On 30th April 2023, Salcombe Crabfest returns for its annual extravaganza of crab-themed fun! Run by a committee of volunteers from The Rotary Club of Salcombe, this popular event brings together the fabulous Salcombe community in celebration of its incredible fishing and tourism industries. Salcombe’s brown crab is some of the most delicious found anywhere in the world, and what better way to honour this wonderful commodity and the place it is caught, than with its very own dedicated day.

All are welcome at this one-day festival, where action and entertainment is guaranteed from morning till night, throughout the town. The main Creek Car Park is transformed, with a Chefs’ Demo Marquee taking centre stage. In its beautiful position on the edge of the Salcombe estuary, there is simply nowhere better to settle down and watch the line-up of fantastic chefs create sensational crab-themed dishes. Of course the demos wouldn’t be complete without the perfect accompaniment… hilarious commentary by BBC Radio Devon’s David Fitzgerald!

Other highlights include a bustling street market which takes over Island Street. With this area pedestrianised for one day only, shoppers can enjoy a unique experience, browsing both the superb range of market stalls and exploring the eclectic mix of retailers found here – from handmade bags to artisan gin, art galleries to a chocolate factory.

With children’s entertainment, local musicians, not to mention an impressive variety of food and drink to enjoy, this is a great family day out. There will be a wealth of tasty crab options too – whether you are looking for a fresh crab to take home for supper, a crab sandwich or perhaps a crab pasty! Getting to the event is easy too; the free park and ride means accessing the town couldn’t be simpler.

Sponsored by Devon Rum, Coast & Country Cottages, and Marchand Petit, this fantastic day out is completely free to attend. Salcombe Crabfest is run entirely in aid of charity, and since it began has raised over £50,000 helping a variety of local and national good causes. These include Devon Air Ambulance, Cancer Research, The Triangle Cancer Support Centre and many more.

In 2023, the chosen charities are Devon Mind, Chill South Devon and Devon Air Ambulance, and there will be collection buckets throughout the event for any donations you might like to make. We look forward to welcoming you all on 30th April 2023.