Concerts & Gigs

Music is everywhere in Exeter – day and night! Scroll to the bottom of this page to see the list of upcoming concerts and gigs in Exeter. You can also check out our live music venue blog for some ideas on where to visit.

Whether it is present day chart artists at the Exeter Phoenix, the Exeter Corn Exchange, The Lemon Grove or the iconic Exeter Cavern, where local and global acts perform eclectic indie, rock and funk, or listening to more traditional classical and chamber events at Exeter Cathedral and The Great Hall, the city always has a strong and diverse music offering.

Exeter works hard to offer opportunities for local bands to perform and was honoured to be chosen to host the extremely successful Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2016. The chosen venue of Powderham is just a few miles from the city centre, and is now firmly established as a great outdoor festival and event venue, hosting the annual Let's Rock and Gone Wild festivals.

For a more informal setting to hear live music, check out some of the local bars in the city centre, such as the Old Firehouse, The Botanist and Coolings, all of which host live bands regularly.

Every summer there is free Jazz on the Quay, where local bands play in the Transit Shed on the Quayside every Sunday, for all to enjoy.

Classical music has also had a strong foundation in the city. Choral music is strongly represented through the long established Exeter Philharmonic Choir, Exeter Festival Chorus, and of course the highly regarded Exeter Cathedral Choirs. There is always a chance to hear choral singing somewhere in the city during a stay.

If you prefer to attend a classical concert, perhaps plan your visit to stay during the acclaimed Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra season when their concerts take place in the Great Hall and the Cathedral. 

Other local orchestras such as the Exeter Symphony Orchestra, Isca Ensemble or EMG Symphony Orchestra are regular performers at concerts in local churches and major venues, offering interesting repertoires of music throughout the year to suit all tastes. You may also have an opportunity to hear some of Exeter’s great youth orchestras performing in the city.