What’s on in Torbay this weekend: WinterFest, Bay of Lights and new ice rink

Torre Abbey’s festive season is in full swing, with thousands already enjoying WinterFest’s artisan stalls, entertainment and the Bay of Lights atmosphere – and organisers say there is still plenty more to come.

This weekend marks the final WinterFest dates of the year, with visitors invited to enjoy creative crafts, seasonal treats and unique gifts from 22 artisan traders. The event runs on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December from 11am to 8pm, with entry priced at £1 for the barn or £3.50 including access to the House and Gardens.

Alongside the indoor festivities, the outdoor Bay of Lights Christmas Market will also be open, offering festive food traders, a cosy indoor bar and access to the Illumination Trail.

Torre Abbey’s popular 'Alive with Lights' projection show begins at 4.30pm each day. The Bay of Lights Ice Rink opens this weekend in Abbey Park, giving families the chance to enjoy a real ice rink under a sparkling canopy. The rink will run daily until Friday 2 January 2026, with hourly sessions for up to 80 skaters.

The festive programme continues into next weekend. On Friday 12 December, the acclaimed Four Forty Theatre Company returns to the Spanish Barn for a special double-bill performance. The evening features a rapid-fire retelling of 'Twelfth Night' followed by a Christmas-themed 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'. Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start, with audiences advised to wrap up warm and bring blankets.

On Saturday 13 December, the Unleashed Community Choir will perform a free Christmas Community Choir Night in the Spanish Barn. Known for their inclusive ethos and award-winning work, the choir will lead a mix of choral pieces and community carols from 6pm to 6.45pm. Doors open at 5.30pm, and while entry is free, donations are encouraged to support the choir’s ongoing work across Torbay and beyond.

This year’s Bay of Lights celebration - which includes the Abbey’s market, projections and the new Abbey Park rink – has been billed as bigger and brighter than ever.

Torre Abbey staff added: “If we don’t see you in the next two weeks, we hope you have a wonderful festive period, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”