Torquay Christmas Market: Full list of traders and everything you need to know

Torquay's first dedicated Christmas market is just days away from welcoming visitors. To help people get in the spirit, organisers have announced further details of the event - including its full list of nearly 40 traders.

After years of locals calling for their own Christmas market in Torquay, the big day is nearly here. The gates at Torre Abbey will soon be thrown open for shoppers to browse a range of festive stalls, grab some street food or even enjoy a drink.

There had been hopes for a market to take place last year as Torbay Council sought expressions of interest for the event in September 2023. They later said it couldn't go ahead as prospective organisers told the authority that they hadn't been given enough time to prepare.

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Last month, Exeter Bar Co, who ran the bar at the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market in 2022, announced that they would be running the new Torre Abbey Christmas Market. They say the event was signed off just seven weeks ago.

"When we got sign off about seven weeks ago," aid Nikki Fairclough, Organiser for Exeter Bar co and The Wonderful Experience Company.

"We had no idea who would be interested but the response has been incredible and we are proud to say we have at least 80 per cent of our traders being super local and the rest are South West based. We are proud and grateful for how incredibly keen the local business have been to get behind it."

The market will have a total of 37 traders, offering a wide range of products. That includes two bars, where customers can indulge in big German beers and mulled wine. The site will be adorned with festive lights, Christmas trees, disco balls and even 'snow'.

Nikki said: "We have a wide and varied range of excellent traders joining us from the November 29. Most will be there every day with some coming in over the weekend to trade in our artisan tent. We also have some exciting pop ups over a few of the weekends who will be bringing some big flavours to Torquay.

"The support from locals has been so great. We also have some great businesses that got in touch and were keen to lend a hand and help us make it happen. From Signage by Stalite, to promotion from Radio Exe, marquees by local company Marldon Marquees, our tipi from another local company Hapikata and even infrastructure by Apex Scaffolding who have been working closely with Torre Abbey on the recent renovation.

"We are proud that people believe in what we are doing here and that the Bay businesses are really pulling out all the stops to make it a success. We hope it's the start of a regular Christmas Market for Torquay."

Keep reading for all you need to know:

When does it start and what are the opening times?

Torre Abbey Christmas Market starts at 3pm on Friday, November 29 and ends at 7pm on December 22.

It will be open 3pm to 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 3pm to 9:45pm Thursday and Friday, 10am to 9:45pm Saturday and 11am to 7pm Sunday.

Where is it and how do I get there?

Torre Abbey Christmas Market will be held outside at Torre Abbey, with road access via The King's Drive. It is five minutes' walk from Torquay railway station.

Buses 12, 22, 60, 61, 62, Gold, X46 to Torre Abbey Meadows / Sands. 32, 62, to Torre Abbey bus-stop (Walnut Road). 26, 120 to Torquay Train Station bus-stop (Rathmore Road).

Is there parking?

The nearest car park is Torre Valley Car Park. There is limited parking and a drop-off point within the grounds for disabled visitors.

Is there a charge?

Torre Abbey Christmas Market is free to attend.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are welcome but they must be kept on a lead.

What stalls are there?

• Coffee Stop Coffee

• OnTheBone Chicken

• The Big Greek Feed

• Kurtosh Cake - funnel cakes

• Tom’s sweets

• Flip n fast- crepes (free from)

• Estuary Crepes and Coffee

• Beaziffle

• Danielle Anna Designs

• Big Bakes Bakery

• Montania Designs Retail

• Glitzy Girls- waffles

• Heart of Torbay CIC- crumble and cream teas

• Fire Dining (meat cooked on a open fire)

• Swing Grill- Posh Dog

• Cootelicious- warm Brownies and milkshakes

• Amber Honey Candles

• Torbay Distillery- gin

• Amberhoney - gifts

• Funky Anchovy- pizza

• Love Millie- gifts

• Connor Dog Treats

• Asher Devon Made Melts

• Wild Camping - services

• Main Bar – Exeter Bar Co and Crossed Anchors

• Adamabel crafts - clothing

• Random Stitches- embroidered and heat transfer clothing

• Poppins Pottery

• Spiritual Holistic Cosmetics

• Deck Chair Gin

• Devon Cove Vodka

• Alter Ego - alternative jewellery and accessories

• Henna & Bailey handmade leather crafts

• Saltie Bay Jewellery

• Bow So Precious - handmade hair bows and accessories

• Coco Craft - handmade jewellery

• Tipi Bar- Exeter Bar co – mulled wine