The Community Stage returns to Exeter Respect Festival 2026 with a vibrant and inclusive programme celebrating grassroots talent, cultural diversity, and community creativity across the weekend of 6–7 June.

At the heart of the festival, this stage offers a welcoming space where local groups, community organisations, and performers of all ages and backgrounds come together to share music, dance, and storytelling. From choirs and cultural dance to participatory performances, the Community Stage reflects the spirit of Exeter Respect — bringing people together through creativity and connection.

Saturday’s programme begins at midday with Soundwaves, a specialist music charity supporting neurologically diverse people to create and perform original music in a fun and social environment. This is followed by the Countess Wear Community Choir, a growing local group formed in 2023, known for their warm harmonies and joyful, wide-ranging repertoire.

As the afternoon unfolds, audiences are invited to experience a rich variety of cultural performances. Hikmat Chinese Dance Group brings vibrant and colourful traditions from China, while Ilaria Belly Dance showcases a blend of classical and folkloric styles. The Newtown Roots Band continues the global theme with lively folk tunes from around the world, performed by a friendly, multi-generational community ensemble.

Dance takes centre stage throughout the afternoon, with Swing Exe presenting energetic routines inspired by the Lindy Hop, Charleston, and jazz styles of the early 20th century. Exeter’s Filipino Community Association then shares its cultural heritage through traditional dance, music, and performance, followed by Karina Gracia Dance, who bring the passion of flamenco to the stage, accompanied by live guitar.

Younger performers also take the spotlight, with EXEstar delivering a lively K-pop dance performance, showcasing emerging talent from Exeter’s Hong Kong community. The evening concludes with the Multicultural Choir, a group made up of singers from across the world, whose voices come together in a powerful celebration of unity through music.

Sunday opens with a moment of reflection and togetherness through the Devon Faith and Belief Forum’s Universal Peace Prayers. This moving initiative brings together voices from different faiths and beliefs, promoting unity and shared understanding across communities.

The morning continues with the Deaf Community Choir, whose inspiring performances combine singing, movement, and sign language, followed by Wren Music, featuring young musicians and community singers performing traditional folk music from the UK and beyond.

Throughout the day, audiences can enjoy a rich programme of international dance and inclusive performance. Bulgarian Society Devon presents their Pendari dance, while Dance DynamiX brings high-energy routines designed to be fun and accessible to all. Kurdish Govend Dance offers a powerful expression of cultural identity, with group dances rooted in tradition and resilience.

In the afternoon, the Sing and Sign Jukebox Choir invites audiences to join in, combining popular songs with Makaton signing in a joyful and interactive performance. The Global Harmony Choir continues the musical journey with songs of celebration and protest from around the world, reflecting a wide range of cultures and experiences.

Later, Majidah Tribal Belly Dance fills the stage with colour, rhythm, and energy, leading into the weekend’s closing performance from Acoustic Noise Collective — a welcoming Exeter-based ukulele group performing well-loved songs from across the decades, bringing audiences together for a relaxed and uplifting finale.

Throughout the weekend, the Community Stage offers more than just entertainment — it provides a platform for voices that might not always be heard, creating opportunities for participation, connection, and celebration. It’s a place where cultures meet, friendships are formed, and creativity thrives.