Torquay’s harbourside is set to become the ultimate destination over Easter weekend.
This Easter, Torbay Council invites the community and visitors to join them for two days of free activities and entertainment, celebrating the official opening of the new public realm space.
On Sunday 20 and Monday 21 April, Torquay’s harbourside will be the place to be. There will be a host of free activities, bringing colour and vibrancy to the area. Expect street games, musical fun, art activities, street performers, have-a-go activities and lots more.
Highlights of the weekend:
· Percussion performances: Weapons of Sound (Sunday) and Crooked Tempo Samba Band (Monday).
· Family-friendly activities: Led by the team at Play Torbay.
· Art and craft: Willow making workshop, and plein-air art workshop where local artists will guide you through painting a picture of harbourside points of interest.
· Street Art: Doodle Wall and Italian Chalk Art.
· Live entertainment: Spike Bones; Punch & Judy Show, Stilt Walkers.
· Harbourside Quiz: Explore and discover new places and interesting facts.
Event details
· Dates: Sunday 20 and Monday 21 April 2025
· Time:11am to 3pm
· Location: Torquay harbourside
All activities are completely free to enjoy, in a space that is inviting and accessible for everyone.
The activity programme has been designed to celebrate the harbourside and connect people with the surrounding environment. The event has been commissioned by Torbay Council and is being delivered by Tonic Creatives.
Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said: “Using Town Deal funding we have successfully created a high-quality and modern space against the backdrop of the stunning inner harbour.
“We’ve introduced more seating, feature lighting, cycle racks and planted areas. Importantly, the space has been designed to recognise and celebrate the historical qualities of the area.
“We hope residents and visitors will come and celebrate Easter weekend with us in our new vibrant public space on Torquay’s harbourside.”
Easter weekend isn’t the only celebration happening at the harbourside this April. On Saturday 12 April, a new tribute to Agatha Christie is being unveiled. The unveiling ceremony will be complemented by live performances, a family-friendly ‘who-done-it’ mystery trail, literary walks and a print workshop hosted by Double Elephant at Torquay Library for all ages and abilities.
During the print workshop participants will learn how to create a picture to illustrate one of Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries. There are two sessions on Saturday 12 April that can be booked onto, 11am until 12.30pm and 1pm until 2.30pm. Tickets for the workshop cost £3.00 and can be booked now. https://www.iacf-uk.org/news/murder-whodunnit-at-torquay-library
Getting to the harbourside:
There are lots of ways to easily get to Torquay’s harbourside this Easter.
By bus: Regular bus services connect Torbay to Torquay’s harbourside. Plan your bus journey: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/bus/
By car: Car parks can be found all around the harbourside, with over 1000 spaces available 24 hours a day. All car parks are clearly signed along main routes. Find a car park: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/car-parks/
On foot: Explore the town centre or seafront before making your way to the harbourside.
By bike: Cycle parking is available at the harbourside.
By train: Torquay train station is a flat 20-minute walk from the harbourside.
The improvements to Torquay’s harbourside were made possible after Torbay Council secured £21.9 million of Town Deal funding to improve the town centre.
The harbourside public realm scheme was the first town centre transformation scheme in more than a decade. Plans to transform Union Square Shopping Centre and The Strand have also been unveiled by the council and its regeneration partners – Willmott Dixon and Milligan. With other schemes in the pipeline for Paignton and Brixham. Stay up to date with regeneration projects by signing up to the regeneration projects newsletter: www.torbay.gov.uk/onetorbay
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