Torquay's Castle Circus brought to life for all the right reasons

Torquay's beleaguered Castle Circus town centre area was being throw in to the spotlight for all the right reasons this weekend.

Community partners are coming together to celebrate Castle Circus and the surrounding area for a free weekend festival for all.

This is My Circus will feature live music and performance, murals, selfie stations, community stalls and pop ups, workshops, fun and circus-inspired celebrations.

It takes place in Castle Circus, Union Street, the Union Square Shopping Centre, Fleet Walk and the Strand throughout October 18 and 19.

The aim is to revitalise Castle Circus through creative expression, community pride, and cultural collaboration — transforming underused spaces into hubs of activity, storytelling, and connection.

The event is a partnership between Torbay Council, Torbay Communities and local community organisations, schools and businesses.

Local artists have been preparing murals on the Castle Pub, the former pharmacy at Castle Circus, the hoardings outside the old Debenhams site and the old Mambo building.

Coombe Pafford School is one of the schools that has got involved with This is My Circus. Pupils have put together proposals for improving the area with suggestions including creating more youth spaces, arts activities and public events.

They presented their ideas to councillors, businesses and partners at a showcase during the summer.

They also showed off handmade mosaics and crafts, which will be on sale in a pop-up shop during the festival.

Coombe Pafford pupils and Cockington Primary School pupils have also created art for the selfie stations, which will be painted by Mark Bell from Kick up the Arts and South Devon College students.

Venues for the festival include empty shop premises along Fleet Walk and Union Street, the Ellacombe Community Café in Temperance Street and Nexus Games in Union Street.

Visit This is My Circus webpage for details of events, venues and times: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/leisure-sports-and-community/this-is-my-circus/