North Devon's Out & Wild festival celebrates prestigious national award win

The UK’s biggest festival for queer women and non-binary people has put North Devon on the map for the LGBTQ+ community after winning a prestigious national award.

The Out & Wild festival, which had its North Devon debut near Abbotsham last year, was named Event of the Year at the Gaydio Awards 2026 on Friday, March 20.

The festival took first place from a shortlist of three at the fourth annual awards in a glittering ceremony in Manchester’s Deansgate Hotel, with celebrity guests. It included performances from X Factor winner Louisa Johnson, breakout girl band XO, viral music sensation MEEK and drag star Bailey J Mills.

Out & Wild returns to North Devon from July 3 to 6, its second year in the region and the fifth year for the festival.

READ MORE: North Devon festival for LGBTQ+ women is shortlisted for national award

It is self-funded and was founded by friends Polly and Becky during Covid to provide a space specifically for queer women separate from the more traditional Pride events.

This July it expects to welcome more than 1,200 attendees from around the world to its location near The Big Sheep, offering festival-goers various activities from workshops and wellness sessions to live music and comedy acts, featuring national and local performers.

Above: The Out & Wild festival offers plenty of activities and live entertainment for festival-goers. Credit: Out & Wild

Polly told the Gazette they were delighted to win the award for best event, especially as last year had been their first year in North Devon.

She said: “Events like Out & Wild are so important for connecting the LGBTQ+ community and providing a fun, safe and supportive space.

“Most Awards tend to go to events based in London, Manchester or Brighton. We are proud to host what is the UK's biggest festival for queer women and non-binary individuals in Devon, working with many local acts, suppliers and not-for-profit partners.”

The Gaydio Awards aim to shine a light on the grassroots heroes, local charities and community organisations doing vital, often unseen work to improve LGBTQ+ lives across the UK.

Kriss Herbert, network content director at Gaydio said: “Four years on, the Gaydio Awards continue to uncover the incredible work happening in communities across the UK that might otherwise go unrecognised.

“This year’s winners – from volunteer organisers to pioneering charities, grassroots media to inclusive sports clubs – represent the best of what happens when the community comes together to create change.

“We’re incredibly proud to be shining a light on those who make such a difference and we can’t wait to do it all over again for our fifth year!”

For more information about Out & Wild 2026, go to https://www.outandwild.co.uk

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