Community Matters: St. Marychurch is the place to be this Christmas!

‘Tis that time of year when there is so much to celebrate. For people on their own this Christmas, Space at Our Table is once again offering the opportunity for isolated people to have a special Christmas day.

This free event is at St.Mary the Virgin Church Hall, St. Marychurch TQ1 4PZ from 12pm to 4pm and includes a wonderful Christmas lunch, music, raffle and bingo.

Booking is essential. Please call 07356 231796 and leave a message. Free transport can also be provided for people living in Torquay and Paignton.

St. Marychurch brings fun, food, music, film and song in the Precinct Christmas Event on Wednesday 17 December. Keep your fingers crossed for the weather. Thank you to those last year that came and thank you to Dougal for letting us last minute host the Carols in the Dolphin due to rather seasonal wind and rain!

Read next: Torbay launches Warm Spaces to offer comfort and company this winter

Starting at 1.30pm there will be Christmas carols sung by local schools, at 3pm the amazing Teresa and Sally - a performance not to be missed, from 3.30pm Children’s Christmas movie in Molloy’s beer garden with the Spud Shack by Molloy’s open throughout the day and evening, 4pm brings hot dogs and Mulled wine outside the Dolphin Inn.

At 5.30pm Christmas Carols with the Torbay Brass Band for our annual Christmas carol sing along outside the Dolphin Inn. The St. Marychurch shops are open for Christmas gifts. There will be a tombola raising money for the 2026 Christmas lights and Father Christmas will make an appearance. And yes, there will be snow!

The festivities are topped off at 7pm Live entertainment at the Dolphin Inn.

The Babbacombe Traders Association are hosting a Christmas event on Reddenhill Road on Saturday 20 December from 2pm. This popular event includes a raffle Grand Prize draw outside Richards TV.

At 2.30pm there’s a Kids under 8 and 8+ fancy dress competition with prizes for all that take part. During the event the Elf on the Shelf winner and best shop window will be announced. Elf on the Shelf entry forms can be purchased for just £1.00 at Lovell’s Chocolate Box. For full details see Babbacombe.info

Great News for 2026!

The monthly Afternoon Disco at the St. Marychurch Conservative Club will be continuing by popular demand throughout 2026.

Dance and socialise 2-4pm on the fourth Thursday of the month (except December which will be the second Thursday).

A big thank you to DJ Chris Hill forvolunteering his time. It is just £1.00 entry fee for the Conservative Club to host each event.

Another huge success is Torbay Scrapstore, Fore Street, St. Marychurch. It is a treasure trove for art crafting at affordable prices.

The popular Make and Mingle free sessions are continuing in 2026 for people over the age of 65. Whether you are feeling a bit lonely, want to meet new friends, love art and crafts, or just fancy joining a supportive uplifting group, Mel and the team would love to see you.

Make and Mingle sessions are 11am – 12.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. Booking is essential –Book in store or call 01803 392436. Look out for a range of other exciting art and craft sessions during the week.

Don’t forget the Scrapstore also serves amazing coffee.

Look out for fabulous events in St. Marychurch in 2026. Many people reminisce about how vibrant events happened across generations in the Precinct. Now a group of volunteers are working to add even more sparkle to the Precinct with events that hark back to the past and others that offer an exciting future.

We will be asking the local community for ideas and support to bring our community together in fun, laughter, music and much, much more. We need your help to make this happen.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas. Please remember to look out for your neighbours, your community and everyone in the Bay at this festive time and in 2026.