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
- Highly recommend. - From boarding in Paignton, to alighting the ferry in Dartmouth, this journey has to be the best you can take on the English Riviera. It all goes by too quick. Highly recommend.
- Nostalgic - We included a cruise on our trip and spent an hour on the paddlesteamer (the captain pointing out some interesting features and telling a few stories along the way). This was a very enjoyable day and worth every penny.
- Brilliant - Brilliant day out. We booked the train and cruise and had a great time. What's not to like; steam train, ferry river crossing and river cruise. Then all in reverse. Great day out!