Keep the spirit of Exeter Respect Festival alive at the official After Party at Exeter Phoenix from 7pm until 11pm. This free evening celebration is the perfect opportunity to continue the day’s celebrations and connect with old and new friends.

On the Terrace, DJs will keep the atmosphere buzzing with an eclectic mix of Latin, jazz, Afrobeat, funk and soul. Expect uplifting sounds, infectious rhythms and plenty of opportunities to dance, unwind and enjoy the festival atmosphere a little longer. Whether you’ve spent the day at Belmont Park or are simply looking for a great evening of music and community, everyone is welcome.

The After Party takes place at Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS. Exeter Respect Festival is all about bringing people together across cultures and communities, and this vibrant evening continues that tradition in true Respect style. For more details, visit Exeter Respect Festival After Party

 

Exeter Respect 2026: Stephen Lawrence Stage Programme Announced

The Stephen Lawrence Stage returns to Exeter Respect Festival 2026 with a weekend of emerging talent, original music and creative performance across 6–7 June.

Named in memory of Stephen Lawrence, the stage celebrates creativity, diversity and the importance of giving young and independent artists a platform to be heard. Across the weekend, audiences can enjoy an eclectic mix of folk, indie, blues, alternative rock, spoken word, acoustic music, dance and vocal performance from artists across Devon and the South West.

Saturday’s programme opens with Wren Devon Youth Folk Ensemble, bringing energetic folk music inspired by the traditions of the Westcountry and performed by talented young musicians from across the region.

The afternoon continues with Exeter alternative rock band Neon Lobsters, whose energetic sound draws on influences ranging from math rock and jazz fusion to punk and pop. Combustion Band follows with indie rock energy and original songwriting, while Dominic Garnett brings spoken word, performance and creative expression to the stage.

Audiences can also enjoy the uplifting performance of Blowing My Own Trumpet, alongside multi-instrumentalist Max Kroger from Shine Music Devon, whose atmospheric performances combine piano, saxophone, drums and beatboxing.

As the day unfolds, Etchechuria bring delicate harmonies and contemporary folk songwriting exploring themes of love, loss and joy. Plymouth singer-songwriter Cat Rose follows with intimate storytelling and beautifully crafted folk-inspired songs, before The Gaia Project closes the evening with experimental sounds blending jazz, psychedelic rock and atmospheric soundscapes inspired by the natural world.

Sunday continues the weekend with a diverse programme celebrating grassroots music and performance. Orbit opens the day, followed by Hoztility, before Exeter blues band Tricky Situation bring soulful vocals and classic blues-rock energy to the stage. Rusty Soutar follows with an acoustic blend of blues, folk and indie, creating an uplifting and melodic sound.

Young emerging artist Leona Whitfield brings soulful pop songwriting to the programme, having already gained recognition through BBC Introducing and a growing catalogue of original music. The atmosphere then shifts with Zumba With Sara, inviting festivalgoers of all ages to join in an energetic celebration of dance, rhythm and movement.

Throughout the afternoon, audiences can experience the raw energy of teen alternative rock band Drawer Full O’Lemons, alongside the thoughtful acoustic songwriting of Bully, whose music explores human rights and personal storytelling through expressive live performance.

The weekend also celebrates Exeter’s international communities with La Bandita, whose vibrant Latin American rhythms fill the stage with cumbia, samba, reggaeton and Latin pop. Pianist and composer Waz Music then brings reflective and atmospheric melodies inspired by wellbeing and emotional connection.

The Stephen Lawrence Stage programme concludes with Acapella Calling, a South Devon vocal group whose uplifting harmonies blend pop, folk and gospel influences, ending the weekend with warmth, joy and a sense of togetherness.

Throughout the weekend, the Stephen Lawrence Stage offers a welcoming platform for emerging artists, independent musicians and creative voices from across the South West. From powerful songwriting and experimental sounds to community performance and cultural celebration, the stage reflects the spirit of Exeter Respect Festival: bringing people together through creativity, diversity and shared experience.

 

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.