Christmas Live Music Nights

Live Music, Unique Venue!

Live music in Exmouth reaches a whole new level with our Live Music Night Boat Trips!

These gigs are perfect for everyone who loves the South West local music scene but wants to mix it up in our totally unique venue complete with bar and changing views! Sailing on our Pride of Exmouth, it will be you, the band and other music lovers - dancing and singing the night away to your favourite local bands!

We all love these cruises as there’s always a fantastically warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Cruise Duration: 3hours
Departure Point: Exmouth Marina
All Fares: £14.00 (over-18s only)

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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 2026The ReggaskasAn eight-piece band with a unique but cheeky reggae ska vibe! Female fronted with a lively brass section.

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

Our unique floating venue provides the perfect combination of a great setting, great company, and of course great live music. We have been supporting our local music scene in the South West since before 2018 with our intimate venue setting and each event is always a hit. With music tailoring for all, we definitely have something for everyone.

Loaded with a fully stocked and competitively priced bar, we sail out at 19:30pm surrounded by stunning views and beautiful sunsets before returning you ashore for 22:30pm.

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 510 reviews

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Mark

21:47 05 Dec 25

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.

17:16 03 Dec 25

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

Derek M.

21:02 19 Nov 25

I attended an excellent Stuart Line guided bird watching cruise from Exmouth to Topsham and back. The Pride of Exmouth was in superb condition, the ornithologist's commentary and interaction with visitors was great, the crew members were helpful and friendly, the range of refreshments was excellent and the bathroom facilities were better than any I've seen on similar boats. Exmouth and the River Exe are beautiful places to visit at any time, but the thousands of migratory birds (and a few seals) are an added attraction always worth seeing over the winter. The cruise was not expensive and better than good value for money.

I have no hesitation in recommending a trip with Stuart Line Cruises if you want to enjoy a relaxing experience in beautiful surroundings.

Michael C.

21:04 12 Nov 25

Had a wonderful cruise down the river Exe today on the Pride Of Exmouth which is run by Stuart Line Cruises.
Very lucky to find something to do that's open or still operating in the winter. Adult price was less than £10 absolute bargain. The cruise itself was around one and half hours.
On board there is a heated cabin and an open air deck above. Toilets are also on board as is a little gift section by the cafe which has a licenced bar.
As its winter we indulged in a hot mince pie and mulled wine. A big thankyou to all the great staff and the captain. All in all great value for money with an outstanding professional company.

Henry J.

19:24 08 Oct 25

Stuart Line were absolutely fantastic! From the moment we contacted the office to the actual event, the team could not have done any more for us. Amanda in the office is an absolute gem to work with.
On the day, the boats arrived for our wedding on time, they were clean and the staff were impeccable! They were playing the music we'd requested and the whole journey was seamless. Our guests had a fabulous time and very much enjoyed the prosecco we purchased through Stuart Line.
The bees knees of wedding transport! I would give more stars if I could!

Elaine H.

11:32 30 Sep 25

We booked a short trip on the Tudor Rose to scatter my husband's ashes at sea, and his mum's ashes too. We were well looked after by Will and Kev who made sure we knew what we were doing and were so friendly. We had 4 small children with us, who loved the trip and it was so much nicer than an ordinary funeral. We scattered the ashes with petals and roses and the children blew bubbles - a lovely way for them to say goodbye to their grandad who loved the sea and boats and especially Budleigh Salterton. We then raised a glass to Geoff and Buddy and the children had ice-cream. We were lucky with the weather too, a great tribute and fitting way to remember them both.
Thank you Will and Kev, and Amanda who helped us to make the arrangements. I can't recommend Stuart Line Cruises highly enough.

A Google U.

11:32 30 Sep 25

David P.

18:03 20 Sep 25

Had a wonderful cruise along the coast complete with cream tea. Scones were already loaded with cream and jam yes, but I can,t see how you could do it yourself on bouncing boat at sea. Very informative commentary. All crew were very happy and helpful. Can,t wait to visit again for another trip. Thanks for a lovely afternoon! I even got a September sun tan

Georgina C.

20:36 03 Sep 25

Second time we did a trip and it was as good as the first.
Very easy to book and very organised. The captain gave us a good commentary on the way out. The facilities on board are good. There is a bar serving hot and cold drinks and snacks (crisps/choc bars). You can go and get them yourselves or wait for someone to come and take your order.
We were on the upper deck which was outside and were given blankets and umbrellas as the weather was a bit changeable. You could also go inside where it was dry and warmer.
I really recommend them for a lovely day out.

Joanne R.

11:33 07 Aug 25

We booked a private Cruise for the Exetraordinary Women WI Summer Party and had the most amazing evening. The booking process with Amanda was so smooth and professional and nothing was too much trouble. The catering options were very good and we went for the BBQ. It was all cooked fresh on the boat and was excellent with great quality burger, sausage and salad. There were even leftovers so people could have seconds. The vegetarian option was just as good and everyone was so pleased for the price. The bar staff were very efficient and the bottles of wine came out chilled all night - perfect.
Overall we had an amazing night and are looking to book next year as it was such a success and would certainly recommend them for a great evening cruise.

Maria C.

20:15 04 Aug 25

Great day out.
Be warned. They prepare the cream tea before and serve it already loaded with jam and cream. I asked for mine to have only a little cream and I would like to do it myself. The response I got from the member of staff was that they don’t have time to serve it like that. I explained nicely that I’m a bit fussy but she did get a bit frustrated. I did get the spare scone with just jam on and it was absolutely delicious. Our party of four had a great time and loved it.
Customer service was just a bit rude by one member with my requirements.

Lucy W.

22:27 25 Jul 25

I have been on 3 different trips this year so far and each was great.
The staff are always welcoming and get the balance between being friendly and still professional.

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.