PAIGNTON, DEVON — Thousands of locals and visitors lined Esplanade Road and Paignton Seafront today as the iconic Paignton Carnival Procession took over the town for its annual flagship summer celebration.

Part of the nine-day Paignton Festival (formerly known as Torbay Carnival), today’s procession delivered a vibrant spectacle of music, community spirit, and seaside tradition that has been running on the Riviera for over a century.

Who Was Part of the Spectacle?

Today’s procession brought together a diverse showcase of local talent, businesses, and community groups:

Community Floats & Costumes: Local schools, youth clubs, and dance academies paraded elaborate hand-crafted floats, illuminated displays, and vibrant fancy dress.
Live Music & Performers: Marching bands, local music acts, and dance troupes provided high-energy soundscapes along the route.
Local Champions & Sponsors: Main sponsors Hoburne Devon Bay led support alongside local holiday parks, regional businesses, and community organizers.
Family Entertainment: Characters, walking acts, and festival royalty delighted spectators of all ages as the procession wound through Preston and Paignton Green.

Rallying for Local Charities

At the heart of the Paignton Festival is a 100-plus-year tradition: giving back to the local community. While the vast majority of festival entertainment is completely free to attend, volunteer collectors were out with donation buckets throughout the parade.

100% of the funds raised during the procession and throughout festival week go directly toward vital local causes and charities across Torbay. Beneficiaries supported by the festival team include:

Torbay Air Ambulance / Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Rowcroft Hospice
Local youth groups, rescue services, and community outreach programmes

Looking Ahead

The celebration isn’t over yet! Festivities continue at Paignton Green throughout the week, featuring:

Daily live music, tribute acts, and dance demonstrations
The seaside funfair, classic car displays, and children’s entertainment
The grand grand-finale fireworks display over the bay

“This event is run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers,” noted the festival organizers. “Every single coin dropped into a bucket today helps support essential local services and charities that make a real difference across Torbay.”