The figures are in: Bay of Lights proves festive hit with record numbers

Torbay’s Bay of Lights celebrations have been hailed a success after attracting thousands of residents and visitors and delivering a festive boost for local businesses across the English Riviera.

The annual event, delivered by Torbay Council in partnership with the English Riviera BID Company (ERBID Co) and SWISCo, returned this winter with a mix of familiar attractions and new additions, including a larger illumination trail, a Christmas market and a temporary ice rink.

This year’s celebrations opened with a record-breaking launch night and light switch-on in Torquay, which ended with a fireworks display along the seafront and harbourside. The event was organised collaboratively by Torbay Council, ERBID Co, Torquay Town Centre Partnership and Torquay Independent Business Owners (TIBO), with thousands attending.

Organisers said footfall along the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail increased by an estimated 27% during peak hours, compared with last year. The trail, created and produced by local company Future Technical Solutions, ran from 3pm to midnight and was praised by visitors for its accessibility and atmosphere.

A new ice rink in Abbey Park, sponsored by Willmott Dixon, also proved popular, with more than 17,000 people taking to the ice over the festive period. The Christmas market returned alongside light projections at Torre Abbey as part of the wider programme of events.

Councillor Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services, said the Bay of Lights had become a key part of the borough’s festive calendar.

“It’s wonderful to see the Bay of Lights continue to grow and become a highlight of the festive calendar,” she said. “I was especially pleased to see how popular the ice rink was, with thousands of skaters of all ages enjoying Torbay’s first real ice rink in years.”

She thanked event partners, sponsors, local businesses and volunteers, adding that planning for the 2026 event would begin shortly.

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer of the English Riviera BID Company, said the Bay of Lights helped showcase Torbay’s winter offer while supporting tourism and hospitality businesses.

“Each year the vibrancy and festive magic of the Bay of Lights captivate thousands of residents and visitors,” she said, adding that attractions including the Train of Lights, Santa in the Caves at Kents Cavern and illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village contributed to the wider experience.

The Bay of Lights is funded in partnership by Torbay Council, SWISCo and ERBID Co, with additional sponsorship including Willmott Dixon for the ice rink and TIBO and Torquay Town Centre Partnership for the fireworks display.

As the event infrastructure is removed, SWISCo will carry out remedial works to parks and public spaces. Torbay Council said progress may be affected by weather conditions, particularly where ground conditions and temperatures limit machinery use and grass regrowth.

Residents are being invited to share feedback on this year’s event through an online survey, which organisers said will help shape plans for Bay of Lights 2026. Further details are expected to be announced in due course.