The Bay of Lights festival will take place on the iconic seafronts of the English Riviera, spanning from Torquay to Paignton and Brixham
Devon’s breathtaking coastline is set to be transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland in just over eight weeks. The English Riviera will light up with the return of the much-anticipated Bay of Lights this Christmas, featuring a series of sparkling events.
Running from November 29 to January 2, organisers promise that this year’s festivities will be bigger and brighter than ever before, boasting an impressive array of lights, entertainment, and seasonal activities for all to enjoy. The Bay of Lights festival will take place on the iconic seafronts of the English Riviera, spanning from Torquay to Paignton and Brixham. Each town will host its own collection of spectacular events for everyone to enjoy.
Event highlights include:
Train of Lights: This enchanting festive illuminated train journey begins at Dartmouth Steam Railway’s station in Paignton, where a steam train adorned with thousands of lights, both inside and out, awaits passengers. Attendees will be whisked through the 450-metre Greenway tunnel that leads to an enchanted forest, transformed by a multitude of lights, reports Devon Live. The stunning spectacle concludes as passengers exit the forest, greeted by the twinkling lights of Dartmouth reflected on the river Dart.
Illumination Trail: This Christmas, Torquay is set to be lit up with an exciting light trail as part of the Bay of Lights. Organised by Torbay Council and supported by SWISCo and the English Riviera BID Company, the 1.5mile long trail will feature Holly the 7-foot light up Octopus, a giant sparkling snowflake, a pixel palm tree, a Christmas comet and the ‘Instagrammable’ Abbey Gardens light tunnel.
New highlights for this year include an LED light fountain, 3,000 colour changing hand placed flowers, pixel pads and a giant walkthrough Christmas present. Santa In the Caves: Get ready for an interactive pantomime performance in the prehistoric Kents Cavern caves which will be festively decorated, ending in Santa’s Grotto where kids can meet Santa himself.
A Very Miniature Christmas: Head over to Babbacombe Model Village this Christmas and enjoy festive scenes during the day and night, plus magical illuminations with lots of Christmas sparkle and festive lighting for a magical miniature Christmas experience that will ignite imaginations.
Christmas at Greenway: Visit the relaxed and atmospheric National Trust house set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend summers and Christmases with friends, relaxing by the river, playing croquet and golf, and reading her latest mystery to their guests. Take part in the outdoor garden festive wreath trail, and guess the songs on each of the handmade wreaths.
Carolyn Custerson, CEO of English Riviera BID Company, expressed her excitement about the upcoming festivities: “We are thrilled to bring the Bay of Lights back to the English Riviera, offering a variety of festive celebrations that highlights the beauty and spirit of our coastal towns,” she said. “This year’s event is set to be truly magical, and we invite everyone to join us in creating unforgettable festive filled memories.”
The Bay of Lights Illumination trail promises to dazzle visitors for free, although some special attractions and events within the Bay of Lights will require tickets. For those eager to plan their visit, full details on the schedule of activities, specific event information, and how to secure tickets can be found here.
