Paignton Festival

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

Highlights include The Party on the Green, children's entertainment, sporting events, the Paignton Festival Royalty competition, a funfair, firework display and the carnival procession itself. Centred around Paignton Green, this event has been running for over 100 years, growing from a simple procession, into a substantial family festival. And best of all, the vast majority of events are absolutely free, although please consider making a donation, as the team support some deserving local charities.

Party on the Green

Each year the festival kicks off with an amazing music party on Paignton Green. Over recent years, they have welcomed to the stage to likes of Heatwave, Luke Friend, Nathan Moore from Brother Beyond, Odyssey, Jagmac and Pink Angels, as well as the cream of local bands and talent. Expect stalls, a licensed bar, Anderton and Rowlands Funfair and a stunning fireworks finale. The event is absolutely free to attend. 

Daily Fun

The fun, games and entertainment continue daily throughout the festival and includes the Beverly Park Holidays Entertainment Team, dance demonstrations and workshops, tribute acts, the Princesses and Prince Competition, fancy dress competitions, The Gunge Pool, game shows, Punch and Judy shows and arts, crafts and theatre workshops. 

Drive Time

Paignton Festival also incorporates two popular events for car enthusiasts. Torbay Old Wheels Classic Car Show arrives on the green on the first Sunday of the festival, with entry for pedestrian visitors by voluntary donation (supporting the Paignton Festival charities). Each year there are hundreds of vintage, classic and exotic vehicles on display, making an impressive and fascinating sight for fans of four-wheeled fun. Closing the festival, Dubs at the Beach sees Paignton Green packed with VW Beetles and other treats for Volkswagen fans, with enthusiasts travelling from across the UK. They even organise an auto part 'jumble sale'.  

Torbay Carnival Procession

The highlight of the entire festival remains the procession itself, with colourful floats, marching bands, majorettes and lots of walking entries taking part in imaginative fancy dress. The procession starts and finishes on the green and lasts a couple of hours, with prizes awarded for the most creative entries. It's a wonderful atmosphere for all the family, with the entertainment and funfair continuing into the night. Don't forget to bring a few pennies to support the charities.