£9,000 raised as Offshore and Bays Festival may become two-day event

The Offshore and Bays festival may span an entire weekend next year.

Over 4,000 people flocked to the Banjo on Torquay‘s Princess Garden and raised more than £9,000 for the Torbay RNLI with this year's event.

A brief spring shower couldn’t dampen spirits, and once the skies cleared, the festival came alive with live music, local food and drink and a joyful, welcoming crowd of all ages.

Event planner Brett Morton said: “We are absolutely blown away by the support shown by both locals and visiting tourists. The RNLI are keen for us to expand the event to the whole weekend next year, and that’s a very real possibility with a Saturday becoming a family day. Save the dates now – May 9 and May 10.

This year‘s event marked a major transition, moving from its original home outside the Offshore bar and restaurant to the larger banjo area. Organised by the award-winning offshore team and supported and sponsored by Bays Brewery, the festival also benefitted this year from the support of Torbay Council and seed funding from the English Riviera BID Company.

Brett said: "We were concerned last year that our event had outgrown our spot on the harbour, but with the support of the council and the new, larger location working so well, we’re excited that we have room to grow for years to come."

Above: Offshore and Bays festival organisers cheers to success

Festivalgoers were thrilled to welcome the Torbay all-weather and inshore lifeboats, which sailed into Torquay Harbour from Brixham, crewed by dedicated volunteers who mingled with the crowd and announced the prize winners of the raffle from the stage. Also making a special appearance were lifeboat volunteers from RNLI Exmouth, reminding everyone just how vital these life-saving heroes are to our coastal communities.

Brett said: "Thanks to everyone who turned up, donated and celebrated. Offshore and Bays 2025 was not only our biggest year yet but also one with real impact, with £9,000 raised, thousands united and one unforgettable day."

Live acts on the stage included the Out of Tuners, Sea Eagles, Mafia 4, the Oo-De-Lallys, Harbour UK, Conscious Club and Hot House Combo.

Foodie favourites featured included Pig Apple's Hog Roast, Tam's Vegan Kitchen and the Offshore Seafood Paella and BBQ. The beer and drinks floated from Bays Brewery, Hunt's cider, Torbay Gin and the Devon Rum Company.