Paignton Festival (Carnival Week)
On 26th July 2025 to 3rd August 2025
You may be surprised to know that Torbay Carnival has been running for over 100 years. It was originally held on one night - procession night - but over the years it has grown and it now runs over nine days of free entertainment for all the family.
Paignton Festival was previously known as Torbay Carnival. After around 75 years of the same name, the organisers felt that change is good. However, Torbay Carnival is not gone and forgotten, as the procession night (Wednesday 25th July) will keep this name. Despite the new name, they have the same ethos they've had since the event started, to raise money for local charities and organisations.
Carnival procession Wednesday 26th July
Reviews
- Harry Potteresque - Once on the platform we boarded the train (covid restrictions applied) and stepped back in time and themes of Harry Potters Hogwarts express sprang to mind! Brilliant!
- Lovely trip - The steam railway train is brilliant, the iconic click-clacking of the train was enjoyable to listen to and and the train ride had stunning views. The short ferry was also lovely (only about a minute or two).
- A big thumbs up... - A great time was had by all. The staff were really friendly and great at explaining. We took the steam train then hopped onto the boat where we spent some time in Dartmouth. It's a lovely touch that even the dog gets a ticket. The views from the steam train were so pretty the train and boat were both very clean and comfortable. A big thumbs up from us!