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

Hear stimulating authors and broadcasters in a beautiful setting in East Devon

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 specialists – to this 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, Anna Pavord, Annie Freud, Anne Swithinbank, Tahir Shah, Rachael Boast, Stephen Calloway, William Ryan, Laurence Anholt, Greta Stoddart, Sir Ghillean Prance, Hilary Bradt and others. In addition to talks, visitors have also enjoyed film showings and music events, as well as food cooked by local chefs served in the village school. 

Every year, there are 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 the weekend programme, the festival co-funds additional workshops and events as part of our community outreach.

Tickets can be purchased for individual talks and single days. There are also reduced weekend passes available (children under 16 are free but those aged 10 or younger must be accompanied by someone aged 16 and over at all times).

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

Samantha Knights QC & Paddy Magrane
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 the festival, you might like to join the free Legacy to Landscape walks (see Programme), which explore Shute's historic hunting grounds and bring visitors up close to ancient, gnarled trees like King John's Oak. You can also wander Shute Woods – home to a rich variety of wildlife and an Elizabethan beacon. There are breathtaking views.