Torquay's Illumination Trail damaged by vandals

Less than a week since the launch of the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, Torbay Council has been forced to introduce measures to prevent further damage to its installations.

The annual Christmas light display made its grand return to Torquay’s seafront on Friday, November 29, much to the delight of the town’s residents.

But shortly after the opening night, a small number of individuals have caused "unnecessary damage” to several of the installations.

The 2024 Illumination Trail, spanning 1.5 miles, features more installations than ever, including a new LED light fountain, 1,000 colour-changing flowers, pixel pads, and a walk-through Christmas present.

Torbay Council shared images of some of the damage in a statement yesterday, showing what appear to be detached fairy lights and knocked over flowers.

Above: Tree damage. Image: Torbay Council 

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are disappointed that a small number of people have been going around the 1.5-mile trail and causing unnecessary damage to several of the installations.

“Our ASB team are liaising with CCTV, the Police and other Partners, including the contractor to identify those responsible for the anti-social behaviour and associated damage to the colourfully lit attractions.”

The council has stressed that it will not tolerate such “mindless behaviour” and that action will be taken against those involved. 

Initial action includes introducing more proactive measures along the trail to prevent further damage, and encouraging any witnesses to report it to the Police immediately. 

The spokesperson added: “Our contractor has been working tirelessly to ensure that the installations are repaired and can continue to be enjoyed.”

The local contractor of the Illumination Trail, Future Technical Solutions, expressed its frustrations on Facebook. 

A spokesperson for the contractor said: “After several months planning and three weeks installing the Bay of Lights Illuminations in really bad weather, the pleasure of the switch-on has been quickly wiped off our faces.

“We’ve had several features damaged by vandals. One of the new Christmas trees on The Strand may well have to be removed because some disrespectful people climbed it. They also climbed the comet, pulled up the flowers, and climbed the Christmas present. There is also an issue with Holly the octopus.”

Above: Illumination Trail Comet. Image: MiraclePR

The spokesperson also claimed that members of the company have endured verbal abuse from the group of individuals responsible for the vandalism. 

Other reports claim that the displays are being damaged multiple times in the same evening. 

After a deluge of support from Facebook users, Future Technical Solutions released a later statement thanking the community for their support.

They said: “We as a team are overwhelmed with the support we are receiving from you and the decent general public. This has brought a smile back to our faces. We are doing our best to repair the damage to get everything back working as it should.”

Anybody who witnesses antisocial behaviour can report it to Torbay Council at 01803 208025.