The This is My Circus festival takes place on 18-19 October in and around Castle Circus.
The aim is to revitalise the area through creative expression, community pride, and cultural collaboration — transforming underused spaces into hubs of activity, storytelling, and connection.
Community action days
Torbay Communities is hosting a series of community action days so local volunteers can work together to give the area around Castle Circus a spruce up!
Join in for an hour or two and be part of the community-wide effort to prepare our town for visitors to This is My Circus.
Work includes tidying up the flowerbeds around Castle Circus.
Upcoming sessions:
- Friday 3 October
- Tuesday 7 October
- Wednesday 8 October
- Tuesday 14 October
- Wednesday 15 October
Hi vis jackets will be provided.
Email Davina to volunteer: davinaluther@torbaycdt.org.uk
This is My Circus Festival: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October
Locations: The Strand, Fleet Walk, Union Street, Union Square Shopping Centre and Castle Circus, Torquay
Saturday 18 October
10am – gather on the Strand near the new Agatha Christie sculpture by Brixham based artist, Elisabeth Hadley
10:15am to 11am – Devon based The Hummingbirds Trio will perform the first of two sets of modern vintage swing from the 1920s – 1950s.
People are encouraged to admire the new murals by Paignton based artist, Zoe Curley on the hoardings outside the old Debenhams site and the old Mambo building.
They can then parade together towards Union Street.
Selfie trail and art installations
People are encouraged to look out for new art installations and selfie stops in empty shop windows along Fleet Walk and Union Street.
Artworks have been produced by the local schools collective and art students from South Devon College. How many selfie-stops will you make and share online? Tag in Torbay Council!
1pm to 1:45pm – Union Square Shopping Centre – The Hummingbirds Trio will perform the second of two sets of modern vintage swing from the 1920s – 1950s.
2pm to 4pm – Union Square Shopping Centre – internationally-renowned Torbay-based mural and graffiti artist, Szabotage, runs a stencil making workshop, free to attend and open to all.
On both Saturday and Sunday, from 10.30am to 4pm, two empty shops will be transformed into emporiums of community creativity! Pop by to experience art, culture, and heritage provided by: 75 Union Street (the old ‘Game’ shop)
Ellacombe Youth Group – Petal Power
Young people will design and run a creative pop-up shop, Petal Power, showcasing handmade items and artwork inspired by themes of growth, community, and positivity. The project builds skills in enterprise, teamwork, and self-expression.
Combe Pafford School – Future Frames
Students from Combe Pafford will take part in creative workshops to develop and sell artwork. The project supports confidence-building, creative expression, and inclusion of young people with additional needs in community events.
Torquay Museum – Castle Circus Time Machine
A visual timeline of Castle Circus' history, geology, and archaeology, drawing on Torquay Museum’s internationally significant collections.
This showcases key past moments – from civic ceremonies to its music scene – while inviting people to add memories and future visions.
A pop-up exhibition hub offers interactive displays and creative workshops inspired by local heritage.
77 Union Street (old O2 shop)
The empty shop will host a photographic exhibition called inDISPOSABLE, co-produced by artist Jamie Lewis Hadley, street attached people from the Castle Circus area and students from South Devon College.
This public art project uses disposable cameras to capture daily life and perspectives of Factory Row/Castle Circus residents, including unhoused people.
Inspired by My London (2016), participants become the artists, documenting experiences, challenges, and pride. It ends in an exhibition shifting perceptions and celebrating creativity.
Other things to see and do…
The Castle Pub, Castle Circus: new mural
Stroll up to the Castle Pub to see the new mural inspired by Castle Circus’ rich industrial and social history and heritage. The mural was co-designed and painted by Szabotage and participants from the Leonard Stocks homeless hostel, St Mary Magdalene’s church, and Endeavour House.
The Old Pharmacy, Castle Circus: new trompe l’oeil
Enjoy peering into the ‘windows’ of the Old Pharmacy where Torquay artist, Mark Williams, has made trompe l’oeil images that celebrate this listed building’s former use.