Magical light show centre stage of Devon coast's winter wonderland

A winter wonderland complete with light show and Christmas market is just weeks away in Torquay. The town's most historic building, Torre Abbey, will feature a breathtaking light projection show.

The abbey is set to take centre stage in this year’s Bay of Lights programme which starts in two weeks (Friday, November 29). The front of the building will transform into a canvas of light and history with an innovative light projection show called ‘Alive with Light’.

The 3D display celebrates the building’s heritage, telling the story of 800 years of Christmas at the Abbey. Viewers will be taken on a visual and musical journey.

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Beautifully mapped images inspired by different historical eras will be projected onto the abbey’s newly restored architecture, accompanied by a stunning musical soundtrack. The light projection show is a key part of this year’s Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, which runs every evening from Friday, November 29, 2024 until Thursday, January 2, 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 from 6 to 9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening until Saturday, December 21. 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).

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. From the proceeds, 50% 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 Fisherman’s Mission. To sponsor a flower or to find out more visit www.illuminationtrail.co.uk.

Running alongside the light show is Torquay’s first Christmas market which will take place on the grounds of Torre Abbey. The market will offer an array of holiday treats, unique gifts, artisanal crafts as well as a tempting selection of food and drink.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy some Christmas shopping and to find the perfect gift for your loved ones while soaking up the festive atmosphere. There will be over 30 local stalls and food traders and fun family activities.

There will also be two large, covered areas. Here you can warm up with a mulled beverage or local beer while tucking into your food and enjoying the light projection show. Exeter Bar Co is delivering the market with support from Torbay Council and Torre Abbey.

It will be open every day from November 29 until December 22 (opening times vary). Entry to the market is free and open to all.

In addition, Torre Abbey will be running its popular gift and craft fair, Winter Fest, in the Spanish Barn from Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 1. The fair features unique handmade local items, including Christmas decorations, toys, jewellery and crochet gifts.

Visitors can also meet alpacas from a local farm and purchase related products while enjoying festive music, decorations and mulled wine. The event is free to attend, with a 50% discount on house and garden admissions during the Winter Fest weekend.

Cllr Jacqueline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture and Events and Corporate Services at Torbay Council said: “With its stunning light projection display and festive Christmas market, Torre Abbey is a must-visit attraction for anyone coming to the English Riviera this Christmas. Ideally situated at the start of the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, it offers a fantastic opportunity to get into the festive spirit and indulge in some Christmas shopping before enjoying the rest of the light installations.”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company said: ‘‘It is very exciting to see the Bay of Lights, a resort-wide winter marketing campaign initiated by the English Riviera BID Company, continue to grow, with new attractions joining the programme this year. There will certainly be lots of festive fun for all the family and many reasons to visit and stay on the English Riviera to share the magic this year.

"The English Riviera BID Company are pleased to continue to be sponsors of the Illumination Trail.’’