What's On in Torbay

Featured

Major Events

As you’d expect from an international tourism destination like Torbay, there’s an amazing calendar of exciting annual events to suit every passion and taste.
International Agatha Christie Festival

Agatha Christie is Torquay's most well-known resident and the best selling author of all time. Each year we have a number of events on and around her birthday, which falls on 15 September. Agatha and literary fans rejoice and find the right event for you to get involved with!
1. 11th Sept 201915th Sept 2019
England's Seafood FEAST

England’s Seafood FEAST England’s Seafood Coast will play host to a feast for all the senses between Saturday 22nd September and Sunday 7th October 2018. For 2 weeks you will be able to immerse yourself in England’s Seafood FEAST, eating some of the best seafood in the world and experiencing the very best the English Riviera has to offer. The heart of things Brixham Fish Market is at the heart of England’s Seafood Coast. It’s a good place to start your own personal Feast – take an early-morning tour of the only live fish auction in the country, followed by breakfast at Mitch Tonks’ Rockfish Restaurant next door. This truly unique experience gives a new perspective on the fish on your plate – it is hugely popular so booking in advance
1. 22nd Sept 20187th Oct 2018
Monthly Calendar
Theatre & Performing Arts
Family Events
Live Music
Exhibitions
Guy Owen at The Elephant

Guy Owen has been the head chef of the Idle Rocks in Cornwall since 2015. His menu champions Cornish food, and he works with fishermen and greengrocers to source the best local produce. By taking advantage of the local waters, Guy showcases not only the fish and shellfish close by, but also sea vegetables abundant on the coastline such as seaweed, samphire and sea pea. Guy developed some of his culinary expertise with some of the London's leading chefs, including Gordon Ramsay at his Michelin starred restaurant at Claridge's, Jerome Tauvron at L'Etranger and James Bennington and Bruce Poole at Michelin starred La Trompette. More recently and further west he has worked at Gidleigh Park under Michael Caines.
1. 27th Sept 2018

Highlights

If you are looking for what's on in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham look no further. Whatever time of year you visit the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, you’ll find lots going on. Whether you want to join the UK’s biggest gathering of pirates or you’re a super-sleuth fan in search of literary inspiration at the Agatha Christie Literary Festival, there’s something for everyone. With thousands of events taking place across Torbay, Devon, it’s hard to pick just a few. The coming year promises to be huge, with lots of annual favourites being joined by brilliant new things to do. Here’s a small slice of the action, but be sure to search through our what’s on pages to discover so much more.

What’s on in Torquay

If you want to know what’s on in Torquay, the answer is - a lot! Torquay is the heart of the English Riviera and plays host to a huge range of festivals for everyone all year round. There are many maritime events to watch, from the thrilling offshore powerboat racing to elegant sailing regattas. In addition to boats of all shapes and sizes, each event brings with it its own celebrations. That means you’ll find live music, markets, and fireworks ensuring a buzzing atmosphere in the town.

Family events

Brixham holds an annual event unlike any other. For two days in May, you can splice your mainbrace at the annual Brixham Pirate Festival. With events such as the ‘Mile o’ Pirates’ record attempt, re-enactments on the Golden Hind and fancy dress competitions, this really is perfect for families.

A newer fixture on the annual calendar, the Torbay Air Show has quickly grown to be a major one. A free event that takes place in June, the air displays can be enjoyed across the bay, or join the throngs at Paignton Green by the seafront for stalls, food, drink, live music and other entertainment too. Past flying displays that have wowed the crowds include the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon (this can be heard many miles away!), Battle of Britain vintage planes, parachute display teams, and of course the wonderful Red Arrows, flying the colours with a stunning show over the water.

Food festivals

With an abundance of delicious, fresh seafood landing in Brixham everyday, it’s little surprise that the English Riviera has become a hotspot for foodies. And there are plenty of events to celebrate our wonderful local produce.

FishStock takes over the streets of Brixham with an annual celebration of all things to do with the sea. Watch top local chefs, such as Simon Hulstone and Mitch Tonks, demonstrating their talents in the cookery demonstration area, take a tour of a fishing boat, or find out about the traditional methods of making lobster pots. Live music ensures a real party atmosphere, which combined with the delicious seafood draws crowds from near and far.

What’s on in Torbay all year round

Things don’t calm down in the autumn and winter. Many attractions open their doors after dark on Halloween, such as Paignton Zoo with its Ghoulish Ghost Trail. Stout-hearted visitors will be able to spot bats and listen to the music made by the creatures of the night. For a more festive adventure, visit the Model Village’s Winter Wonderland in Babbacombe and the Torquay Christmas Sparkle.

New and exciting events crop up every year, but there are plenty of annual favourites that will keep you coming back. Look through our what’s on pages to plan your trip.