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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

  • Stunning views - The views from the boat were stunning and the handy (and hilarious) commentary by the crew helped point out things of local interest. Loved it :)
  • Steam train - Great little day out - highly recommended. The boat trip up the dart was very good with the captain guiding us and the steam train was great for kids too.
  • An A+ family experience! - >Excellent time< We arrived at the station to friendly welcome and were greeted by a jolly bloke who gave us an upgrade to a cabin on our own which made us feel like Harry Potter! He gave us lots of info about timings and what amount of time we had been given to allow us to make sure we got back okay. A great time.

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