Jim Parker: The day Torquay was given good 'press' - yep, you read it here first!

Must admit I’m not a thumping and high volume music man. More of the Magic of Manilow, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Whitney Houston and Will Young for me.
But that said, I simply have to take my hat off to the organisers of Electric Bay and headliners Fat Boy Slim and Idris Elba.
And to Torbay Council and its events team and local police for making it happen as well as the English Riviera BID Company for having the forethought of supporting the three-day festival. Besides bringing the seafront house down, the festival was a huge success story in so many ways.
More than 17,000 people partied the night away on Torre Abbey Meadows, which were record numbers. That didn’t take into account those gyrating on the promenade and sea wall.
It is estimated that the festival will have generated more than £2 million to the economy. Torquay, especially the seafront and harbour where the bars and restaurants must have had a field day, and the rest of the Bay, was buzzing.
Police and security firms reported only minor issues, which was pretty remarkable considering the numbers.
Electric Bay was also a great fit for the tourism company’s strategic direction with events, especially those sitting outside the main season, key to the future prosperity of the tourism and hospitality industry.
But for me what was just as pleasing as all those plusses was the Feel Good Factor that the festival brought to town and the good ‘press’ that came with it.
It was so refreshing to see social media platforms full of comments about what a great place we are lucky to call home rather than, with due respect, the usual deluge of miscreants and their wrong-doings.
I’m just going to sit back and revel in just a few from Spotted Torquay as well as share them with you:

“Just want to say that I visited Torquay over the weekend for Electric Bay and not only was the festival awesome but the Torquay is fab and the locals are amazing.”

“From recommendations on where to eat, the best places to park and sharing of suncream... you were wonderful to the influx of visitors. Our first visit to your town and definitely not the last. Thanks Torquay.”

“We drove down from Brighton on Friday and stayed in a b and b - never been to Torquay — and we absolutely loved it — festival Saturday — brilliant time and stayed after and then drove back.”

“We thought Torquay was beautiful — so much cleaner than Brighton where we are !”

“People were friendly and the restaurants we went too were brilliant.”

“We stayed at Kethla House and were very impressed — lovely welcome and we would definitely come back to Torquay.”

“Take my hat off to the organisers. I've been to and played at many festivals. And this one even though on the smaller side was brilliant. Queues moved, toilets were fine, etc, etc all in all brilliant. Will book for next year 110%.”

“Glad you had a great time. As a local I’m slightly biased but I think Torquay and the whole bay is pretty special.”

“Torbay at its best.”

“Brilliant positive post about our awesome town.”

“Torquay is the best little city on earth… How do I know? I’ve been everywhere else.. I’m here now right on the family patch!!”

“Nobody can tell me anything, I don’t read The Sun or Daily Mirror, I go and have a look.”

“I used to live in Torquay. And being disabled l found the kindness of the people overwhelming. It truly is the best place on earth, it really doesn't deserve the negative attitude it gets.”

“Love Torquay. I'm here on holiday and didn't go to the festival but there was such a great vibe in the area. My favourite place is The Apple And Parrot — off later for some metal!!”

“I am local and it’s so nice to hear positive reviews about our beautiful bay, so glad you enjoyed yourself.”

“Glad to hear you enjoyed our beautiful Bay — we are very lucky to live here and welcome visitors.”

“It's great to read to such a lovely review about my hometown instead of people dissing it!! Well done everyone involved.”

“So good to read happy, positive messages for a change.”

I could go on and on but these final posts sum it all up quite nicely:

“Thank you for taking the time to voice your thoughts, it’s a refreshing change to have some positivity! There is so much about Torquay that is brilliant and I’m glad you’ve had a great experience. I too thought the weekend was fantastic, there was a happy vibe around (I’m sure the weather helped) and lots of people just smiling.”

“What an amazing town I live in.”

Amazing it is. So all you moaning Baysayers out there — put that lot in your pipe and smoke it.
BTW, here’s to a bit of Will Young as well next time…..