Joining us for Music on the Meadows? Here’s all you need to know!

News Release PR8677 - published on 24 May 2022

Torbay’s biggest free party on Torre Abbey meadows is just days away.

On Friday 3 June, the prime Torquay seafront location is set to be turned red, white and, blue as thousands are expected to attend a celebration fit for a Queen.

The celebration begins at 11am with a DJ set from the McGowan Girls to get the party going and is followed by a packed day and evening programme of live entertainment, ending with the fantastic The Bootleg Beatles.

Adrian Cunningham from Riviera FM will be comparing the event and introducing the wide variety of musical performances throughout the day. Younger party goers can enjoy Kidz Town and a Children’s Tent, hosted by the team behind Children’s Week and Doorstep Arts. There will also be lots of traditional games courtesy of the Sea Scouts, skills to learn and a range of characters to meet.

The event, hosted by us in partnership with the English Riviera BID Company is in celebration of The Queens’ Platinum Jubilee, and has been designed to bring residents and visitors together to mark this momentous occasion.

Torbay Road between Belgrave Road and the Kings Drive junction will be closed from 10am until midnight to ensure everyone can enjoy the event safely.

Anyone attending the event are not only advised of the road closures but are encouraged to get to the event using public transport or by walking. Torquay train station is just a short distance away, as are bus stops for the main routes.

Nearby car parks can be found at Torre Valley, Abbey Park, Sheddon Hill and Lower Union Lane.

Jubilee picnics are welcome at the party, with additional food and drink available to purchase. Cash and card payments will be accepted, with people encouraged to bring both to avoid disappointment as there will be no cash withdrawal facilities available on site.

To minimise plastic waste, fresh drinking water will be provided to top up reusable drink’s bottles. Glass bottles of any kind are not permitted on site.

Additional free toilets will be available, including disabled provision.

A disabled viewing platform will also be provided to ensure everyone gets to enjoy the day.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Dog owners are responsible for their dogs at all times.

Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council, said; “This event is the biggest free party on the meadows since the days of the Radio 1 Roadshows. The fantastic line up, is set to take us through the decades of Her Majesty The Queen’s momentous reign. Open to everyone in Torbay over the bank holiday weekend, we’re looking forward to seeing the meadow turn red, white and blue against our marvellous beach backdrop.”

Cllr Nicole Amil, Chair of the Airshow Working Party and Member Champion, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee said; “After months of planning, we’re delighted to be able to stage this wonderful free event. Everyone including children of all ages are invited to come along, laugh, smile and make memories together, all for a once in lifetime celebration of Her Majesty The Queen. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to bring this event to Torbay.”

Music on the Meadows Main Stage running order

11am: McGowan Girls DJ set

11:15am: Play activities from Children’s Week team

12:00pm: Stage Coach dance performance

1:30pm: Wild West Dance Performance

2:00pm: McGowan Family DJ set

2:15pm: John Matthews

4:00pm: Rock Choir

4:45pm: McGowan Family DJ set

5:00pm: Happy Days Production

6:00pm: The Civic Mayor – a thank you to our frontline workers

6:15pm: DJ Chris Tofu

7:00pm: McGowan Family DJ set

7:30pm: Funk City Band

9:00pm: The Bootleg Beatles

Family Fun

A separate Kidz Town area and Children’s tent will boast lots of family entertainment from the team behind Children’s Week. Doorsteps Arts will also be on hand providing circus skills and hula hooping, while there will be a family-friendly circus show called Do What Your Mama Told Yah, which promises to get very messy.

There will also be various walk-abouts, including The Shrinking Violets, Bubbleologists, Batman and the Batmobile, robots and Cosmo the Clown with balloon modelling. The Sea Scouts will also be running lots of traditional games including a Crockery Smash and Splat the Rat. Also on the menu will be face painting and glitter tattooing.