We have so far published more than 1,000 news stories, features, investigations, community and culture previews, galleries, newsletters and special reports.
We work half of the week as volunteers and keep overheads low, serving 2.5 million page views a year to 60,000 regular readers on a tiny budget.
If you think what we do is good for our city please upgrade to a paid Exeter Observer subscription from less than £2/week.
163 of the 300 paying subscribers we need to break even have signed up so far.
We can get there with your support. We hope you'll join us today.
Documentary exploring the right to roam campaign for access to the countryside.
EXETER PHOENIX
SUNDAY 17 MAY 2026
Fore Street Flea 10th anniversary
Market returns for 2026 season with stalls selling vintage items, jewellery, crafts, clothing, records, food and drink.
FORE STREET
FRIDAY 22 MAY 2026
The Dreaming
Debut show from theatre company Thresh & Bray explores the convergence of personal experience, ancestral threads and nature.
EXETER PHOENIX
More stories
Green surge leaves Labour without council majority and competing with Reform UK for second place across city
Defiant Phil Bialyk says Exeter election results are vote of confidence in party which will propose own portfolio holders, leader and deputy at May annual meeting.
, updated
Exeter City Council 2026 local elections results
The votes cast for each candidate with vote share and party vote share change in each ward plus turnout, postal votes and the distribution of seats.
, updated
2026 Exeter local elections guide
City council elections take place on Thursday 7 May. Our comprehensive guide covers who’s standing where, wards to watch and the backdrop to this year’s ballot, which looks set to end fourteen years of Labour majority control over the city.
When, where and how to vote in the 2026 Exeter local elections
Our guide to casting your ballot in person, by post and by proxy as well as voter ID requirements and regulations for casting postal votes.
Help hold Exeter’s political parties and politicians to account during the 2026 local elections
Send us campaign materials as this year’s contest enters its final week so we can fact-check candidates’ claims and hold them to their pledges after the votes have been counted.
Centre for Cities finds Exeter economic growth and living standards performance among worst in country’s 63 largest places
Council leader Phil Bialyk celebrates rapid Exeter population rise but fails to mention think-tank findings on falling disposable incomes, declining living standards, low wages and unaffordable housing – or impact of student numbers on population figures.
Spotlight
Exeter City Council is about to seize the helm of Exe estuary maritime life: will it steer it onto the rocks?
Charges for waterways access are set to be imposed from the quay and canal basin to the coast under proposed Harbour Revision Order powers after six years of rising costs propelled by pursuit of Port Marine Safety Code compliance. They risk driving away craft of all sizes, from kayaks to yachts, while redevelopment threatens canalside land – but it’s not too late to change course.