The English Riviera sparkled brighter than ever this festive season with the return of the annual Bay of Lights celebrations!

Thousands of residents and visitors embraced the opportunity to explore Torbay in a whole new light creating a vibrant atmosphere across our towns and helping to deliver a festive boost for local businesses.

We, alongside event partners the English Riviera BID Company (ERBID Co) and SWISCo, are thrilled with the resounding success of this year’s event which saw the return of familiar favourites, as well as more light installations, and the introduction of exciting new additions.

For the first time, this year's celebrations started with a record-breaking opening night and light switch-on, culminating in an impressive fireworks display. A collaborative effort between the council, ERBID Co, Torquay Town Centre Partnership, and Torquay Independent Business Owners (TIBO), made up of local harbourside businesses, the event saw thousands flood to Torquay's seafront and harbourside to enjoy the evening extravaganza.

Following this spectacular start, the Bay of Light Illumination Trail, which was created and produced by local company Future Technical Solutions, saw an increase in footfall of an estimated 27% during peak hours (3pm to midnight) compared to last year. With visitors praising the vibrancy of the dazzling installations, and welcoming atmosphere of the accessible trail.

The new addition of the Willmott Dixon ice rink also proved to be a hit, with over 17,000 skaters gliding across the ice and soaking up the festive magic in Abbey Park.

The Christmas Market was back once again providing traditional charm, while the stunning Alive with Light projections at Torre Abbey captivated audiences and enriched Torbay’s cultural offering. 

Far more than just an event, the Bay of Lights is part of our vision to deliver for our people and our place, maximising cultural, heritage and event opportunities for both residents and visitors, and supporting the development of a thriving, year-round economy.

By working closely with ERBID Co, the Bay of Lights combines creativity, community spirit, and visitor appeal, delivering an experience that boosts local pride, extends the season, and strengthens the English Riviera as a year-round premier destination.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Bay of Lights truly magical!

The Bay of Lights is funded in partnership by us, SWISCo and ERBID Co, but would not be possible without our event sponsors, including ice rink sponsors Willmott Dixon and firework display sponsors TIBO and Town Centre Partnership, and the host of local volunteers and businesses who also support the event.

Their generosity, support and commitment have truly brought the Bay of Lights to life, creating an unforgettable season and showcasing the importance of events like these to Torbay’s communities, local and visitor economy.

Councillor Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, and Corporate Services, said:

“It’s wonderful to see the Bay of Lights continue to grow and become a highlight of the festive calendar. The positivity, warmth and community spirit that it creates is always a joy to see. I was especially pleased to see how popular the ice rink was, with thousands of skaters of all ages, coming to enjoy Torbay's first real ice rink in years!

“I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this year’s Bay of Lights celebrations such a resounding success including our event partners, sponsors, local businesses and volunteers.

“Planning for 2026 will soon be underway and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can make it even bigger, bolder and brighter!”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer, English Riviera BID Company, said:

“Each year the vibrancy and festive magic of the Bay of Lights captivate thousands of residents and visitors, showcasing all that the English Riviera has to offer, and supporting our local tourism and hospitality businesses to thrive. Key attractions and experiences such as the Train of Lights, Santa in the Caves at Kents Cavern, and illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village all add to the Bay of Lights experience ensuring the English Riviera offers a magical festive experience for everyone.

“Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Bay of Lights so truly unforgettable! It’s quickly becoming a national ‘must see’ event on the festive calendar and I look forward to seeing plans for 2026 develop!”

Have your say on this year’s Bay of Lights!

As the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, ice rink and Christmas market have now wrapped up for another year, please do take the time to fill in the short Bay of Lights survey. Whether it’s to say what you loved about this year, or what could be improved, your feedback with help event organisers to make next year even more magical.

Fill in the Bay of Lights survey.

What is happening next?

Our Events Team, along with event partners ERBID Co and SWISCO, are now taking some time reflect and evaluate this year’s event.

More details about the Bay of Lights 2026 will be announced in due course. Keep an eye out on the Bay of Lights website and Facebook page for any announcements!

Visit the Bay of Lights website.

Remedial works to our parks and public spaces

Infrastructure that was in place during the Bay of Lights is now being removed, and SWISCo will be working to restore the parks and public spaces to their former standard as quickly as possible.

Weather conditions can have a significant impact on the progress of remedial works as suitable ground conditions are needed for machinery to be used without causing additional damage, and temperatures also need to be high enough to support grass growth.

Please be patient whilst this work is carried out and follow any additional signage in parks and public spaces where necessary.