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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

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Reviews

  • What a great trip! - A lovely time was had on this trip on the train itself and then river boat - we had the river trip on the paddler which was just perfect - a coal fired train and a coal fired boat! Enjoy.
  • Fantastic trip - Booked this trip beforehand due to current circumstances. Good pricing, beautiful scenery on the journey, easy to get off & get the ferry straight over. Cruise down the river was also lovely.
  • Fantastic visit - We chose to do the steam train and river cruise and it was fantastic. The staff were very helpful. After using the ferry to cross the river we went to find somewhere to have a snack before getting onto the cruise. The commentary was brilliant and we were pointed out different landmarks throughout the cruise. Thank you Dartmouth Steam Railway.

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