Huge winter event to transform Torquay this Friday as Bay of Lights returns

Torquay will launch its Bay of Lights Illumination Trail this Friday, 28 November, with an evening of entertainment to mark the start of five weeks of festive events across the English Riviera.

Live performances will take place on the harbourside from 5.30pm, followed by the official switch-on at 7.15pm.

A firework display is scheduled for 8pm, launched from Haldon Pier and visible from the Banjo and promenade areas. Additional entertainment and a pop-up bar will be set up around Princess Gardens.

The opening night is being delivered in partnership by Torbay Council, the English Riviera BID Company and the Torquay Harbourside Independent Business Owners group.

The 1.5-mile Illumination Trail runs along Torquay’s seafront and features 17 light installations. Torre Abbey will host a projected animation, while a Christmas market will open from 3pm with stalls offering seasonal gifts, food and locally brewed drinks.

This year marks the fourth edition of the event. Organisers say more than a million people visited the trail in 2024.

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Events, Tourism, Culture and Corporate Services, said: “In partnership with the English Riviera Bid Company and local businesses we are thrilled to be able to bring you a fantastic opening night for the 2025 Bay of Lights Illumination Trail. Please join us on Friday 28 November for a free evening of family friendly entertainment ending with a colourful firework display.”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer of the English Riviera BID Company, said: “This opening night is an exciting new addition to the Bay of Lights. We’re pleased to have been able to co-sponsor this new event alongside local businesses and Torbay Council. We hope to see lots of people around the harbourside, taking in the light trial and enjoying the best of the English Riviera’s hospitality.”

A full programme of events

The evening will feature performances by Razzamatazz Theatre School at 5.30pm, local band Harbour at 6.30pm, and a switch-on ceremony led by the Civic Mayor, Cllr Barbara Lewis, at 7.15pm. A firework display will follow at 8pm.

Parking offers will be in place. Torbay Council’s ‘Pay for an Hour, Stay for the Day’ promotion will apply in selected car parks, and Fleet Walk car park will offer four hours of parking for £2.