Celebrate our unique UNESCO Global Geopark status, this half term, at the English Riviera Geopark Festival taking place from Saturday 25 to Friday 31 May.

The annual festival provides the ideal opportunity for locals and visitors to discover what makes Torbay’s geological and cultural history so unique and special. There’s a wide range of free and paid for events all week that can help all ages enjoy, explore and experience all the different aspects of the Geopark.

From art exhibitions, fossils, trails, caves, workshops, nature spotting, guided walks and special sightseeing tours from the sea taking place across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, there is something for everyone.

Kent’s Cavern one of the Geopark’s key partner sites will be running Ice Fest where visitors can get involved in a range of activities that tell the remarkable story of Ice Age animal and Stone Age human occupation of the caves.

Torre Abbey will be hosting a very special interactive workshop that will explore the relationship with the current plastic crisis, raising important environmental questions using playful storytelling and games.

There will be two beach clean events in Brixham which are being led by Torbay Cleaner Coasts Initiative and sightseeing tours and experiences from Sea Kayak Torbay, Reach Outdoors and Paignton Pleasure Cruises.

Melanie Border, English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Co-ordinator said: "This annual event allows us to celebrate all aspects of the Geopark and our UNESCO (United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organisation) designation. When many hear the term Geopark they instantly think of the fantastic Geoplay Park on Paignton seafront, but our UNESCO designation covers the whole of the English Riviera.

“Through our key partner sites and associate partners, the festival aims to tell the Geopark’s story from a cultural, environmental and historical perspective. All events and activities have been designed to show how naturally inspiring Torbay is, and how Global Geoparks are not just about rocks."

For full details of events and activities taking place at; Artizan Gallery, Kents Cavern, Brixham Heritage Museum, Cockington Country Park, Torre Abbey, Occombe Farm, Torquay Museum, Berry Head, Sea Kayak Torbay, Reach Outdoors and Paignton Pleasure Cruises please visit http://www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk/events.cfm