Paignton is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but with so many events occurring during the summer months, you will never be short of exciting and interesting things to do. If you are paying Paignton a visit this summer, keep your eyes peeled for some of these amazing events, the vast majority of which are free. Here is our selection of Summer events in Paignton that makes this wonderful Devon town such a brilliant place for summer holidays.
BMAD Motorbike Festival
Every May Bank Holiday weekend in Paignton, the Bikers Make a Difference (BMAD) Festival descends on the town, with the aim of the organizers firmly focused on making money for local charities. Hundreds of bikers turn up on their motorcycles, and there are many different mini events held that will be of interest to anyone, whether they have a love of motorbikes or not. Expect live shows, incredible stunts, plenty of stalls and a big beer tent – as well as more Harley Davidsons than you thought possible. The BMAD Festival runs from 4th May – 6th May.
Torbay Air Show
If you love aircraft, you will also love the Torbay Air Show, helped here in Paignton on the 2nd and 3rd of June. Visitors will be wowed by the sights and sounds of the RAF Grob Tutor, the Red Arrows, a Typhoon Display and a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Head to Paignton Green and watch these awesome aircraft twist and turn in the sky, with the Bay providing the perfect backdrop.
Occombe Festival
Like music? If so, be sure to get tickets for the Occombe Festival. With plenty of local food stalls and a huge range of beers and wines available, you can also expect two whole days of music from professional and up-and-coming bands, as well as a smattering of local talent. And don’t forget, when you go to the Occombe Festival, 100 percent of the profits go towards the maintenance and care of the local area, including funds used for protecting places like Occombe Farm, Cockington and Berry Head.
Torbay Half Marathon
The Torbay Half Marathon is a huge event, with most running places full up a long time before the starting pistol fires. This year’s marathon starts and finishes on Paignton seafront, and there are stunning views to take in for runners and audience members alike. If you’re not feeling the running, why not pop along on the 24th of June and lend your support for those that will be working up a serious sweat?
Paignton Festival (Torbay Carnival Week)
Paignton Festival is a massive local event and if you are lucky enough to be in the area between 21st and 30th of July, make sure you pop along! The festival has been running for over a hundred years, and the organizers promise an astonishing nine whole days of exciting events. Similar to Occombe Festival, profits are used to help local organizations and charities, and there are some very popular highlights to watch out for. Check out the Miss Torbay competition, listen to music and dance at The Party at the Green with Breeze FM, and take in a funfair, firework display, and carnival procession.
Paignton Regatta
The Regatta Community Fun Week is a brilliant event for the entire family. Running from the 4th of August to the 12th of August, it’s nine days of wonderful, free entertainment that takes in live music, a funfair, fireworks and a whole lot more besides. The Paignton Regatta takes place on and around Paignton Green, and you can expect high-quality local food stalls, plenty of incredible drinks and lots of competitions – why not chance your luck?
Children’s Week
Children’s Week is the UK’s longest-running children’s festival, and it takes place on Paignton seafront between the 13th and 19th of August. There is a lot to see and do here for all the family, with performances workshops and different events occurring all through the week. Most of the events will be free, but make sure you check the program schedule as there are charges for some of them.
Of course, there are plenty more exciting and interesting summer events in Paignton. This is just a small selection of what the wonderful town has to offer, and there really is something for everyone. Whether you want to admire the highly skilled pilots of RAF jet planes or get down to the exciting sounds of some amazing bands, Paignton has a little bit of everything.
Let us know what Paignton events we missed and we will add it in for next year. Why not book your stay in Paignton today and start planning out your calendar to take in some of these fine events?
