Major Events

As you’d expect from an international tourist destination in South Devon, there’s an amazing calendar of exciting annual events to suit every passion and taste. Across the three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham there’s always something happening, so it’s well worth planning your holiday to coincide with these top events. Just make sure you get in early with those accommodation bookings!

What's On

In the Bay

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Pirate Festival

The annual Brixham Pirate Festival, 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.
English Riviera Walking Festival

From 4th-19th May 2024, the English Riviera Walking Festival will take over the Bay once more. Join us as we discover the hidden treasures from local guides in South Devon.
Geopark Festival

The Geopark Festival is taking place around the Bay from 25th - 31st May 2024. This week-long festival allows you to get under the surface of the Geopark, discovering the essence of the English Riviera, our culture and our history.
English Riviera Airshow

The spectacular English Riviera Airshow will return on 1st-2nd June, 2024. Make a weekend of it and stay over to explore all that the English Riviera has to offer during this fabulous weekend.
Electric Bay Festival

This dedicated open air dance music festival brings something totally new to the area, with the stunning Torre Abbey Meadows hosting the two-day event.
Paignton Festival

Paignton Festival (formally Torbay Carnival) takes place at the end of July, featuring 7 days of amazing entertainment.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

The most fantasmagorical musical of all time flies into Princess Theatre, Torquay for one week only! In a brand-new production of this much-loved family favourite, directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade), choreographed by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, The Bodyguard) and designed by Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat)this ravishing award-winning musical is bursting with unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and of course the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Torbay Pride

Returns 6th - 8th Sept 2024, for a weekend of inclusive family fun. Everyone is welcome!
The Agatha Christie Festival

Every September, the English Riviera in Devon becomes a crime scene worth some serious investigation, as we celebrate the birthday of our most famous literary daughter.
England's Seafood FEAST

In September every year, England's Seafood Coast will play host to a feast for all the senses.
Bay of Lights

During winter, the English Riviera plays host to an exciting event: The Bay of Lights! Taking place throughout Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the whole Bay will come alive with a flurry of illuminated events.
Train of Lights

The Devon Train of Lights is an illuminated festive spectacle guaranteed to wow new and returning visitors of all ages.

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Accommodation in Paignton, Torquay and Brixham

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Things to Do on the English Riviera

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Explore

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SUMMER FESTIVALS

The English Riviera Airshow is a high-flying highlight at the start of June, featuring breathtaking aerial displays over the stunning natural amphitheatre of South Devon’s beautiful bay. The weekend event is centred on Paignton Green, with lots of free entertainment for all the family. Of course, it’s up in the air where the real action takes place, featuring the very best in military and civilian aircraft. Don’t miss it! Get booking your accommodation now to find the perfect place to stay.

The annual Paignton Festival in July offers nine days of amazing free entertainment for children and families. Highlights include the Riviera Classic Car Show and Anderton and Rowland Funfair. There's also lots of fun and games and workshops for all the family, as well as stalls, food outlets and more seaside fun than you can shake a stick of rock at.

The UK’s longest running children’s festival comes to Paignton Green in August. Torbay Children’s Week has a packed programme of fun events, workshops and lively performances to keep the young ones amused. Paignton Regatta wows visitors and locals alike with a great evening of live entertainment on the stage. The majority of events are free or have a small charge.

ENJOY A TRADITIONAL WEEKEND AT TORBAY STEAM FAIR

Torbay Steam Fair is a quintessentially English affair with traditional summertime fun for all ages and interests. It's one of the biggest outdoor events of the year, taking place over 3 days in July and August with wonderful working steam engines, vintage and classic car demonstrations and military displays. Enjoy the refreshing beer and tea tents and the fascinating craft and model tents, packed with memorabilia. Situated on the outskirts of Brixham, there’s ample parking and good access via public transport.

TAKE TO THE WATER WITH TORBAY ROYAL REGATTA

The English Riviera’s sheltered bay is the perfect playground for water-based events and races. Torbay Royal Regatta takes place in August and is organised by Royal Torbay Yacht Club on Torquay harbourside. The festival consists of three days of competitive racing with over 100 yachts and dinghies. Visitors, locals and sailing spectators can watch the top-class racing from many vantage points along the stunning coastline as well as the spectacular fireworks display.

CELEBRATE TORQUAY'S MOST FAMOUS RESIDENT AT THE INTERNATIONAL AGATHA CHRISTIE FESTIVAL

Each year to coincide with the famous author’s birthday (15 September) the area hosts the International Agatha Christie Festival, attracting visitors from all over the world. Fans of the ‘Queen of Crime’ and Torquay’s most famous resident, can expect a varied and exciting programme including theatre productions, film screenings and literary events.

TAKE A HIKE AT THE ENGLISH RIVIERA WALKING FESTIVAL

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 family and dog friendly festival will appeal to walkers of all abilities who enjoy exploring the Great Outdoors.

ENJOY WORLD-CLASS SEAFOOD AT ENGLAND'S SEAFOOD FEAST

The English Riviera is also known as England’s Seafood Coast for the exceptional quality of the seafood landed locally in Brixham. England’s Seafood FEAST takes place over two weeks in September and October with a culinary feast to tantalise your taste buds. Various locations in Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton and Brixham serve up a range of delicious, gourmet dishes as well as unique seafood-themed events such as cookery demonstrations, coastal foraging trips and early-morning tours of Brixham Fish Market. So good - you’ll be hooked!

FEEL FESTIVE ON THE ENGLISH RIVIERA

The English Riviera’s mild climate is perfect for a break any time of year, including during the Christmas and New Year season. Brixham hosts Lights, Lanterns & ‘luminations in November when the town’s Christmas lights are switched on. Events and festivities take place around The Quay and there’s a lantern parade, plenty of harbourside entertainment and food outlets celebrating yuletide delights.

Torquay Christmas Carnival Procession will get you into the festive spirit with a glistening spectacle of decorated carnival floats. Father Christmas arrives at his grotto at Fleet Walk shopping centre to meet well-behaved children and grown-ups! The Christmas light switch on by a famous personality is a popular family-friendly winterfest.