Torbay Pride.

About Torbay Pride

Torbay Pride is a free, volunteer-run celebration held in Torquay, on the bay’s seafront. The day pairs a short march along the seafront with a festival by the bay. Expect live music, drag, a market village, food and drink, and a dog show.

It is a community event, and the organisers describe it as open to all ages. Chairman Chris Smith has said the volunteers are “the heart of this event”. Pride itself grew out of protest and the fight for equal rights, and marching through the bay with a giant rainbow flag keeps that visibility front and centre.

Funding has been tight. In 2026 the organisers said a change of dates had made them ineligible for National Lottery support, and they relied on sponsors and crowdfunding to keep the event free.

When and where

Torbay Pride 2026 took place on Saturday 13 June 2026 in Torquay, not Paignton. The organiser’s preview placed the festival on Torre Abbey Meadows, TQ2 5DG, beside the seafront, though the post-event report described crowds gathering at Princess Gardens; check the next site map. Local news reported that thousands attended.

Sources gave slightly different start times for the stage. A Torbay Weekly preview said the main stage began at 12.30pm, while the organiser’s website says 1pm. The organiser’s 2026 market page said food and drink outlets traded from noon until 10pm. We found no published closing time for the stage itself.

The organiser has announced the next edition for Saturday 12 June 2027. Its website already carries some 2027 arrangements, including chair hire. Stallholder applications for 2027 open in November 2026.

Torbay Pride march route and start time

The march gathers at Princess Gardens on Torbay Road, next to the old Pavilion, and sets off at noon. In 2026 two Torbay Weekly previews gave the gathering time as 11am and 11.30am; the organiser’s page now says 11am. Members of the public were invited to help carry a huge Pride flag through the town. One preview called it 120 metres long, another 90 metres.

The organiser’s march page describes a flat route of about half a mile along Torbay Road, from Princess Gardens to Torre Abbey Meadows. It warns that crowds can stretch the walk to an hour. Torbay Weekly’s post-event report said marchers returned to Princess Gardens, so the 2026 finish is not entirely clear.

Taking part is free, and individuals are welcome to join. Businesses and charities walking as a group must register in advance by emailing torbaypride@gmail.com with numbers and banner details. Volunteer marshals and security staff accompany the march.

Where to watch

Princess Gardens is the place to see the flag set off. The pavements along Torbay Road give a long, flat view of the seafront stretch. These are suggestions based on the published route, not reserved viewing areas.

Torbay Pride free events and what’s on

Entry to Torbay Pride is free, with donations welcome. The site is not fenced. The only paid tickets the organiser mentions are for the official after party at Arena Torquay, sold separately through See Tickets.

The 2026 line-up included Xtina Live, Simply Stevie, Kyle Finn, Boy Gorgeous and The Shrine, with drag hosts Roberta Calamari and Ruby Slippers. There was a children’s area run by Children’s Week Torbay, and workshops from Sound Communities. Animals in Distress hosted the dog show.

The organiser says picnics are allowed, but asks you to avoid glass bottles. Dogs are welcome on leads. Bays Brewery ran a licensed bar alongside street food vendors. No general age limit is published, though the bar and after party will apply their own rules. Free wristbands for children’s contact details are available at the information point.

Torbay Pride travel and getting there

Torquay station, on Rathmore Road, is the nearest station to Torre Abbey Meadows. Great Western Railway runs it, and the organiser points to connections from Exeter, Plymouth, Bristol and London. Torre station is also close by. Check your own journey and your last train home before you travel.

Stagecoach South West is the main bus operator in Torbay, linking Torquay with Paignton and Brixham. Many routes stop near the seafront and the town centre.

The organiser says Torbay Road closes in both directions from 11.30am until the march has finished. Parking restrictions apply from 00:01 to 13:00 on Torbay Road between Kings Drive and the Cary roundabout. The organiser does not publish event parking, so use town car parks or come by train. Torbay Taxis was the official taxi partner in 2026.

Where to stay

Torquay has a wide choice of seafront hotels and guest houses close to Torre Abbey Meadows. Staying near the station means you can walk to the festival and back without needing the car. June is a busy month on the English Riviera, so book early.

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Accessibility

The march route is flat, and the festival is on open grass beside the seafront. The organiser says it works with accessibility partners and offers spaces for families, young people and those who want a quieter environment. Its market village promises wide walkways, clear signage and seated areas for a break.

We found no published accessible viewing area, BSL interpretation or event toilet plan. The organiser offered chair hire for 2027 at £10, plus a £10 refundable cash deposit. Ask about anything you need at torbaypride@gmail.com and keep the reply in writing.

Torquay station has step-free access to all platforms, though routes may involve ramps. It has accessible toilets, a Changing Places toilet and an induction loop. On Saturdays it is staffed from 7am to 5pm, so book Passenger Assistance for a later return.

Frequently asked questions

More Pride planning

Compare dates in the Pride calendar or browse more events in the regional guide. Exeter is a short train ride away, so our Exeter Pride guide is a natural next stop.

Planning around access needs? Read our accessible Pride guide. Bringing children? Our families guide helps you plan a manageable day.