to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Visitors heading to South Devon's beautiful coastline in 2026 are invited to make the most of all the area has to offer as the English Riviera unveils its calendar of key events for the year ahead.
Carolyn Custerson, CEO of English Riviera BID Company, said: “2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the English Riviera, making it the absolute must-visit destination on the UK coast. With the spectacular 10th anniversary of the English Riviera Airshow and the Bay welcoming the global elite for the ICF SUP World Cup 2026, we are firmly on the international stage.”
The Agatha Christie Festival presents A Spring Gathering (11 - 12 April 2026)
Join best-selling mystery author Tom Mead and special guests Val McDermid and Abir Mukherjee for the second year of the Spring Gathering. Watch a live recording of the hugely popular Swinging Christies podcast by day then join the evening entertainment of live music, talks and an interactive game at Livermead House Hotel. This year’s Spring Gathering celebrates the launch of a brand new app, the Agatha Christie Digital Mile, with an opportunity to join a real life Sunday morning stroll along the Agatha Christie Mile in the Golden Age Costumed Promenade. The inaugural event was a sell-out so secure your tickets early for the 2026 event. More information on the Agatha Christie Festival presents A Spring Gathering can be found here.
All hands on deck for the 2026 Brixham Pirate Festival (2 – 4 May 2026)
Pirate enthusiasts and novices alike are invited to join “the annual gathering of the world's most infamous pirates and lowly scallywags" for a weekend to remember in the charming, historic port of Brixham. There’s something for everyone at Brixham Pirate Festival over the early May Bank Holiday weekend, including fancy dress competitions, children's activities, live music, street performers, historical re-enactments plus themed food and drink.
Fly high at this year’s English Riviera Airshow (29 - 31 May 2026)
Paignton provides the unique backdrop for a weekend of breathtaking aviation displays. The English Riviera Airshow is free to attend and brings the skies to life with some of the world’s finest aerial skills. More information on the English Riviera Airshow can be found here.
Step up for the English Riviera Walking Festival (6 – 21 June 2026)
Take in the scenic coastline of the UK’s only seaside resort with a UNESCO Global Geopark accolade by joining the English Riviera Walking Festival in 2026. With over 20 coastal and woodland walk options, including themed walks, such as literature and foraging, there is a route for every age and ability to enjoy the unrivalled geology, landscapes and heritage of the English Riviera.
Get colourful at Torbay Pride (13 June 2026)
Join an inclusive celebration of diversity, humanity, and equality at Torbay Pride in June. This free event welcomes everyone for a fun-filled family day out, including a unifying march from Princess Gardens in Torquay.
Be inspired by the ICF SUP World Cup 2026 (24 – 28 June)
A unique opportunity for paddle boarders of all levels to participate in races or a relaxed community paddle, alongside around 200 of the world’s top athletes. The bays of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham will host the ICF SUP World Cup 2026 in June, the first time the International Canoe Federation will host a SUP World Cup of this scale in the UK. As a spectator or participant, this is an accessible event for all the family and might just be the inspiration needed to try paddle boarding on the scenic English Riviera.
Follow in famous footsteps at the Agatha Christie Festival (12 – 20 September 2026)
This annual celebration of the English Riviera’s most famous author returns in September to celebrate Agatha Christie’s life, work and contribution to the Devon coast. The wide range of events during the Agatha Christie Festival includes murder mystery afternoon tea, exhibitions, talks and music. Take the opportunity to explore some of Agatha Christie’s famous characters, including Poirot and Miss Marple, at this fan favourite festival.
For the freshest catch head to England’s Seafood FEAST (dates TBC September and October 2026)
A chance for food lovers to experience the very best flavours the region has to offer at England’s Seafood FEAST. Celebrating all that the water around Torquay, Paignton and Brixham has to offer, this two-week event is a feast for the senses. Inspirational events include chef demonstrations, expert wine pairings, seafood safaris plus ‘catch and cook’ experiences all booked directly with the restaurants, cafes and venues participating in 2026.
Prepare to be dazzled by the Bay of Lights (November 2026 – January 2027)
As the days get shorter, the English Riviera transforms into a magical Bay of Lights, including the spectacular 1.5-mile Illumination Trail along Torquay seafront. Enjoy candlelight services and innovative light projections throughout the winter months in this breathtaking series of events.
Related
After the sell-out success of the inaugural Spring Gathering in April 2025, we are delighted to be able to invite you to our Spring Gathering for 2026. We are looking forward to sharing a day of murder, mystery, fun and intrigue with you all. So do please join us in celebrating the Queen of Crime with this exclusive and exciting Spring Gathering.
The annual Brixham Pirate Festival, with a crew made up of first-time brigands and buccaneers, held in Brixham, Devon takes place over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, is a swashbuckling mix of seaside shenanigans and pirate-themed fun for all the family. The Brixham Pirate Festival is a free to attend event that can only happen with the contributions
The naturally inspiring sky of the English Riviera is ready to host the Bays flagship event. From Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026, the skies above the Bay’s stunning natural amphitheatre will once again come alive with some of the world’s finest aviation displays. The airshow is completely free (although car parking passes can be purchased) and there are some great clifftop vantage sites across the Bay, as well as Paignton Green itself. If you are staying in Torquay, we would recommend perching up on Daddyhole Plain, while both Beacon Quay, Meadfoot Beach and Thatcher Point are also very popular.
Pack your rucksacks, fill your flasks, dig out your walking boots and join us at the English Riviera Walking Festival. Whether you’re a regular hiker, or an infrequent stroller, this new family and dog friendly festival will appeal to walkers of all abilities who enjoy exploring the Great Outdoors. Designed and hosted by an enthusiastic team of professional local guides and enthusiastic volunteers we have created an eclectic selection of half
ICF SUP World Cup 2026 From 24–28 June 2026, the English Riviera will come alive with the Paddle UK SUPER Festival and the ICF SUP World Cup. Set against the turquoise waters and sheltered bays of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, this five-day celebration of stand-up paddle boarding brings together elite athletes, community paddlers, and newcomers ready to try something new. This is a milestone moment. For the first time, the International Canoe Federation will host a SUP World Cup of this scale in the UK. It’s also the first since Paddle UK became the official governing body for stand-up paddling in 2023. The result is a unique opportunity for the UK to welcome the global SUP community, showcase world-class racing
The programme can be viewed by carrying out a diary search via www.englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on and on The Agatha Christie Festival website www.iacf-uk.org. Agatha Christie is Torquay's most well-known resident and the best selling author of all time. Every year Torquay celebrates the life and work of its most famous resident with a Festival, supported by the Arts Council of England, and this year is no exception. Over 10 days, packed with expert speakers and other features, the International Agatha Christie Festival will celebrate Agatha Christie and her astonishingly rich and diverse legacy.
ENGLAND'S SEAFOOD FEAST - Save the dates: 26th September – 12th October 2025 Dive into England’s Seafood FEAST on the English Riviera For seafood lovers, there’s no better place to be this autumn than England’s Seafood FEAST, a two-week celebration of our world-class, locally landed seafood. Taking place along England’s Seafood Coast, this event showcases the finest, freshest catch—straight from the boats to your plate.
Comments
Comments are disabled for this post.
Sign up for our e-newsletter
Order your free travel directories
Contact English Riviera Visitor Information
Submit your event
