What's On in Torbay - Visit English Riviera

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February Half Term in Devon

Enjoy half term with all the family in South Devon. Entertain the kids this half term with lots on in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham
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Torbay Rocks - The Lionel Digby Collection - Torre Abbey

60s & 70s music memorabilia from the Lionel Digby Collection. Featuring the fascinating music memorabilia archive of local personality Lionel Digby. Lionel was one of the Bay’s best music and club promotors throughout the 60s and 70s and was responsible for bringing some of the biggest bands of the time to Torbay.
1. 12th Jan 201924th Mar 2019
Circus of Horrors

Imagine a brilliant rock show combined with amazing, bizarre & dare devil Circus acts, a stella light show and all performed with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek. If Quentin Tarantino had directed Cirque Du Soleil you would be half way there. The Circus of Horrors is back with a bang & a brand new show, Psycho Asylum which includes an amazing amalgamation of acts, driven by a rock n roll sound scape, a show that will have you sat on the edge of your seat when not falling off it with laughter. The almighty cast that stormed into the finals of Britain's Got Talent is now a West End & World Wide Hit.
1. 22nd Jan 2019
The Rocky Horror Show

Hot from a sell out worldwide tour and now having been experienced by over 30 million theatregoers across the globe, Richard O’Brien’s timeless musical masterpiece is touring an ATG venue near you. Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their former college professor. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, with frothy fun, frivolity, frolics and of course, those famous frocks. This thrilling show bursts at the seams with timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Science Fiction/Double Feature, Damn It Janet and, of course, the pelvic thrusting Time Warp.
1. 25th Feb 20192nd Mar 2019

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.