New harbourside looks strikingly like the old

Torquay harbour side's new look is at last being unveiled, and it strikes a remarkable resemblance to how it looked many moons ago.

The Strand 2024 boasts a Piazza-style promenade with the harbour 'opened up' with new paving, trees, and benches.

The Strand at the turn of the century was a place for promenaders as well. You can see the old Williams and Cox store with several other independent shops lining the road as trams pass by.

Ironically, that part of the harbour side today is destined for demolition in the next few months to come in the next stage of the Torquay Town Deal regeneration project, which will see the former Debenham and other buildings make way for a residential, restaurant/café, and even perhaps a boutique hotel development.

The Torbay Weekly has been able to compare 'then and now' and take a step back in time thanks to a new partnership with Torquay Museum, who are allowing us to use some 'Bygones' photos from their digital archives.

There will be more of the same to come as part of our new Nostalgia pages and section.

Above: The Strand in Torquay at the turn of the century. Image: Torquay Museum #DigitalAchives

Torquay Museum said of the old picture: "With the redevelopment of the Strand nearing the end, we thought we would share this beautiful view from the beginning of the last century. #DigitalArchives."

Meanwhile, the wraps coming off the revamped harbour were planned for Friday, November 29, to coincide with the launch of this year's Bay of Lights Christmas extravaganza for the resort.

An exciting opening night and a vibrant programme of live music and entertainment were promised for this year’s festive event.

Organisers have been working hard behind the scenes to make this year’s Illumination Trail and the surrounding Bay of Lights events better than ever.

For the first time, there was a special opening night with live local music and plenty of festive cheer. 

Live music acts will take to the harbourside stage from 6pm to 9pm, with performances from Razzmatazz Youth Theatre, acoustic singer and songwriter Emma Pick, and guitar duo AJ & Elliot. Everyone is welcome to attend, and entry is free.

Live music will continue to take place on The Strand from 6pm to 9pm every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening until Saturday, December 21.

Visitors can begin their Trail journey at Torre Abbey, where they’ll find a fantastic new Christmas Market and “Torre Abbey: Alive with Light” projection show, celebrating 800 years of Christmas traditions at the Abbey.

From there, visitors can wander through the enchanting Tunnel of Lights and stroll along the scenic seafront promenade. Finally, they can explore the vibrant harbourside, where live music awaits.

The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail is made possible by Torbay Council, The English Riviera BID Company, SWISCo, and the creator of the light displays, local company Future Technical Solutions, alongside the generous support of local sponsors. 

The Trail forms part of the Bay of Lights initiative. This incorporates everything from the Brixham Lanterns, Lights & Illuminations across the bay, the Christmas Train of Lights from Paignton, as well as seasonal events at local attractions, including Kents Cavern and Model Village.

Torquay’s inner harbour is joining in the Bay of Lights festivities with a friendly competition for the best-decorated vessel. Participants are encouraged to deck out their boats with vibrant, festive lights, creating a luminous spectacle on the water for visitors to enjoy.

Judging will take place on Saturday, December 21, with the winner receiving a £100 cash prize, courtesy of the English Riviera BID Company.