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!
Festivals Galore in May
In May head to the English Rivera Bike Festival along with motorbike enthusiasts from all over the country. See some impressive bike stunts and a remarkable display of 100’s of motorcycles including Harley Davidsons, lined up along Paignton Esplanade. Chat to the bike owners, enjoy a selection of locally-sourced ales and ciders in the beer tent or wander around the stalls selling top brands and merchandise on Paignton Green. There’ll be live bands playing throughout the weekend to add to the friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Brixham also has its fair share of big summer events. Brixham Pirate Festival in May offers a mix of seafarin' shenanigans and swashbuckling adventures, with pirates as far as the eyes can see. Expect live music, theatrical performances, art activities, period re-enactors and lots of live music, from shanties to original pirate material. Also in May, BrixFest is a three-day festival featuring live music, cooking demos, craft activities, crabbing competitions, a Dragon Boat Challenge, Children's Day and a spectacular firework display.
VE Day anniversary events take place in Brixham during the weekend of 8th May 2020 to mark 75 years since the end of World War II conflict in Europe. A VE Day Parade is planned, led by Scottish Pipers alongside the Royal British Legion and South-West based military and civilian groups. Events include 1940’s film screenings, street entertainment with musical performances, free guided walking tours, historical re-enactments, military displays and much more.
Summer Festivals in Paignton
The English Riviera Airshow is a high-flying highlight at the start of June, featuring breath-taking 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. One of the bay’s largest family-friendly festivals.
The annual Paignton Festival in July offers nine days of amazing free entertainment for children and families. Highlights include the Riviera Classic Car Show, Anderton and Rowland Funfair, Paignton Carnival and a huge firework display. 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. After dark Paignton Regatta Fireworks wows visitors and locals alike with a great evening of live entertainment on the stage and one of the bay’s largest firework displays that can be seen in the surrounding towns. The majority of events are free or have a small charge.
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.
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.
2020 is a special year for literary fans, as it marks 100 years since the publication of Agatha Christie’s first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920). 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.
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.
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