There are a wide range of annual events which take place in Brixham & Paignton throughout the year which are hugely popular with visitors from all areas of the country.
To try and give you a feel for some of the events which are available in and around the Paignton & Brixham area, we have added a listed below to highlight some of the area's most popular events.
Brixfest
BrixFest 2012 is a 3 day festival which takes place in early June and celebrates Brixham's long-time maritime and fishing heritage as well as its vibrant present day culture.
Each individual day of the 3 day festival takes on a distinctly different theme with the first revolving around the harbour and focusing on ‘Nautical Fun'! With competitions including a ‘Birdman' competition, where teams or individuals, in fancy dress, attempt to fly from the end of the central pier providing prizes for wackiest dress and longest distance are donated by local businesses.
The second day sees, Fore Street turned into a giant street party in honour of the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Food, drink, music and street entertainment + a tea dance in Scala Hall.
The third and final day of the festival is perfect for kids of all ages and incorporates the them of ‘At the Seaside'. Every one can help build and decorate a giant sea serpent on Breakwater Beach , there is a crabbing competition and a treasure hunt – both with prizes. There is also an amazing ‘imagination tent' (dressing up and story telling), X factor style Karaoke, mermaids, and animals from Pennywell Farm. Lots of other activities too!
With a huge amount of local food and drink to buy along with lots of other local activities, Brixfest is a hugely popular event with both residents and visitors alike.
Festival of The Sea
The Festival of The Sea at Brixham provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to see Brixham at its very best.
Centered on the famous All Saints Church which keeps a loving vigil over the busy harbour and fishing port, it is a celebration of the culture and heritage of this historic place. All Saints Church made famous by the Rev Francis Henry Lyte who wrote the emotive hymn 'Abide With Me', is filled with maritime memorabilia , flags of all colours and will resonate to the sound of hymns and possibly sea shanties in the wonderful event.
Torbay Steam Fair
Torbay Steam Fair is now one of the biggest events on the English Riviera events calendar and attracts visitors from far and wide. Situated just outside Brixham on the main A3022 this 3 day event is a must for all the family.
Come and view the wonderful working steam engines, vintage, and classic cars, Lorries, military displays, market stalls and so much more.
See Birds of Prey and the wonderful Parrot Rescue Society, try your hand a ferret racing or settle down with a wonderful glass of local cider and watch one the riveting displays that take place in the main ring. Also don’t forget to take ride on some of the vintage fairground rides, including the Gallopers which date back to the early 1900s. A truly special day out, one not to be missed!
Brixham Regatta
The Brixham Heritage Regatta has been taking place on an annual basis since the early 1800s and includes the Classic Boat Race.
Traditionally held on the Friday and Saturday of the late May Bank Holiday, the Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta will be held on a different weekend in 2012 to allow for a unique celebration of Her Majesty’s Queens Diamond Jubilee.
Consequently, the 2012 Heritage Regatta will take place over the Jubilee weekend, on the Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd June. Under the organisation of the Heritage Sailing Committee, the event will once again be hosted by Brixham Yacht Club.
Brixham Art and Craft Market
Brixham Art and Craft Market is a hugely popular event which spans from Easter until the end of October and is held each and every Saturday during this period.
Located under the Old Fish Market right on the harbourside in the centre of Brixham, the Brixham Art and Craft Market transforms the beautiful harbour area into a shoppers' haven.
Consisting of approximately 20 stalls, each offering unique handmade and unusual gifts. There is something to suit every taste and budget.
Geopark Festival
When you think of the English Riviera, you probably don’t imagine Sahara-like deserts or sabre-toothed tigers. But the English Riviera is one of the world’s most fascinating geological and archaeological sites, celebrated and protected by UNESCO-recognised Geopark status and one of only 8 in the UK and Ireland.
The annual Geopark Festival offers holiday makers the chance to explore everything this very special area has to offer. There are events for all ages that will appeal to everyone, from artists to dedicated foodies, and there’s loads to do with the kids. The Seashore Centre, Kents Cavern, Berry Head and Torquay Museum all have something going on for the family during the festival, and at Occombe Farm there are exciting cookery classes available. Outdoor types might also like to explore the coastline through the Geopark Discovery Packages: check out Canoe the Coves or try out coasteering with Thrillseekers.
Torbay Carnival
The Torbay Carnival has been around for long enough to ensure that it plays a huge role in the fond childhood memories of many visitors.
The carnival today has evolved to be a lot more than just a Carnival procession - although they continue to be proud of its ongoing popularity and the enjoyment for everyone who takes part - Carnival is now a 9 day event offering entertainment from 10am and most evenings for over a week each year.