Local News

The tickets have now been counted, and Devon County Show has officially confirmed an audited attendance of 106,000 visitors for 2026 — an uplift of 5,000 on last year’s record-breaking figure.

This year’s Show coincided with the late May half‑term break, a rare calendar alignment that contributed to an especially strong family turnout. While children go free on Saturday and therefore cannot be fully audited, the organisers witnessed a noticeably higher number of young visitors enjoying the attractions, activities and livestock displays.

Across all three days, the Show...

UK health and life insurer The Exeter has announced that seven of their colleagues are preparing to cycle 340 miles from London to Paris in June 2026, as part of a major fundraising effort for the company’s corporate charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support.

The team has already raised more than £23,000, with fundraising continuing ahead of the challenge. The ride reflects The Exeter’s ongoing commitment to supporting Macmillan’s work, which provides care, practical support and advocacy for people affected by cancer across the UK.

The Exeter has organised a range of...

St Bridget Nurseries on Sidmouth Road has been acquired by British Garden Centres, which is owned and run by the Stubbs family. The site will be renamed Exeter Garden Centre.

British Garden Centres is the UK's largest family-owned garden centre group, with 80 sites across the country. The aquatics offering will remain, run by Maidenhead Aquatics, opening in July. The plant centre will continue as a core part of the business, with plans to expand the product range, including the addition of furniture. The restaurant will also stay and is expected to grow over time. British Garden...

Gather 2026 returns on Wednesday 10th June 2026 at The Forum, University of Exeter, bringing together the Southwest’s most exciting producers, founders, hospitality leaders and industry change-makers for a high-energy day of insight, inspiration and connection.

Now in its second year, the Southwest Food and Drink Summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry, as businesses across the region continue to navigate economic uncertainty, global pressures and shifting consumer expectations, while also responding to new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth....