Torbay’s English Riviera saw a surge of visitors over the festive season as the annual Bay of Lights celebrations returned. The event, which featured illuminated installations, fireworks, and seasonal attractions, drew large crowds across Torquay and helped provide a boost to local businesses.
The 2025 edition of the Bay of Lights introduced several new elements alongside returning favourites. For the first time, the celebrations opened with a record-breaking light switch-on and fireworks display, organised in collaboration with Torbay Council, the English Riviera BID Company, Torquay Town Centre Partnership, and Torquay Independent Business Owners. Residents and visitors gathered at the seafront and harbourside to watch the evening spectacle.
Following the opening, the Bay of Light Illumination Trail, created by local company Future Technical Solutions, recorded an estimated 27 per cent increase in footfall during peak hours compared with the previous year. Visitors praised the vibrant installations and the accessible layout of the trail.
The event also included a temporary ice rink at Abbey Park, sponsored by Willmott Dixon, which attracted more than 17,000 skaters over the season. The Christmas Market returned, and projections at Torre Abbey, under the Alive with Light programme, drew attention for their contribution to the area’s cultural offering.
Organisers noted that the Bay of Lights serves more than a festive purpose. It is part of Torbay Council’s wider plan to support local culture, heritage, and tourism, while encouraging economic activity throughout the year. By working with ERBID Co and local partners, the event has become a focal point for community engagement and visitor appeal.
Councillor Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, said:
“It’s wonderful to see the Bay of Lights continue to grow and become a highlight of the festive calendar. The positivity, warmth and community spirit it generates are always a joy. The ice rink was particularly popular, attracting skaters of all ages. I would like to thank our partners, sponsors, local businesses and volunteers for their hard work in making this year’s celebrations a success. Planning for 2026 will soon begin and we aim to make it even bigger and brighter.”
Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer of the English Riviera BID Company, added:
“Each year the Bay of Lights captures the festive spirit and showcases the best of the English Riviera. Attractions such as the Train of Lights, Santa in the Caves at Kents Cavern, and illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village all contribute to a festive experience for residents and visitors alike. We are grateful to everyone who helped make the event a success and look forward to building on this for 2026.”
The Bay of Lights is delivered in partnership with Torbay Council, ERBID Co and SWISCo, with support from sponsors including Willmott Dixon, TIBO, and the Torquay Town Centre Partnership. Local volunteers and businesses also contribute to the event, which organisers say is increasingly important for Torbay’s communities and visitor economy.
