About

The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail is back for a third consecutive year with 18 large light installations and a Christmas market, making this year's event even more impressive. The enchanting light trail which is loved by all ages is set to illuminate Torquay's seafront, Torre Abbey and harbourside from Friday 29 November 2024 until Thursday 2 January 2025.

Visitors can begin their 1.5-mile trail journey at Torre Abbey before wandering through the enchanting Tunnel of Lights. From there they can stroll along the scenic seafront promenade. Finally, they can explore the vibrant harbourside, where live music awaits 6 to 9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening until Saturday 21 December.

This year's Bay of Lights Illumination Trail has more installations than ever before. New for 2024 include an LED light fountain, 1,000 colour changing hand placed flowers, pixel pads and a giant walk-through Christmas present, as well as some of the original favourites. The 1.5-mile accessible trail will have 18 large light installations, offering stunning digital light shows, Christmas music, interactive fun and memory making photographic opportunities. There will also be installations in Paignton and Brixham.

The Trail is made possible by Torbay Council, The English Riviera Bid Company, SWISCo and the creator of the light displays, local company Future Technical Solutions (FTS).

View the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail Route

 

New for 2024

Torre Abbey Christmas Market

Torre Abbey is set to be full of Christmas cheer as it embraces the Bay of Lights initiative with a superb 3D projection mapping video on the front of Torre Abbey telling the story of 800 years of Christmas at the Abbey and surrounding area with an exciting light and sound show to accompany its festive programme.

Plus, new for 2024 is the addition of a Christmas Market in the grounds of Torre Abbey. The market is being delivered in partnership with Torbay Council, Torre Abbey and the Exeter Bar Co. Exeter Bar Co have experience in Christmas markets as they have run the Bar at the Cathedral Christmas Market as well as summertime festival Exeter Fest and Manor Fest. The market will form the perfect space for visitors to do some Christmas shopping or to start or end the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail with plenty of food traders serving delicious food. There will be two large, covered areas where you can grab a mulled beverage or local beer while tucking into your food or just enjoy the illuminations as well as plenty of space for the family to enjoy.

Dates/opening hours for the Christmas Market:
Friday 29th November - Sunday 22nd December:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 3pm - 7pm
Thursdays, Fridays 3pm - 9:45pm
Sundays 11am - 7pm​​​​

Sponsor a Flower

New for 2024 is the ‘sponsor a flower’ initiative. For just £10, you can sponsor an LED flower in the name of your choice. The names will be displayed on boards/projections at the sunken gardens and sponsors will receive a digital certificate to recognise their donation.

50% of the proceeds will go to next year’s Illumination Trail and the other 50% will go to the Mayor of Torbay Council’s chosen charities: Play Torbay and The Fishermen’s Mission. To sponsor a flower or to find out more visit www.illuminationtrail.co.uk   

About the Bay of Lights

After the incredible success of last year's event which was generously supported by local businesses, the Illumination Trail forms just one element of the Bay of Lights initiative.

The Bay of Lights initiative invites residents and visitors to explore the English Riviera during the festive season by enjoying a variety of events and illuminated attractions. The Bay of Lights incorporates everything from the Illumination Trail in Torquay to Brixham Lanterns, Lights & 'Luminations, the Christmas Train of Lights in Paignton, and seasonal illuminated events at popular local attractions such as the Model Village, Greenway National Trust, Kents Cavern and more. Discover the Bay of Lights events across Torbay.

Bay of Lights Opening Night 

For the first time, there will be a special opening night on Friday 29 November with live local music and plenty of festive cheer.  The event will take place at the new Harbour Public Realm Space on The Strand in Torquay which is scheduled for completion in the coming weeks.

Live music acts will take to the Harbourside stage from 6 to 9pm, with performances from Razzmatazz Youth Theatre, acoustic singer and songwriter Emma Pick, and guitar duo AJ & Elliot. Everyone is welcome to attend, and entry is free.

The free entertainment doesn’t stop there. Live music will continue to take place on The Strand from 6 to 9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening until Saturday 21 December.

Wider Bay of Lights Events

In Torquay's town centre, festive lighting will be put up through Union Street and Fleet Street, courtesy of the Torquay Town Centre Partnership.

In Paignton along the seafront and at Brixham harbour, residents and visitors will get to enjoy a magnificent 8-meter-high pixel Christmas Tree, that offer digital light shows.

The Illumination Trail forms part of the Bay of Lights initiative that incorporates everything from the Brixham Lanterns, Lights & ‘Iuminations, the Christmas Train of Lights from Paignton as well as seasonal events at local attractions including Torre Abbey, Kents Cavern, and the Model Village.