Guest blog - Unmissable events at the University of Exeter in 2025!

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Exeter, the city is bursting with culture, music, and comedy this year, thanks to an exciting line-up of live events at the University of Exeter.

Here's your guide to the must-see events happening throughout 2025 and into 2026.

January 2025

An Audience with Monty Don – 25 & 26 January 2025

Kick off the year with this inspiring event featuring Monty Don, the UK's favourite gardener. Known for his engaging storytelling and gardening wisdom, join Monty as he shares personal anecdotes and advice on gardening and life.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Petrushka – 30 January 2025

A stunning orchestral piece filled with drama and emotion, this concert showcases three dynamic works, each with profound historical and emotional depth. Conducted by Tianyi Lu and featuring pianist Elisabeth Brauss, this performance promises a powerful exploration of musical expression across different eras.

February 2025

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Cello Elegy – 13 February 2025

A beautiful cello-focused performance that will captivate any classical music fan. This concert explores themes of transformation and reflection through three powerful works. Elgar’s Cello Concerto, Strauss’s Death and Beethoven’s Symphony No.1.

Day Fever Exeter – 15 February 2025

Get ready to dance the afternoon away at Day Fever, the fresh new daytime nightclub experience! Created by Line of Duty star Vicky McClure and Jonny Owen, this feel-good disco blends classic anthems, retro nostalgia, and a vibrant dance floor—all before sunset!

March 2025

Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny – 6 March 2025

Jimmy Carr returns with his new show, Laughs Funny, delivering fast-paced, edgy one-liners in his signature dark comedic style. Loved by some and controversial to others, this show is for those who enjoy sharp, boundary-pushing humour. Age guidance: 16+.

You Me at Six: The Final Nights of Six – 10 March 2025

Fans of British rock won’t want to miss this energetic performance from this iconic band. The 'Final Nights of Six' tour celebrates their outstanding career, spanning more than 20 years.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Heroes & Superheroes – 13 March 2025

Join conductor Pete Harrison for an epic celebration of the greatest symphonic film scores of all time! This thrilling concert features music from iconic Hollywood adventures, including Robin Hood, The Magnificent Seven, Indiana Jones, and Lord of the Rings, alongside superhero classics like Superman and Batman

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Fairytales and Folklore – 27 March 2025

Let the music transport you to a magical world of fairytales and folklore. Conductor Kirill Karabits leads a program of storytelling through music, featuring vivid depictions of folklore and drama.

April 2025

Ellie Taylor: Palavering! – 4 April 2025

Comedian, actor, and presenter Ellie Taylor is back on tour with her brand-new stand-up show Palavering! Star of Ted Lasso, Live at the Apollo, and Bake Off: The Professionals, Ellie brings her sharp wit and viral humour to the stage.

An Evening with Si King – 6 April 2025

Join national treasure Si King for an unforgettable evening of stories, music, and laughter as he shares the moments that shaped his life. With exclusive videos, audience Q&A, and plenty of laughs, this is a unique chance to get to know the man behind the bike like never before.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Orchestral Pictures – 10 April 2025

Experience a stunning evening of evocative musical storytelling with conductor Alexander Bloch and violist Lise Berthaud. Performances include Debussy’s Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, Berlioz’s Harold in Italy, and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, masterfully orchestrated by Ravel.

June 2025

Guenther Steiner: Unfiltered Live – 3 June 2025

Get ready for an unfiltered, no-holds-barred ride through the world of Formula 1 with former Haas F1 team principal and Drive to Survive star Guenther Steiner. Guenther shares behind-the-scenes stories from his decade in F1, from the high-stakes drama of racing to the pressures of running a team.

Katherine Ryan: Battleaxe – 5 June 2025

Star of hit shows like Parental Guidance, The Duchess, and Backstage with Katherine Ryan, Katherine brings her razor-sharp wit and fearless humour back to the stage. Don’t miss this comedy powerhouse as she delivers a masterclass in entering her Battleaxe era!

September 2025

Dara Ó Briain: Re:Creation – 7 September 2025

Dara is back doing what he does best—telling stories, creating chaos, and engaging with the audience in a night of guaranteed laughter. Don't miss this masterclass in intelligent, no-frills stand-up comedy!

Miriam Margolyes: From A to Z – 28 September 2025

With wit, wisdom, and a touch of smut, Miriam shares cherished memories, sharp observations, and candid stories from her 84 years, offering an unforgettable experience full of laughs, thought-provoking insights, and unexpected gems.

October 2025

Fisherman’s Friends – 26 October 2025

Known for their powerful performances, the band will bring both classic hits and new songs to the stage. With two feature films, top-charting albums, and appearances at events like Glastonbury and Proms in the Park, Fisherman’s Friends continue to captivate audiences nationwide.

Grayson Perry: Are You Good? – 27 October 2025

In this interactive show, Grayson explores the question of human morality—are we born good, or do life's challenges turn us towards the dark side? With audience participation, silly songs, and a few surprises, Grayson will guide you through a fun yet insightful journey to examine your core values and challenge what we define as virtue and sin.

November 2025

Josh Widdicombe: Not My Cup of Tea – 8 – 12 November 2025

Expect a hilarious evening with fewer production values than Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, but more references to tea! Known for his popular podcast Parenting Hell, his long run on The Last Leg, and various other TV gigs, Josh brings his sharp wit and comedic charm to the stage for an unmissable night of laughs.

April 2026

Chris McCausland: Yonks! – 3 April 2026

You might have seen him on Strictly Come Dancing, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The Royal Variety, QI, Blankety Blank, The Last Leg, and tons more as well. He’s been called an “overnight success” – even though he’s been doing this for yonks! Join Chris for another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been yonks in the making.

How to book

For more information and to book tickets to any of the events above, visit Live@ Exeter.

Stay with us

Why not combine your event with a stay at the University of Exeter. With en-suite B&B rooms located close to the city centre available to book between 2nd April - 22nd April 2025 and 18th June - 9th September 2025, the University makes the perfect location for your stay.