Your guide to Christmas light switch-ons across Torbay and surrounding towns
The festive season is getting closer and Torbay and the surrounding towns are preparing to sparkle with a series of Christmas light switch-ons across the area, featuring live music, fireworks and festive fun for all the family.
As the Christmas adverts hit our screens, festive treats fill the shop shelves and the familiar Christmas songs start playing, there is no denying that the most wonderful time of the year is getting closer.
This can only mean one thing - Torbay and the surrounding towns are getting ready to sparkle!
Here is your guide to Christmas light switch-ons across the area.
1. Bay of Lights
The Bay of Lights opening night has become a firm favourite in Torbay residents’ calendars over the past five years and this year’s celebrations are set to be just as spectacular.
The Bay of Lights officially launches on Saturday, November 28, with celebrations taking place on Torquay harbourside from 4:30pm onwards.
Visitors can enjoy live music and festive entertainment on the harbourside stage, helping to kick off the celebrations in style.
At 7.20pm, the lights will be switched on, illuminating the 1.5-mile stretch of Torquay’s waterfront with a dazzling display of lights and spectacular illuminated installations.
At 8pm, there will be a fireworks display to mark the occasion.
The event is open for all and free to attend.
2. Brixham Lanterns, Lights and ‘Luminations
Brixham’s Lanterns, Lights and ‘Luminations event is returning for its 19th year, promising a celebration full of festivity.
The opening night is taking place on Friday, November 20 and begins at 4pm.
The evening will see several primary school choirs perform and other live music acts, before the lantern parade, led by Drum Devon, begins at 5.55pm.
At 6.30pm, the streets will be illuminated as the Christmas Light switch on takes place.
The event will also be open on Saturday, November 21, for more festivities and live music, followed by fireworks.
3. Newton Abbot Christmas lights switch-on
Newton Abbot's Christmas lights switch-on will be taking place on Saturday, November 21.
The town promises a full day of festive fun, with traders and caterers setting up at 10am with balloon modelling, face painting and children’s crafts.
From 3pm, there will be several acts of live music, including the Taiko Drummers and Simon Prince and at 4.15pm, the Rock Choir will be singing by the clock tower.
At 4.45pm, the procession of vehicles including Santa’s sleigh, a hotrod car, several carnival floats and subject to callouts, a fire engine from Newton Abbot station will begin.
At 5.30pm, Mayor Cllr Louise Cook will take to the stage alongside Santa to officially switch on the town's spectacular Christmas lights.
4. Totnes Christmas lights switch-on
Totnes will be holding its annual switch-on in the town centre on Tuesday, November 24, from 3pm.
Bringing together hundreds of local people, businesses and visitors to the Civic Hall and Market Square, the lights will be officially switched on at 5.30pm by the Mayor of Totnes, Cllr Tim Bennett.
Across the town there will be several spectacular displays, including festive projections cast onto the buildings in Fore Street for the first time, adding to the seasonal magic.
On the day, children can meet Father Christmas at the Civic Hall and enjoy the inflatable snow globe, as well as plenty of entertainment and refreshments for all the family.