Christmas arrives in Torbay with a bang!

Christmas arrived officially in Torbay last night as thousands of people flocked to the streets to celebrate the Bay of Lights 2025.

Torquay seafront, promenade and harbour areas were jam packed with people getting into the festive party spirit. Car parks and side streets were full.

Bay of Lights and fireworks

The switch on of the Christmas festoon lights, colourful displays and sparkling yuletide trees was marked with a glittering fireworks display. Children singing and street entertainers added to the huge success of the night.

Mayor Barbara Lewis and Torbay Council leader Dave Thomas got proceedings under way with the mayor saying "An absolutely fantastic night turning on The Bay of Lights.

Bay of Lights welcome from council leader Dave Thomas and mayor Barbara Lewis

"Well done to the organisers for another brilliant year. The amazing crowd were superbly entertained by Razzamatazz and others after the switch on of the tree lights."

Bay of Lights - the long and short of it, councillor Jackie Thomas (left) and mayor Barbara Lewis with festive street entertainers

Main sponsors for the event were Torbay Council, the English Riviera BID Company and the Torquay Independent Business Owners group led by Anthony Jones from Ottos and Twenty One.

Bay of Lights children play starring role

Mayor Lewis said: "We had a fabulous fireworks display, someone said they were the best fireworks ever in the Bay. Well done to Anthony from Ottos for organising it."

There was also support from Bays Brewery and the Torbay Business Forum. 

Bay of Lights traders leader Anthony Jones and mayor Barbara Lewis