Bay of Lights to shine brighter after 2024 success

The dates of this year’s Bay of Lights have been revealed.

The 2025 edition of the annual illumination trail will take place from 28 November 2025 to 2 January 2026.

This year’s event will build upon the success of 2024, which welcomed more than 1 million visitors to Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham.

Torbay Council and the English Riviera BID Company (BID) say they are thrilled to announce its return and are promising a bigger, brighter event with new attractions and light displays.

Cllr Jacqueline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services at Torbay Council, said: “We are thrilled to announce that the Bay of Lights is back for a fourth consecutive year. The feedback we’ve received has shown us that last year’s event was the biggest and best yet, and we are eager to top that once again in 2025.

“It was fantastic to see Torbay come alive over Christmas with excitement and illuminations. Bay of Lights showcases everything the English Riviera has to offer and the hard work we are putting in to continually enhance Torbay.”

Last year’s Bay of Lights attracted 1.2 million visitors, which was a 37 per cent increase in footfall.

The council and BID said feedback from attendees and local businesses was overwhelmingly positive, suggesting the event’s positive impact on the community and local economy.

This year’s event will once again illuminate the seafronts of Torbay’s towns, featuring lantern parades, a steam train covered in lights, illuminated trails, carols by candlelight, and Christmas craft fairs.

A standout attraction is the 1.5-mile Illumination Trail in Torquay, funded by Torbay Council, SWISCo, and the English Riviera BID Company.

Other supporters included Big Wave Marketing, Torre Abbey, Exeter Bar Company, and FTS. Popular highlights along the route include a large light-up octopus and a giant glowing snowflake.

Torre Abbey will once again join the festivities with its special Alive With Light show, transforming the historic building into a canvas of projections accompanied by a soundtrack.

The spectacular visuals take audiences through the abbey’s history, from its 12th-century origins to the present day.

Carolyn Custerson, CEO of English Riviera BID Company, said: “We are delighted to announce the official dates for Bay of Lights 2025. Last year’s event was a phenomenal success, with record-breaking visitor numbers and incredible community engagement.

“Bay of Lights is quickly becoming a national ‘must-see’ event, and we are excited to welcome visitors back for what promises to be our most spectacular celebration yet. Escape your everyday life and experience Christmas like never before on the English Riviera.”

The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail is free, but some special attractions need tickets. For a full schedule of activities, event details, and ticket information, visit https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on/featured-events/bay-of-lights