After a long second term, an Easter dominated by dissy stress for many third years, and a punishing exam timetable, the period in Exeter after exams is truly something special. Perhaps a higher power takes pity on us after our workload up to mid-May, but somehow Exeter’s famously inconsistent weather clears and we have almost a month of unbroken sunshine. From the Imperial’s Beer Garden to Exmouth’s beach, there’s plenty to do in Exeter in Term 3, but here are a few of the stand out events in May and June:
Free – Tenner
Term 3 Plays
Throughout Term 3
Drama students don’t have exams in Term 3, and so they put their heads together and create interesting and often experimental plays for our enjoyment. These run throughout the term and tickets rarely cost more than £2. Highlights to look for include Planet in the Desert and Cope.
Night Market @ The Quay
Free
2nd June 5:30-9:30pm
The Night Markets at the Quay are legendary in their offering of good food and good music. Perhaps the only place in Exeter to get decent street food, the Night Market is a fantastic opportunity to relax by the river on a warm evening.
Touch Duckes
Free to spectate
2nd & 3rd of Jun
Team Entry to Touch Duckes sold out before most of us even realised it was open. But fear not, these two days down in Duckes Meadow are just as enjoyable for spectators. Cheap booze is sold at the event, or if you want an even cheaper option bring your own. Fresher Tip: Bring sun cream. A lot of sun cream.
Exmouth Beach Rugby
6th June
A new entrant this year, Exmouth Beach Rugby has been set up to bring a much-needed opportunity for mixed touch rugby to Exeter. Happening at Exmouth Beach on the 6th of June, team entry is opening soon. Unlike Touch Duckes, you still may be able to grab a team spot, so if you fancy playing some touch in the sunshine, this is your best bet.
Over a Tenner
English Disco Lovers Boat Party
22nd May 12:30-4:30pm
It’s a disco, but on a boat. English Disco Lovers are setting sail from Exmouth Marina to celebrate the end of a very successful year for the group. Tickets are sold out (again), but as with the other events, their Facebook page a few days before is your friend. All proceeds go to the RLNI and this looks to be a great throwback to your week in Zante after your A Levels.
Hijacked Festival
Final Release: £35
26th May
For those among you who want to get wavy, Hijacked offers an opportunity to see some quality acts. Performers from Exeter and beyond descend to this one-day dance extravaganza, and Double Locks is a beautiful location down by the river. This is shaping up to be the perfect warm-up to Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Fresher tip: I’d start queuing for drinks now.
Radio 1’s Big Weekend
28th & 29th May
Radio 1’s Big Weekend is making its way down south this year, and it’s the focal point of the post-exams calendar. With Craig David and Coldplay headlining, if you were lucky enough to grab yourself a ticket, then this is looking to be the best option for your fun-in-the-sun. If you weren’t so lucky, you can still groove at an after party in Phoenix on the Sunday evening until 4am. Tickets cost £18 from the event page, but drop-outs nearer the time normally means you’ll be able to get your hands on a cheaper one.
The Enchanted Garden Ball
4th June
Dinner suits and wellies are not the most obvious combination, but the EGB always delivers. Entering its sixth year, the event describes itself as a ‘spectacular party playground’. Immersive theatre and alcohol combine to create a surreal experience, officially welcoming in the Summer. Held relatively late in the post-exam season means that this could be your last chance to cut loose with your uni friends for a few months, so this year’s EGB will undoubtedly go out with a bang. While tickets are officially sold out, you may be able to sneak one from a last-minute sale on their Facebook page.