As every visitor to Paignton knows, the area is a hive of activity throughout the year with a regular programme of festivals and events taking place. The annual Paignton Regatta is one such event, not to be missed.
This typically British seaside event, now in its 169th year, attracts thousands of locals and holidaymakers annually. Offering fireworks and live music there’s also plenty of sporting events such as rounders, rowing and cycling. The majority of the events are free to enter, making a fantastic fun-filled day out for the whole family. Those taking holidays in Paignton at this time of the year, can enjoy some of these fantastic Regatta events.
Round the Pier Swim – Friday 12 August
This year the tide is expected to be far out, so the route will be shorter than usual. It’s a great opportunity for some fast swimming times. This challenging, fun competition is for swimmers of all abilities. The Pier is 240m long but as the tide will be out at a fair distance, the swim this year is probably going to be around 200-300m. There are 3 groups of swimming – Leisure, Medium and Speedy. You decide which group you wish to enter on the day.
Evening Entertainment Programme
Regatta Rocks music concerts will be held on Paignton Green each evening, Wednesday to Saturday from7 pm each evening. The following acts are headlining, with fantastic food and drink refreshments available on site.
- Wednesday 10 August – Kris Barras Band
- Thursday 11 August – Bootleg Bee Gees followed by fireworks
- Friday 12 August – Robby vs Ollie
- Saturday 13 August – Kylie and Neil Diamond Tribute Acts
3rd Annual Beat the Tide Event – Sunday 14 August 10.00am
Teams of 6-8 people compete, to see if they can be the last people standing on their sand castle, as the tide tries to knock them off. Team registration begins at 10am, with the contest beginning at 11.30am. Teams will be asked to start building their sandcastles, which need to be big enough so that the entire team can climb onto it. Everyone who builds must also stand on their castle.
Teams can bring their own (non-mechanical) building tools, but the castle must be made entirely, and only, of sand from Paignton Beach! Spades can also be hired on the day.
At approximately 1 pm (or when the tide is getting close) the call to “climb onto your sandcastle” will be made. If ANY team member falls off their castle, the whole team is eliminated. The winning team will be the last still standing on their castle. There will be cash prizes for the winning teams and all proceeds from this event will go to Action Duchenne (The Muscular Dystrophy charity).
Paignton’s Got Talent – various heats throughout the week on the Regatta Stage
While on holiday in Paignton, why not take part in Paignton’s very own talent show. It’s returning to the Regatta this year with a competition open to Children up to 13 years old and Adults. There are some fantastic prizes on offer from sponsors, including a family holiday.
Book your Paignton Holidays at Bedford Holiday Apartments
We take bookings online and over the telephone, with our experienced and locally based reservations team. Staff members are happy to help you with any queries you have and share their knowledge about the Paignton area. Paignton Holidays are more comfortable when you stay in high-quality self-catering accommodation. Please call 01803 557 737 or complete our online Booking Form, which you can download from our website, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
