The much-anticipated Geopark Festival is about to start on the English Riviera, taking place from 25 to 31 May 2024. And this year it's bigger and better than ever with the introduction of new Geopark Discovery Experiences.
This annual event is a celebration of the international significance of the English Riviera’s UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Global Geopark status.
It sees Geopark Partners and Associate Partners hosting a wide range of events and activities across the Bay.
The aim of the festival is to showcase the wonders of the Geopark through collaborative working, and to allow residents and visitors the opportunity to discover something new along the way.
The week-long festival invites you to delve into the essence of the English Riviera, exploring our rich culture, history and the stunning UNESCO Global Geopark.
The festival program boasts an array of exceptional Geopark Discovery Experiences across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham.
Learn about Agatha Christie’s Extraordinary Life as you embark on a walking tour that celebrates the life of the legendary novelist, or take a private Geopark and wildlife boat tour as you discover the Geopark’s wild side, offering an intimate look at our unique geological formations and diverse wildlife.
If you are looking for something more relaxing, the festival boasts both sunrise and sunset yoga experiences. These encourage participants to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of sunrise or sunset along our stunning coastline.
Join us on a beach to sing sea shanties or enjoy a full-day coastal open air painting workshop. You can try your hand at kayaking or go on a guided tour at Berry Head forts.
With 18 experiences to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark is a testament to our commitment to preserving and celebrating our natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
We invite everyone to join us in this celebration and experience the Bay in a way that resonates with them.
Nick Powe, Chair of the English Rivera UNESCO Global Geopark, said: “The theme for this year’s Geopark Festival is Discovery and I am delighted that so many of the Geopark partners have come up with some truly extraordinary experiences.
“Badged as Geopark Discovery Experiences, guests can choose from a variety of themes including the ocean, wellbeing, wildlife, geology, and creativity.
“Not only will they have a great experience on land or at sea, but they will find out, in a fun way, why the English Riviera has such a prestigious international UNESCO label, and what makes it one of Earth’s extraordinary places.
“The Geopark Festival is an annual event, but this year’s is all about discovering how special this part of Devon is.”
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 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 our region is, and how Global Geoparks are not just about rocks.”
Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services, said: “We are fully committed to safeguarding our planet and the Bay, and our UNESCO designation only strengthens that commitment for future generations.
“The Geopark Festival highlights the importance of our unique history and how we are working with partners to educate about, protect, and celebrate our natural, historical and cultural environment.
“Our new Geopark Discovery Experiences show that the English Riviera is a truly unique place to visit. We hope that residents and visitors will enjoy the Festival and make the most of what we have to offer across our glorious Bay in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham."
So, this year we invite you to visit and discover your UNESCO Geopark. Bring a friend to share the experience and tell your family and friends you have celebrated ‘One of Earth’s extraordinary places'.
The Geopark Discovery Experiences have been made possible thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the delivery partners English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark and English Riviera BID Company who have led, coordinated and created this fantastic programme.
For more information on the festival and to book tickets for Geopark Discover Experiences, please visit the official English Riviera tourism website Geopark Festival | What's On | Devon (englishriviera.co.uk).
Join, share and follow on social media: @RivieraGeopark @myenglishriviera #EnglishRiviera #ERGeoparkFestival
News archive
- October 2024 (2)
- September 2024 (17)
- August 2024 (7)
- July 2024 (24)
- June 2024 (8)
- May 2024 (25)
- April 2024 (19)
- March 2024 (17)
- February 2024 (16)
- January 2024 (14)
- December 2023 (14)
- November 2023 (30)
- October 2023 (21)
- September 2023 (22)
- August 2023 (18)
- July 2023 (17)
- June 2023 (14)
- May 2023 (11)
- April 2023 (9)
- March 2023 (36)
- February 2023 (22)
- January 2023 (26)
- December 2022 (18)
- November 2022 (24)
- October 2022 (18)
- September 2022 (13)
- August 2022 (15)
- July 2022 (22)
- June 2022 (14)
- May 2022 (35)
- April 2022 (23)
- March 2022 (32)
- February 2022 (18)
- January 2022 (14)
- December 2021 (22)
- November 2021 (22)
- October 2021 (25)
- September 2021 (23)
- August 2021 (18)
- July 2021 (26)
- June 2021 (24)
- May 2021 (21)
- April 2021 (21)
- March 2021 (33)
- February 2021 (30)
- January 2021 (27)
- December 2020 (24)
- November 2020 (37)
- October 2020 (29)
- September 2020 (27)
- August 2020 (22)
- July 2020 (37)
- June 2020 (38)
- May 2020 (39)
- April 2020 (36)
- March 2020 (22)
- February 2020 (10)
- January 2020 (18)
- December 2019 (7)
- November 2019 (11)
- October 2019 (15)
- September 2019 (16)
- August 2019 (8)
- July 2019 (9)
- June 2019 (7)
- May 2019 (16)
- April 2019 (11)
- March 2019 (11)
- February 2019 (7)
- January 2019 (11)
- December 2018 (11)
- November 2018 (14)
- October 2018 (14)
- September 2018 (9)
- August 2018 (7)
- July 2018 (19)
- June 2018 (21)
- May 2018 (7)
- April 2018 (10)
- March 2018 (35)
- February 2018 (9)
- January 2018 (15)
- December 2017 (9)
- November 2017 (17)
- October 2017 (11)
- September 2017 (6)
- August 2017 (7)
- July 2017 (13)
- June 2017 (22)
- May 2017 (16)
- April 2017 (8)
- March 2017 (9)
- February 2017 (9)
- January 2017 (4)
- December 2016 (10)
- November 2016 (11)
- October 2016 (14)
- September 2016 (9)
- August 2016 (10)
- July 2016 (11)
- June 2016 (4)
- May 2016 (20)
- April 2016 (14)
- March 2016 (18)
- February 2016 (8)
- January 2016 (15)
- December 2015 (13)
- November 2015 (19)
- October 2015 (17)
- September 2015 (8)
- August 2015 (6)
- July 2015 (19)
- June 2015 (11)
- May 2015 (20)
- April 2015 (14)
- March 2015 (15)
- February 2015 (13)
- January 2015 (17)
- December 2014 (17)
- November 2014 (18)
- October 2014 (14)
- September 2014 (17)
- August 2014 (16)
- July 2014 (10)
- June 2014 (8)
- May 2014 (1)
- February 2014 (1)
- January 0001 (1)