Visit Sidmouth are saying the town had a 'busy summer season' with a number of events happening, and reported lots of tourists.

Tim Shardlow, manager of the information centre, updated councillors on their work throughout summer at the latest Sidmouth Town Council - Tourism & Economy Committee meeting held on September 18.

Visit Sidmouth says that over the three summer months, visitor footfall has averaged 100 per day, including a noticeable number of American, Australian and Scandinavians to the town.

Many tourists in Sidmouth for the first time said they loved the town's appearance, standards of accommodation, shopping centre and said they will be returning.

Mr Shardlow said that his team has been involved in a 'large variety of events' which attracted holidaymakers and residents. 

Since June, the events in Sidmouth include: the Biodiversity Festival, Manor Pavilion Summer Play season, Town Band Concerts, Folk Festival, Regatta, Sidbury Fair, Sidmouth Walking Festival, Classic Car Show, Carnival Week and Science Festival in addition to our museums, land and water sports plus quality Coast and Country visitor attractions easily accessible from Sidmouth.

He added: "This helped promote and maintain Sidmouth’s appeal for first-time and returning visitors.'

"It was interesting to meet the former controller of the ship which delivered rocks for our two offshore breakwater islands who has returned on holiday to view their durability."

"I was also pleased to see at the D-day commemoration on the Esplanade an old friend who has spent regular holidays at hotels in Sidmouth since the 1970s. We have found the various festivals, events and entertainments offered locally meet the wishes of visitors for both relaxation and activity."

"Our Town Maps are widely distributed including the additional information on local walks, with the design style and content now followed in similar form by Ottery St Mary and Exeter. Our main source of income is commission on Folk Festival tickets and programmes.

Early-bird season tickets for the 2025 event are already available and Tim said: "We have made sales this year of £70,800. This year's 70th Festival was featured on two BBC Radio 2 programmes, two films shown at the Radway Cinema and an excellent 5-day display at the new SVA premises in Church Street."

Visit Sidmouth also now offer branded merchandise, the SVA Museum books, calendars and walking maps of the area. See more on their website.

Bus timetables are now available at the centre to 'meet the noticeable increase in public transport use.' 

Mr Shardlow added: "Likewise work throughout the season by Sidmouth in Bloom is praised by visitors and residents and we hope for recognition by future awards. In the months ahead we will have a close view of major works in the Ham area by South West Water and the redevelopment of the Drill Hall."