The Mandela Stage returns to Exeter Respect Festival 2026 with a rich and inspiring programme of live music, dance, and community performance across the weekend of 6–7 June.
Named in honour of Nelson Mandela, the stage reflects the festival’s core values of unity, diversity, and inclusion. Across two days in Belmont Park, audiences can experience an exciting mix of local talent and global influences, with performances designed to bring people together through shared cultural celebration.
Saturday begins with opening speeches at 11:40, setting the tone for a day rooted in community and connection. From midday, the stage comes alive with the uplifting voices of Big Noise Choir, a group known for their strong sense of community and passion for performance, having previously worked alongside Gareth Malone and toured with Tom Ball.
As the afternoon unfolds, audiences can enjoy the atmospheric sounds of Rameagle, whose neo-psychedelic style blends flute, synth, and hypnotic guitar, followed by the ever-popular Exeter Musical Theatre Choir. The Velvet Chords bring a distinctive mix of jazz, blues, and punk influences, while long-standing rock reggae band The Papers draw on decades of experience and inspiration from artists such as Bob Marley and Bob Dylan.
The day continues with a vibrant celebration of dance, from the high-energy Bollywood performances of The Bollygals to traditional South Kerala Indian Dance. The evening closes with Avtar, inviting audiences to take part in an interactive Bhangra and Bollywood dance-along, creating a joyful and inclusive finale to Saturday’s programme.
Sunday offers a more reflective but equally engaging start, opening with Kirtan Yoga by Megha & Group at 11:00. Blending live devotional music with guided meditation and chanting, this immersive experience provides a unique way to begin the day.
The energy then builds with Machineries of Joy, an indie/psych rock band influenced by acts such as The Doors, Fontaines D.C., and IDLES. The Exeter Community Folk Orchestra follows with uplifting, toe-tapping melodies from across the UK and beyond.
One of the highlights of the afternoon is the performance by the Impossible Gospel Mission Choir (formerly Soul of the City), BBC Gospel Choir of the Year finalists renowned for their powerful harmonies and uplifting sound. This is followed by headliners Crina, whose vibrant fusion of Romanian and global influences brings infectious energy and a strong sense of celebration to the stage.
Later in the day, Devon singer-songwriter Jamie Yost takes to the stage, blending folk and alt-pop and building on performances at major festivals and support slots with artists such as John Smith. The weekend’s Mandela Stage programme concludes with Shumba Arts, a community arts organisation whose work promotes creativity, wellbeing, and social connection.
Throughout the weekend, the Mandela Stage offers more than just entertainment — it creates a space where cultures meet, stories are shared, and communities come together. Whether you’re discovering new artists, joining in with dance, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, it promises to be a highlight of Exeter Respect Festival 2026.