BrixFest is a three-day celebration of the charming fishing town of Brixham. This was the first time coming to Brixfest for myself and my girlfriend, we didn’t really know what to expect. We didn’t get there until late, I think it was around 5pm on the Saturday, but luckily we still managed to find a free parking space at the top of Overgang. Very lucky as Em had recently damaged her knee and was on crutches. There wasn’t as much going on as I thought there would be in town with just live music on the stage and the two food and one drink stalls. Though I did think as we were a little late to the party, perhaps we had missed a fair bit. We wandered around and bought a drink at the Bays tent, I was surprise it came to £5.50 each. There was a £1 deposit for the plastic glass then £4.50 for the pint of Devon Dumpling and the same for a Hunts Andsome Bay, so it was a little on the expensive side. I’d recommend to go into one of the numerous pubs and order there instead usually £3.50 or less.

After wandering around some more we were feeling a little peckish, I love Picciolo pizza but there was a huge queue and we decided having not tried Quay 57 we’d give it a go. It looks really nice, the staff were friendly enough and it was fairly busy being Brixfest. Even though there was a table for 2 without reserved on we were told they were booked out, so we decided to order one of their take away pizza and would find a bench somewhere outside. However this takeaway pizza took them 50 minutes while we were left sat on the restaurant step waiting outside. I thought to myself this pizza had better be pretty damn good, but as we opened the boxes we were disappointed, sigh….. By this time we were starving, so ate it nonetheless, but needless to say I can’t recommend this place if you want a pizza.

We then walked up the Manor for a drink, out the way and hidden it’s usually fairly quiet, but it was full outside and we grabbed the only two seats that were left inside. I like it here and this was my third visit and I’m happy to see it thriving. By the time we came back down in time for the fireworks the town was really busy and the atmosphere was buzzing. The fireworks were actually pretty good, I’ve certainly seen a lot worse. Next time i think the best viewing place would of been from opposite on King Street, but it may of been a bit far for Em to hobble to on her dodgy knee this year.

Sunday we returned in the evening and once again bagging a free spot. This time over on Berry Head Road right beside the beach. There was actually more food stalls here with Bays, G&T chair, crepe and a small gazebo stage. Again it was cheaper to go into the Breakwater Bistro to buy a drink than at the festival beer tent. We then sat on the beach and watched the sun set before getting closer to the action next to the stage.

Out of the two days I thought the Sunday was the better of the two, in the evenings anyway.