Christmas Live Music Nights

Live Music on the Water

Trade the standard pub gig for a fantastic night of live music on the River Exe with our Christmas Band Nights. Setting sail from Exmouth Marina on selected December evenings, this popular night out combines talented local bands performing live on board with a smooth cruise along the sheltered estuary waters. Featuring a fully licensed bar stocked with West Country drinks, a warm, heated lower saloon, and open top deck space to catch the fresh night air, it is an exceptional, value-for-money way to get together with friends or colleagues for a live music night out this winter.

🕒 Cruise Duration3hours

📍 Departure PointExmouth Marina

All Fares (Over-18s)£14.00

Groups (15+ adults): £12.50 _{Click here for group bookings}

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Friday 20th November 2026Ian Boyd - Christmas SpecialA popular Exmouth singer and former X-Factor contestant. A seasoned professional sure to have you singing along to festive favourites.

Saturday 21st November 2026Special BrewA high-energy ska and 2-Tone tribute band! Packed with lively brass, driving rhythms, and classic anthems.

Friday 4th December 2026The Soul Train ExperienceGet ready for a high-energy Christmas night filled with the very best of Soul and Motown! This powerhouse performance will have you dancing from the moment we set sail.

Saturday 19th December 2026The DockneysOur final Live Music Night of 2026! Join us for a festive knees-up with The Dockneys, bringing you a brilliant mix of classic hits and Christmas cheer to close the season in style.

See more Live Music Nights here

Trip Description FAQs Recent Reviews Group Bookings

Trip Description

A Unique Live Music Venue on the River

If you are looking for a great night out with proper live music this November & December, step aboard for an evening that offers something totally different from the usual land-locked venues. As we sail along the calm, sheltered waters of the River Exe Estuary, our lower saloon transforms into an intimate, floating music venue. It is a brilliant setting to gather a group of friends, kick back with a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere of a live performance out on the water.

Top Local Bands & Great Onboard Bar

We host some of the finest live bands in the West Country, bringing fantastic energy and great music to the stage. To keep the good times rolling throughout the gig, our fully licensed onboard bar will be open all night serving your favourite local drinks. You can enjoy an award-winning ale from Bays Brewery, a crisp Sandford Orchards cider, wines, spirits, or hot teas and coffees served with a warm, friendly smile by our crew.

Cozy Indoor Gig Space & Top Deck Air

Our vessel gives you the ideal mix of indoor atmosphere and outdoor space. You can stay right in the heart of the action inside our warm, heated lower saloon, taking in the music behind large panoramic windows with views of the dark estuary waters. If you need a breather between sets, head up to the open top deck, wrap up warm in one of our cosy blankets, and take in the cool December night air under the stars.

Why Choose Our Christmas Band Nights?

Brilliant Live Local Bands: Enjoy high-quality live music performances from top regional acts in a unique floating venue.
A Proper Night Out: A fantastic, high-energy alternative to standard town-centre pub gigs for groups of friends or work outings.
Local West Country Bar: Enjoy chilled Bays Brewery ales, Sandford Orchards ciders, wines, and hot drinks served as you sail.
Warm & Heated Saloon: Enjoy the live performance in our cosy, heated lower deck or step outside for top-deck views.
Exceptional Value for Money: A complete evening out combining live music, scenic evening cruising, and a great bar in one ticket.

Our Christmas Band Nights run on selected dates in December and sell out quickly as local music fans book their favourite acts. To make sure you and your group do not miss out, we strongly recommend booking online in advance to secure your spot on board.

FAQs

The Music Experience

Question: What makes the Christmas Band Night different from the Christmas Boat Party? Answer: While both are festive and fun, the Christmas Band Night features a live local band performing high-energy covers, rather than a DJ. It is a fantastic choice for those who prefer the atmosphere of a live gig on the water.

Question: Who are the bands performing on these cruises? Answer: We host a variety of popular local bands known for their ability to get a crowd dancing. Please check your specific booking date on our website to see which band is scheduled for your cruise.

Question: Is there seating available during the live music? Answer: Our Band Nights are high-energy social events. While there is plenty of seating available on our lower and upper decks, the main heated lower deck is primarily a standing and dancing area to allow everyone to enjoy the live performance.

Booking & Suitability

Question: Is the Christmas Band Night an adults-only event? Answer: Yes. These cruises are strictly for over-18s. We operate a "Challenge 25" policy at the bar, so please ensure all members of your group bring valid photo ID to avoid disappointment.

Question: Can I book tickets for a Christmas work party? Answer: Definitely! These nights are a popular alternative to the traditional office party. Because these are one-off performances by specific bands, they sell out very quickly, so we recommend booking your group tickets as early as possible.

Question: What is included in the ticket price? Answer: Your ticket includes a three-hour cruise on the River Exe & live entertainment from a professional local band.

Facilities & Comfort

Question: Will I be warm enough on the boat in December? Answer: Yes. The live music takes place on our large, undercover heated lower deck, which stays toastie and warm regardless of the winter weather outside. You can always head to the upper deck for a breath of fresh air and to see the night lights of the estuary.

Question: What drinks are available at the bar? Answer: Our fully licensed bar is well-stocked with a range of local ales, spirits, wines, and festive drinks. We accept both cash and card payments for your convenience throughout the night. Please bring cash incase our card machine is out of signal.

Recent Reviews

Stuart Line Cruises

4.8

Based on 567 reviews

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dee W.

2 weeks ago

We had a lovely day and time. I booked this as a relaxing day from our adult kids. The cruises was lovely and relaxing. You can get tea, coffee and beer etc on the boat and it is a good price, the staff are friendly and welcoming, if you want a day out try this. Get there early if you want the top of the boat

Sarah E.

2 weeks ago

We had a fabulous boat trip with Stuart Line cruises from Exmouth to Brixham & back with a couple of hours free time in Brixham. The views were stunning & the onboard commentary really interesting & informative. Staff were friendly & helpful. Refreshments reasonably priced. The boat was dog friendly & despite the heatwave the lower deck was cooler & very comfortable. We even had a pod of dolphins following the boat for a while which was an added bonus! Overall a fantastic day out & great value for money. We will be back for another trip!

Kim B.

2 weeks ago

I did the day trip from exmouth to brixham/torquay. Incredible boat trip. Amazing value for money (if anything i think they should raise their prices). Crew were really nice and captain very knowledgeable telling you facts along the coast. Lasted 7 hours in total. The boat itself has indoor and outside seating. You could choose to get off at torquay or brixham. You have about 3 hours in torquay or 2 hours in brixham. I got off at brixham and you can follow the path to the right of the harbour and 10 min walk to Fishcombe cove if you want a hidden cove for a swim. Easy access although there are about 20-30 steps. Great little trip and thoroughly recommend. Will check out more of their trips!

Ade W.

2 weeks ago

This was our second trip with Stuart Line Cruise's. We did the trip to Brixham as we've never been there before. We had commentary during the cruise around the coast which was very good.We were lucky enough to see dolphins just past Dawlish.The staff were pleasant and friendly. A lovely day out and a hot one as well.

Andrea H.

4 weeks ago

Lovely boat tour- we did the mini coastal cruise. Very well kept boat, friendly staff. Informative tour without being boring. Took us close to the kittiwake nest ground without being intrusive. Lots of space to move around, bar and toilets ( but didn't test these). Space for wheelchairs.

Stuart W.

4 weeks ago

Brilliant experience going out on the mini cruise, the kids (4 & 8) loved it as it was their first time on a boat and now cant wait to do it again!
The crew were really friendly, came and took orders for drinks and snacks which was nice as we could enjoy the views and commentary from the captain without leaving our seats. The boat and toilets were clean and we found it really good value for money!!

Claire B.

1 month ago

Stuart Line hosted the Exmouth Art Group’s 80th anniversary celebration cruise on Tuesday. We had a wonderful and fun evening in the glorious late sunshine & all the staff were professional, cheerful, helpful & friendly. Thank you very much from all at the Exmouth Art Group

Patricia M.

3 months ago

This is a brilliant experience. I have booked a few outings with the Stuart line in all weathers and it's always great. The staff are amazing and the coastline/river is so different when seen from the water. And when the weather isn't cooperating properly, the boats facilities are fantastic. We always have our dog with us as well, who is made just as welcome. Highly recommend

Bob H.

3 months ago

Always try to have a trip with them, have done the jurassic coast trip, river Exe trip and did the Torquay and Brixham yesterday 28/05/26. Cant fault any of these for the money charged, we paid £16 each yesterday for a trip that lasted from 11am through to 18:30 in the evening, with 2 hours on shore in Brixham, plus the bonus of seeing dolphins on the way back, hence the later than expected arrival back in Exmouth. Crew really helpfull and knowledgeable about the area. Definitely will go again as relaxing day out.

Roo

7 months ago

Such a great day! Went on the winter birds cruise today and it was brilliant. The person doing the commentary on the birds (sorry I forgot their name) was super knowledgeable and the trip was all round fantastic, the small bar is also very reasonably priced! Saw a peregrine falcon chasing a flock of avocets - absolutely majestical! Cant recommend highly enough, the work they are doing for nature and conservation of the river mouth is really awesome. Hats off.

Mark

9 months ago

Had another fabulous BirdWatching Cruise on 02/12/25 with a day of clear blue skies and a fabulous array of wonderful wildlife on the Exe. As per previous trips the crew and guide were excellent and made for 3 hours of a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching experience. The hot chocolate and pasty was most welcome and I can’t recommend these cruises enough and they offer terrific value as well.

Mel P.

9 months ago

We had a fabulous guided bird watching trip today. The weather was superb as was The Pride of Exmouth, all the staff and our bird guider for the trip. Stuart Lines really do think of everything to make sure everyone has a great experience . 5 stars from us. Thank you

Group Bookings

Stuart Line Cruises would like to extend a very warm welcome to group organisers, tour operators and couriers. Allow us to share with you some fantastic excursion ideas, which are specially designed for groups of 15 people or more with suggested itineraries at special discounted rates.

Stuart Line Cruises is an award-winning, family-run business, operating on the River Exe and along the East Coast and South Devon coastlines, from the traditional seaside town of Exmouth, in Devon.

Now running over 50 years, we passionately believe that the River Exe and nearby coastlines of the Jurassic Coast and English Riviera are unrivaled in terms of history, beauty and wildlife and cannot wait to share them with you.

If you are interested in taking this cruise as part of a group, please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you.