What's Going On In South Devon | The Downs Hotel Babbacombe

The English Riviera is never short of things to do and there are events taking place throughout the year in fact there is something happening within The Bay almost every week of the year. It is impossible to list them all but it would be safe to say there is something for everyone.

We have included a link to the English Riviera 'What's On' page which includes dates and details of all the major events and a great deal of other exciting things happening across the Bay throughout the year, but to give you an idea here are a few of our local favourites.

Babbacombe Festival - This takes place across Babbacombe and St Marychurch in June and lasts between a week and 10 days. It raises tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and raises community awareness. It can include anything from small craft fayres and exhibitions up to the major events held on The Downs like the Rotary Fayre and even the sailing regatta out in the Bay. There are many organisations represented throughout the festival with live music performances, proms and functions. Also included in the festival is Torbay Armed Forces day where the Armed Forces take over The Downs. You can see armoured vehicles and helicopters, try your hand at rock climbing, enjoy the marching band and marvel at the air display which is always the climax.

St Marychurch Christmas Fayre - A fantastic festive event where charities, organisations and businesses raise money and showcase their products and services. Entertainment and live music from local bands to the Babbacombe Ukulele players perform on the stage and local schools sing all your favourite carols throughout the precinct. Thousands can tun out to this and it's ideal to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Babbacombe Model Village - The Model village never misses an opportunity to celebrate and lay on something special for the visitors. During the summer you see the spectacular illuminations and if you get a return pass so can see it all in daylight then return when it gets dark to see the illuminations in all their splendour.

Halloween brings the ghosts, ghouls and giant spiders. You can take the candle lit tour of the hidden areas of the village and hear all the spooky tales from the scariest of tour guides.

At Christmas you can visit Santa in his grotto and he may give you an early Christmas present. The rest of the village looks spectacular because whatever the weather - on the other side of the wall it always snows at Christmas in the Model Village.

Brixham Pirate Festival - World record breaking festival with more pirates than you will see anywhere else in the world

Paignton BMAD weekend - Thousands of bikers from all around Britain gather on Paignton Green to raise money for charity. Something for everyone with stalls exhibits and loads of live music

Rotary Pedal car race - Madness not to be missed as grown men pedal round and round Torre Abbey Meadow in a toy car for 2 hours. It's meant to be for charity but we reckon they just do it for the glory.

Power Boat Racing - Regular visits from the international power boat tours with all the glitz and glamour that comes with them.

Shaldon Bonfire and Fireworks Display - Set in the natural amphitheatre of the teign estuary this is an event not to be missed. The villagers of Shaldon create an atmosphere and welcome you only find in small communities such as theirs. From the fire lighting ceremony with ritual that dates back long before Guy Fawkes to the fireworks extravaganza finale you will be enthralled.

Agatha Christie Festival - This is a Riviera wide festival which covers all things Agatha. From local theatres putting on productions by Torquay's most famous resident to taking part in your own 'who dunnit', there is always something happening. You can find out about the lady herself by visiting her home at Greenway Mansion by boat or vintage bus and take in one of the many events spread across the Riviera staged in her honour

Torquay Winter Carnival and Paignton Summer Carnival - All the usual events and parades you would expect from a carnival but with one in the sunshine and one in the moonlight.

Torquay Christmas light and firework extravaganza - entertainment and activities for all the Family with live music and the odd celebrity stretching from the harbourside all the way up Fleet Walk culminating with an spectacular firework display and a celebrity light switch on.

Red Arrows Display – the awesome Red Arrows flying over Torquay with their usual mix of precision and death defying stunts. What sets Torquay apart is that because of the geography of the town you can view them from angles you would never usually see. Look down into the cockpit from Vane Hill as they streak below you or look up into the cockpit from Daddyhole Plain as they bank and roll only feet above your head.

Local events