Brixham welcomes £750k harbourside upgrade as Santa comes to town

Torbay is lighting up for the festive season, with a trio of events bringing sparkle and cheer to residents and visitors alike.

From Brixham to Torquay, families have been enjoying festive lights, bustling markets, and magical grotto experiences over the weekend.

Torbay Council’s £750,000 public realm improvements have transformed Brixham’s harbourside this year, with new benches, bins, seasonal planting - and now, dazzling festoon lighting. The new lights were switched on as part of the town’s annual Lanterns, Lights & ’luminations event, showing off a colourful display for the weekend before settling into a classic white glow for the Christmas season.

The two-day Brixham celebration, organised by Brixham Town Council in partnership with Diverse Events CIC, drew crowds for a magical lantern parade, live music, street entertainment, a bustling market, and a breathtaking fireworks display over the harbour. Streets from Middle Street and The Strand to The Quay were alive with festive fun, with stiltwalkers, performers, and families soaking up the holiday spirit.

Meanwhile in Torquay, Fleet Walk welcomed Santa Claus to his Toy Story-themed grotto on Saturday, 22 November.

Families met Santa, snapped photos, and explored a world of cowboys, space rangers, dinosaurs, and teddy bears. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Torbay Sunrise, the grotto also raised funds for Rotary charities, including Children’s Hospice South West.

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Gold sponsor Ant Insurance Services and local volunteers helped make the event a hit, with Santa set to return every weekend until 18 December and daily from 18 December to Christmas Eve.

Between Brixham’s upgraded harbourside, the Lanterns parade, and the festive magic at Fleet Walk, Torbay has kicked off the season in style, offering something for little ones, big kids, and everyone who loves a bit of Christmas sparkle.