| Regular Events | |
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Various Dates Through-Out The Year |
Devon Nature Walks
Devon Nature Walks was originally set up as Exe Nature Walks and started in November 1999. It is a family run business based in Exeter and the wonderful setting of the Exe Estuary. Their main objective is to increase the publics' appreciation of nature and help them to learn more about the flora and fauna of Devon in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere with like-minded people. |
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Various Dates Through-Out The Year |
A wide variety of shows, musicals, plays and concerts, see : |
| Various Dates March - October |
Newton Abbot Horse Racing
Race Meeting are scheduled on :
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| Various Dates June - September |
Royal Yacht Club, Torquay Events
Race Meeting are scheduled on :
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| Every Wednesday June - September |
Paignton Bike Nights.
Note : At the time of writing, the dates have not been confirmed for 2012. We will post the dates when they are available to us. "Biker's Night" is held on Paignton Seafront. Organised under the banner "BMAD" (Bikers Make a Difference). The bikers (Harleys to Vespas) pay £1.00 to enter the seafront. The entrance fees go to charities such as "Sick and Disabled Children and "Devon Air Ambulance" (£35,000 was raised in 2009 by "BMAD"). The first Wednesday of each month has a 'Bike of the Night' where one bike will be awarded £100.00. The last Bike Night sees the award for 'Bike of the Season'. Each night will have trade stands. Band nights to be confirmed. See also Paignton Bike Festival below (29th April - 1st May). |
| Long Running Events/Exhibitions | |
| 26th July - 2nd September |
Art on the English Riviera
Every year Art on the English Riviera showcases the very best of contemporary art and sculpture in the beautiful setting of Cockington Court Craft Centre and Country Park. The 2012 theme will be Art and Sport on the English Riviera. More details to follow. |
| 1st August - 2nd September |
Anderton & Rowland Fun Fair on Torre Abbey Meadows
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| Other Events | |
| 18th - 21st April |
Sleuths! English Riviera Festival of Crime & Thriller Writing
The scene is set for a delightfully devious celebration of crime and thriller writing on the English Riviera, as some of the country's most scheming criminal minds descend on South Devon's beautiful bay. Over three days the festival will host talks from eminent authors, murder mystery plays and crime writing workshops, in the birthplace of the greatest selling crime writer of all time, Dame Agatha Christie. |
| 21st April |
Open University Annual Awards
At The English Riviera Conference Centre, Torquay |
| 4th - 6th May |
Paignton Bike Festival
Live music, Bike Show, Arena Events & Trade Stands |
| 4th - 6th May |
ORDA Powerboat Racing
Annual event with 20 or more powerboats racing around the Bay. |
| 5th & 6th May |
Brixham Pirate & Shanty Festival
Hoist your mainsail and prepare to have your timbers shivered at the Brixham Pirate Festival. If you're looking for some serious fun during your holiday, then make sure you head down to Brixham in May. Here, you'll find more piratey fun than you can shake a wooden leg at - and you might even get to be part of a world record! The event is filled with things to see and do including live music, games, re-enactments, a spectacular skirmish on the Golden Hind and a fancy dress competition. There's even a Pirate Party Night to round off the whole swashbuckling occasion. If you're feeling brave, you can enter 'The Arr Factor', the festival's shanty and folk-music competition. Don't worry if you can't get to the festival; the Brixham Buccaneers organise Pirate Days most Thursdays during the holiday season and kids can join their crew for the day, getting involved in face-painting, balloon modelling and story-telling, and all with a pirate theme. |
| 11th - 13th May |
Dart Music Festival
Since the Festival's inception in 1998, it's eclectic mix of orchestral, rock, choral, blues, opera, folk, jazz etc., has won the hearts of both locals and visitors alike and become one of the star events in Dartmouth's calendar. |
| 12th May |
8Km Thatchers Rock Race
Annual race organised by Torquay Rowing Club. Rowers of all ages race from Haldon Pier to Thatcher Rock and back. |
| 13th May |
Race for Life
5k Road Race, starting at Clennon Valley, Paignton. |
| 20th May |
2012 Olympic Torch Relay
As part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route, torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame through Paignton and Torquay on Sunday 20 May 2012. A special welcome will be hosted on behalf of the surrounding communities and residents are invited to share in the excitement the relay will bring and celebrate the achievements of the Torchbearers on day two of its historic journey. Paignton and Torquay are two of over 1,000 villages, towns and cities announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) through which the Olympic Flame will be carried by Torchbearers during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, which is presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. Torbay has strong links with the Olympics with the sailing events of the 1948 Summer Olympics being held in Torquay. The Olympic flame was brought from London to Torre Abbey Meadows, and the closing ceremony was observed by over 10,000 spectators. |
| 1st & 2nd June | Brixham Heritage Festival
For centuries the port of Brixham has made it's living from the sea, and and in doing so, founded the trawling industry. The Heritage Festival offers residents and visitors the chance to celebrate this rich history that is unique to Brixham, whilst joining in the fun events. |
| 2nd June | Brixham Heritage Race
Sailing Trawler races in Torbay date from 1851. In 1914, King George V presented the trophy known as "The King's Cup". In the 20's and 30's the fleets included many big ketches, several of the famous "J-Class" yachts, and even the King's yacht "Brittania". The races were abandoned at the start of WWII, and it was not until 1997, and the creation of Brixham's Heritage Fleet, that the trophy was again offered in competition. To-day's regattas are sailed in five classes, with sailing trawlers over 40 tons competing for the "King's Cup". |
| 2nd - 10th June | GeoPark Festival
The annual Geopark Festival offers holiday makers the chance to explore everything this very special area has to offer. There are events for all ages that will appeal to everyone, from artists to dedicated foodies, and there's loads to do with the kids. The Seashore Centre, Kents Cavern, Berry Head and Torquay Museum all have something going on for the family during the festival, and at Occombe Farm there are exciting cookery classes available. Outdoor types might also like to explore the coastline through the Geopark Discovery Packages, check out Canoe the Coves or try out coasteering with Thrillseekers. |
| 2nd - 5th June | Queen's Jubilee Events
To mark 60 years of the Queen's reign, the Diamond Jubilee will take place in 2012. The celebrations will centre around this extended weekend. The English Riviera will be joining the rest of the UK in celebrating this wonderful jubilee with a range of events for all the family to enjoy. (Full programme will be added when available). |
| 2nd - 5th June | BrixFest 2012
BrixFest 2012 is a 3 day festival that starts on Saturday 2nd June to celebrate Brixham's maritime and fishing heritage as well as its vibrant present day culture. It replaces the long running 'Brixham Heritage Festival'. It is a 'not for profit' event run by local volunteers for the benefit of locals & visitors alike. Saturday - Nautical Fun & Birdman Competition. There are also cooking demonstrations from top local chefs, live music and sea shanties from a pontoon in the middle of the harbour, (floating music), Canoe & Kayak trips around the harbour, a sea swim round the breakwater, tours of heritage and modern day trawlers and a heritage sailing trawler rally and race. Not to mention lots of local food and drink to sample and buy! Lots of other activities too! Sunday - The Street - a street party in honour or QEII. On Sunday, Fore Street is turned into a giant street party in honour of the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Food, drink, music and street entertainment + a tea dance in Scala Hall. Monday - At the Seaside - for kids or all ages. Monday is for kids or all ages and takes the theme 'At the Seaside'. Every one can help build and decorate a giant sea serpent on Breakwater Beach, there is a crabbing competition and a treasure hunt - both with prizes. There is also an amazing 'imagination tent' (dressing up and story telling), X factor style Karaoke, mermaids, and animals from Pennywell Farm. Lots of other activities too! There will also be a photographic competition running throughout the event with prizes donated by local companies |
| 3rd & 4th June | Goodrington Music Festival
A brand new music festival being held in the beautiful suroundings of Youngs Park at Goodrington. The music will be performed from the park's new Bandstand. (Full programme will be added when available). |
| 8th June | Dawlish Air Show
The seaside town of Dawlish is a premier resort on the south coast of Devon and, with its glorious bay and a dramatic coastline, it's the perfect setting for the spectacle that is, "Dawlish Air Show". Each year this event attracts over 80,000 people to watch an array of aircraft take to the sky at this award winning air show. In a change from the Show's usual August slot, the date of Dawlish Air Show 2012 has now been finalised and the event is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 8th. |
| 15th & 16th June | Occombe Farm Beer Festival
Raise your glasses for the annual Occombe Farm Beer festival, which features over 60 real ales from across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. Add live music, delicious food, a beautiful location, some bemused livestock and a few thousand very happy people, and it's a winning formula. You even get a souvenir glass. |
| 15th - 24th June | Babbacombe Festival
(Includes the Babbacombe Regatta) A week-long festival takes place on Babbacombe Downs with stunning views across the Bay and the East Devon coastline. Events include live music, crafts, walks, bowls, the Babbacombe Corienthian Sailing Regatta, a charity ball, fish and chip day and the Babbacombe Fayre itself. |
| 16th June | Brixham Trawler Race
This quirky race in June is when the modern working fleet lets its hair down. Skippers dress the boats with bunting and battle it out on a two-lap course around Tor Bay. |
| 17th - 24th June | English Riviera Bowls Tournament
Following on from the success of previous tournaments, competitors, their families and friends will be welcomed again to the English Riviera. The prospect of playing on the greens overlooking the delightful settings of Torbay is one of the reasons many competitors attend year after year. Entries have already been good for this years event so a full programme and a competitive Tournament is anticipated. The programme for the week will be the same format to previous years with bowlers having the opportunity to play throughout the week. Don't miss the social events on Tuesday at Torquay Bowling Club and Thursday at Kings Bowling Club. |
| 20th June | Babbacombe Fayre
Now in its 46th year, Babbacombe Downs comes alive with this wonderful community and charity based event. Stalls, food marquee, barbeque, Tug of War, Maypole Dancing, stalls and live entertainment. |
| 22nd - 24th June | Teignmouth Folk Festival
The Teignmouth Folk Festival is a hugely popular event that takes place once a year and attracts large crowds with its wide variety of exciting entertainment. There will be concerts and performances, workshops, dance acts and even a 'meet and greet' with some of the artists. The festival takes place in various venues across Teignmouth, and weekend tickets will be available to purchase. |
| 24th June | Torbay Half Marathon
2012 will see the 21st running of this very popular seaside event and with demand for places steadily growing the race entry limit for 2012 will be 2500 runners. Early entry to this event is advised. The Torbay Half Marathon route is a traffic free two lap route which starts and finishes on Paignton seafront, taken in the stunning coastal views across Torbay. Starting with one lap of Paignton Green before heading towards Torquay, where the course will pass the historic Torre Abbey and by the Princess Gardens where you will start the return back to Paignton. |
| 28th June - 8th July | Brixham Festival of the Sea
To visit Brixham during the Festival of the Sea is to see Brixham at its very best. Centered on the famous All Saints Church which keeps vigil over the busy harbour and fishing port, it is a celebration of the culture and heritage of this historic place. All Saints Church made famous by the Rev Francis Henry Lyte who wrote the emotive hymn 'Abide With Me', is filled with martine memorabilia, flags of all colours and will resonate to the sound of hymns and possibly sea shanties in the wonderful event. |
| 29th June - 1st July | English Bridge Union Annual Convention
At The English Riviera Conference Centre, Torquay. |
| ?? June | Kingkerswell Summer Moon Festival (Date Not Confirmed) Beer & Music Festival at the Parish Centre. Eighty beers plus ciders and wines. |
| 1st July | Charity Fun Day
Fun for all the family on Paignton Green with Preston Rotary Charity Day. Lots to do including fairground rides, refreshments and Rotarys famouse cake stall. All proceeds to charity. |
| 6th - 16th July | Way With Words Festival, Dartington
Dartington hosts The Telegraph Way With Words festival, a vibrant and joyful 10 day event giving those who read books a chance to meet thoses who write them. |
| 7th & 8th July | The 39th Historic Vehicle Gathering
At Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter. The Crash Box & Classic Car Club of Devon are holding the 39th Historic Vehicle Gathering at Powderham in July. Hundreds of classic cars, bikes, steam engines, commercials. Arena displays, Craft & Autojumble, Beer tent, food. |
| 14th & 15th July | The Super Weekend
Torquay is "gearing" up for The Super Weekend. A celebration of all things Super! The weekend of 14th and 15th July will see stands and showcases from luxury brands such as Aston Martin, Ferrari, Porsche, Sunseeker, Mercedes-Benz, Princess Yachts, motorbike companies and other Super brands. This is the first time the south west of England has seen anything quite like this and we're sure it will be a spectacle not to miss. It is also a chance for owners to show off their Super stuff - if that is YOUR Lamborghini under the dust sheet in the garage... we want to see it ! |
| 21st July | The Sleep Walk
The Sleep Walk is Rowcroft Hospice's brand new night walk event for the ladies of South Devon. Rowcroft Hospice is proud to be planning this fantastic local fundraising event to raise the money needed to continue providing its specialist care. Rowcroft cares for over one thousand people a year who have life-limiting illnesses, and their families. The hospice is a local, independent charity providing a service to South Devon that is made possible by the amazing fundraising efforts of the community. The Sleep Walk is a sponsored night walk open to all ladies aged 12 and over. We want to see generations of families, gaggles of girls and entire female workforces pulling on their pyjamas and sleep walking the streets of South Devon. |
| 21st - 29th July | Torbay Carnival Week
This popular annual on Paignton Seafront is over 100 years old and promises to provide traditional seaside fun, including beach parties, face painting, waiters and waitresses race, live music, dancing, firework display and of course the fantastic carnival itself. The 2012 procession will be held on Wednesday 25th July in Paignton. |
| 29th July - 4th August | Torbay Open Tennis Tournament, Torquay
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| 29th July | Totnes Agricultural Showq
The Totnes Show is over 90 years old and is one of the biggest one day shows in the country! Inaugurated by the local farming and town communities, the show has certainly moved with the times, but one of its aims still is to represent life in the wonderful South Hams. Every year it attracts thousands of visitors, young and old and there is something for all. There are demonstrations, displays and parades in the Main Ring, the Entertainment Ring speaks for itself and there's even a sheep shearing competition. Sheep, cattle and horses compete for showing honours and show jumping is as popular as ever. Amongst a whole host of other things, there's a Home and Handicrafts marquee, a craft tent, a Food Hall and a large Trade Stand section offering a wide choice of goods and services. Tickets on sale at all English Riviera Information Centres from early June. |
| 29th July | Torquay Pedal Car Grand Prix
Watch the very competitive pedal car teams all striving to win top trophies in this 2 hour endurance race using nothing but ther own strength and fitness! Running along side this will be an arts and craft fayre, live music, demontrations including Belly Dancing. Licenced bar and catering tent. |
| ?? July | Pride Torbay
(Dates To Be Confirmed) The 4th annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Torbay Festival is a three day celebration of the English Riviera's diversity and stunning natural environment. Last year's event saw a variety of events including a giant pink circus (cirque du soooo gay), beach picnic with live music stage, a pool party, themed club nights, a boat trip, and much, much more. |
| ?? July | Riviera Classic Car Show (Date Not Confirmed) |
| 3rd - 10th August | Sidmouth Folk Week
Sidmouth Folk Week hosts many talented singers, dancers and musicians from all over the country. There are fantastic performances, interactive workshops and a variety of arts, crafts, food and drink venues. The 2012 Sidmouth Folk Festival will be held from 3rd to 10th August and promises to be another action packed year! |
| 3rd - 5th August | Torbay Steam Fayre, Brixham
If you have a love of steam traction engines and would like a nostaglic trip back to the past then the Torbay Steam Fair is for you. Collecting money for various charities there are also numerous refreshments stalls as you wander around the fantastic engines. |
| 4th August | Shaldon Water Carnival
A fun-filled combination of the carnival & regatta, and it's a great attraction for the whole family. Shaldon Water Carnival is a ridiculously silly day of fun and revelry that's been going strong for 50 years. If you like all the excitement and colour of a carnival and love the water too. The competitions and races range from the wacky to the traditional, with some outstanding carnival floats made and teamed by different groups of locals. The colour and diversity of the fancy dress floats creates a wonderful view on the water, and huge efforts and amounts of time are volunteered in the run up to the Shaldon Water Carnival to get the crafts seaworthy and looking their best, making it a real community event. |
| 5th August | Crab Street Party
The Crab Street Party is a celebration of South Devon Crab, with over 400 people enjoying a fun filled afternoon with celebrity chef, Mitch Tonks, and his well-known friends. The event takes place beside the beautiful River Dart, with an afternoon of crab cracking demonstrations, crabbing off the quayside, live music and tables loaded with the finest South Devon crab. There is also a McCrab contest to find the fastest crab cracker and picker in the area. |
| 5th - 11th August | Salcombe Town Regatta
Situated on the Kingsbridge Estuary, the pretty town of Salcombe attracts visitors for its excellent range of shops and location as a popular sailing harbour. This maritime heritage is celebrated every year in a colourful regatta. Regatta Week in Salcombe is packed with fun things to do and watch on and off the water. There are sailing events and competitions, air displays, processions and fireworks and even a sandcastle competition for the kids (and the kids at heart). For a whole week events are themed on or around the town's relationship with the sea, and there is always something for everyone to enjoy. The magical atmosphere created by the torchlight procession transforms the town centre and there is a carnival feeling to the whole regatta, but with a distinct South Devon twist. With planes roaring overhead during the air display you can expect to see performances by the Red Arrows and the awesome power of Chinook helicopters. From the expected to the unusual there is a distinct West Country charm to Salcombe regatta, with art, theatre and live music combining with traditional working boat races and rowing events to entertain you. |
| 11th - 19th August | Paignton Regatta
Paignton Regatta is a good old-fashioned week of traditional seaside fun, mainly taking place on Paignton Green. The packed programme of events features rowing, athletics, cycling, cricket, tennis, rounders, live music, RNLI and coastguard demonstrations, the Veedub Car Festival, fireworks, a fairground and a whole host of other fun and games for all the family. |
| 20th - 24th August | Paignton Children's Festival
The UK's longest running children's festival, Torbay Children's Week is now in its 66th year. This is a great opportunity for children to take part in all sorts of fun events. With games, competitions, magic and mayhem it's going to be a party to remember. |
| 24th - 29th August | Torbay Regatta Week
Torbay Week is fast proving to be one of the most popular regattas on the south coast. Sailors of all classes flock to the English Riviera, ready to pit their wits and skills against each other in exciting races, and the event regularly attracts national and international sailing championships. There are plenty of vantage points around the bay, giving everyone the chance to see seamanship at its best. Visiting sailors are warmly welcomed into the yacht and sailing clubs at Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and Babbacombe with the clubs providing post-race entertainment throughout the week. The challenges end with the traditional Passage Race to Dartmouth, ready for the Dartmouth Regatta the following week. The great thing for visitors is that, whether you're a boating fanatic or a real land-lubber, there's as much going on onshore as there is on the waves, for Torbay Week coincides with the Torbay Royal Regatta. |
| 26th August | Torquay Royal Regatta 10k Road Race |
| 27th August | Fireworks over Torquay |
| 29th August, 6pm | Red Arrows over Torquay
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| 30th August - 1st Deptember | Royal Dartmouth Regatta
The first recorded competitive regatta was held on the river Dart at Dartmouth in 1822. Other informal regattas were held in some of the following years leading to the establishment of Dartmouth Regatta in 1834. The regatta later to become the Port of Dartmouth Regatta and in 1856 the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta. The regatta has always been a major annual rowing and sailing regatta based in the Devon port of Dartmouth. Organised by a committee of local volunteers, the Regatta is held over 3 days on the last weekend of August. The Regatta is based around a programme of rowing and sailing events, but also incorporates a busy programme of activities including air displays, fireworks, a large fair, and many other smaller events that happen in and around the town centre. The Regatta is totally funded through voluntary donations and sponsorship. Nearly 100,000 people visit Dartmouth during the Regatta period, swelling the town's population of 6,000+ and making Dartmouth Regatta one of the largest public events in the South West, and the second largest Regatta after Cowes Week. |
| 2nd - 11th September | Totnes Festival
The 800th anniversary of the granting, by King John, of the Royal Charter to Totnes, was celebrated in 2006 with a program of cultural events that demonstrated the unique character of Totnes. The success of the event continues through to 2012. |
| 8th September | Brixham Fishstock
The rain stopped, the skies cleared, the sun shone and Fishstock Brixham 2010 opened its gates on Saturday 11th September to an appreciative crowd of several thousand seafood and music lovers. They were all showing their support for the fishing and seafood community of Brixham. Organisers are pleased to announce that the fourth Festival is set for Saturday 8th September 2012. |
| 9th - 16th September | Agatha Christie Festival
Each year, the English Riviera transforms itself into the murder mystery capital of the country, with ladies and gents in their period finery immersing themselves in tea parties, theatre, dinners on steam trains and vintage bus tours. Why? For the annual Agatha Christie Festival in honour of the Queen of Crime, who was born in Torquay in 1890. The festival is a fabulous occasion for fans from all over the world to congregate and celebrate Dame Agatha Christie's life and times. Round every corner there is a murder mystery: on steam trains, in spooky country inns, and in rambling seaside pubs. You'll also find competitions, book launches, exclusive events and even a birthday fireworks display. The official Agatha Christie Theatre Company perform their latest production at the Princess Theatre (2012 is Murder on the Nile) and Poirot is ever on-hand should there be a case or two to solve. |
| 25th - 29th October | Tobay Festival of Poetry
Over the years, Torbay Festival of Poetry has established itself as one of the friendliest Festivals around. The whole atmosphere is based round the ethos of good poetry interspersed with sociable breaks when poet meets poet, audience meets poet and audience meets audience. The ambience is relaxing and geared to inspiring everyone, poets and non-poets alike, to enjoy offerings from some of the best poets around: from new talented writers to established and well-known and loved poets. |