English Riviera Geopark Festival showcasing the wonders of Bay's UNESCO status

The English Riviera UNESCO Geopark is being celebrated with its very own festival next week - with watersports, art and heritage events.

Activities and events are being held across Torbay from Saturday, May 27, until Sunday, June 4, coinciding with the half-term school holiday.

The annual festival is a celebration of the international significance of the area’s Geopark status and sees Geopark partners and associate partners hosting events such as coasteering, kayaking, paddle boarding, and a walking tour telling the story of Agatha Christie and her life in Torquay.

The aim of the festival is to showcase the wonders of the Geopark to both residents and visitors.

For those who enjoy walking, the heritage Christie walking tour detailing her life growing up in Torquay and how she became the world’s best-selling novelist and most successful female playwright.

Or join Berry Head expert Nigel Smallbones on Saturday, May 27, for a walk around the headland. Living and working on the nature reserve for many years, Nigel will be sharing his in-depth knowledge and insights of Berry Head’s history, geology, flora and fauna.

Heading underground, Kents Cavern is celebrating the English Riviera's prehistoric links to the coast. Visit the caves and learn how Stone Age people took advantage of all they could get from the sea.

Other events include a Living Fossil Trial around Torre Abbey gardens, visit Artisan Collective Gallery to view exhibition, A Celebration of Torquay: Works of Martin Dutton.

With a third of the Geopark below the waters of the Bay, there are also some amazing activities out at sea. Reach Outdoors are holding kayak, paddleboarding and coasteering sessions throughout the festival.

Meanwhile, Sea Kayak Torbay is offering a chance to go on a Geopark Safari out at sea with half-day and full-day tours.

Melanie Border, English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark co-ordinator, said: “This annual event allows us to celebrate all aspects of the Geopark and our UNESCO designation.

“When many hear the term Geopark, they instantly think of the fantastic Geoplay Park on Paignton seafront, but our UNESCO designation covers the whole of the English Riviera.

“Through our key partner sites and associate partners, the festival aims to tell the Geopark’s story from a cultural, environmental and historical perspective. All events and activities have been designed to show how naturally inspiring Torbay is, and how Global Geoparks are not just about rocks."

Nick Powe, Geopark chairman and owner of Kents Cavern, said: “Once again, our partners and associate partners have pulled out all the stops to create a fantastic programme of events that really celebrates both our UNESCO Geopark status and our wonderful natural environment.

"All of these fun, creative and educational activities align with the 17 UNESCO sustainable development goals, which have been adopted by Geoparks across the globe.”

For festival details, visit Events - English Riviera Global Geopark (englishrivierageopark.org.uk)