'I loved the festival. I found it exceptionally rich in ideas and so warm and friendly.
I found old friends and new.'    Annie Freud

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An intimate Devon festival of brilliant speakers
and ideas

Held in the hamlet of Shute, in the midst of East Devon’s AONB, Shute Festival was established in 2016 to bring inspirational and stimulating speakers – including botanists, biographers, explorers, documentary makers, gardeners, historians, poets, novelists and travel writers – to a stunning corner of the West Country. 

In the intimate, beautifully lit venue of St Michael's Church, Shute, our audiences have over the years been treated to an extraordinary selection of speakers, among them Esther Freud, Sir Anthony Seldon, Sophie Hannah, Tim Pears, Anna Pavord, Annie Freud, Anne Swithinbank, Tahir Shah, Isabel Bannerman, Rachael Boast, Stephen Calloway, William Ryan, Laurence Anholt, Fiona Benson, Greta Stoddart, Sir Ghillean Prance, Hilary Bradt and many more. In addition to talks, visitors have also enjoyed film showings and musical events. 

Past festivals have provided free workshops for children, which have included bush craft, land art, Punch & Judy, Bollywood dancing, a sitar masterclass and other activities – all of which have allowed them to discover worlds far removed from the national curriculum. 

Separate to our 2020 published programme, the festival co-funds additional workshops and events as part of our community outreach.

Tickets can be purchased online for individual talks and events. Children 16 and under are free.

Profits go towards Shute Community Primary School and the building and repairs of St Michael’s Church, Shute.

Sam Knights & Bijan Omrani
Festival Directors

‘Beautifully organised, a wonderful atmosphere, a great (and intelligent) audience, and of course a beautiful setting. And lovely food from the expert local chefs!’
Hilary Bradt

‘Wonderful festival. Enjoyed speaking at it and met some very interesting people.’
Andrew Lownie
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‘Excellent festival, fabulous setting, very responsive audience.’
Diana Darke

Explore Shute

While visiting a festival event, you might like to explore Shute's beautiful landscape. You can also wander Shute Woods – home to a rich variety of wildlife and an Elizabethan beacon. There are breathtaking views.