural food stalls showcasing global flavours. Children’s and family activities promoting understanding through creativity. Community stalls from local organisations working for positive change. Admission to the festival remains a symbolic fee of £2 and under 16s free of charge, to help sustain the event and support its mission. The Festival is welcoming and ensuring and accessible to everyone.
Get Involved
Organisations, artists, food vendors, volunteers, and community groups interested in participating can apply now by clicking on the relevant link: Bands and Musicians – Volunteers – Stalls – Causes and Arts.
Follow Exeter Respect Festival on social media for the latest updates and announcements.
About Exeter Respect
Exeter Respect is the city’s annual celebration of diversity where we use the performing and creative arts to engage the wider community in saying no to racism and all forms of prejudice. The Respect ethos is a simple one: racism and prejudice often spring from fear, and fear is often based on ignorance, so let’s overcome ignorance by getting to know one another and sharing not shunning our cultures. One of the best ways to get to know someone is to enjoy yourself with them, hence our celebratory event and adoption of the old Commission for Racial Equality slogan:
ALL DIFFERENT, ALL EQUAL!
The first Exeter Respect festival took place in 1997 and there has been a celebration virtually every year since then. From 2003 to 2008 Exeter Respect’s biggest event was at Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre, but from 2009 to the present day our focus has been a giant two day festival in Belmont Park, with a footfall of around 20,000 people every year.
Exeter Respect returns to Belmont Park on Saturday 06 and Sunday 07 June 2026, we look forward to seeing you there.