The Geopark Festival is set to return to the English Riviera, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever!
From Friday 23 May to Friday 30 May, the festival is a celebration of the international importance of the English Riviera’s UNESCO Global Geopark status.
In partnership with Geopark Partners and Associate Partners, this annual event features new additions, online events, and creative workshops, showcasing the wonders of the English Riviera Geopark. With activities across Torbay, Torbay Council invites residents and visitors to explore the English Riviera’s rich culture, history, and stunning natural environment.
During the festival, attendees can:
· Engage with local artists and learn their creative processes during the Meet Artists sessions
· Dive into hands-on scientific experiments and beach discoveries at the Beach Lab
· Learn about the unique geology and ecology of the area with Discovery Sessions
· Start your day with a Sunrise Meditation by the sea
· Join the team on the beach to sing traditional Sea Shanties
With 22 activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone. The festival also includes exciting online events, ensuring everyone can join in, wherever they are.
Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services, said:
“We are fully committed to protecting our planet and the Bay, and our UNESCO designation only strengthens that commitment.
“The Geopark Festival highlights the importance of our unique history, and we are working with partners to educate, protect, and celebrate our natural, historical, and cultural environment.”
“We hope that residents and visitors will enjoy the Festival and make the most of what we have to offer across our glorious Bay.”
Melanie Border, English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Co-ordinator, added:
“This annual event allows us to celebrate all aspects of the Geopark and our UNESCO designation.
“Through our key partner sites and associate partners, the festival aims to tell the Geopark’s story from a cultural, environmental, and historical perspective.”
“All events and activities have been designed to show how naturally inspiring our region is, and how Global Geoparks are not just about rocks.”
Torbay has proudly held the status of a Geopark since 2007. This year is particularly special, as the Bay celebrates the 10th anniversary of the English Riviera Geopark’s recognition by UNESCO.
In 2015, with the introduction of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Program, our Geopark, along with others worldwide, transitioned from being a Global Geopark to a UNESCO Global Geopark.
This prestigious designation underscores Torbay Council’s commitment to celebrate, conserve, protect, and enhance Torbay’s environment, heritage, and culture.
Details of all the festival events can be found at:
www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk/section_main.cfm?section=5350
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