Torquay, Devon, will see the popular Train of Lights added to its official local events lineup for 2026, a move designed to bring more festive visitors to the town’s hotels and cafes. The English Riviera BID Company recently updated its ‘What’s On’ listings to include the rail attraction, which has historically been based in nearby Paignton.
Local leaders hope that including the train in Torquay’s marketing will encourage more people to book overnight stays and eat at local restaurants before the show begins. This follows earlier success for the Bay of Lights: the 2024 illumination trail attracted more than one million visitors (reported at about 1.2 million), and organisers are aiming to build on that momentum.
Carolyn Custerson, chief executive of the English Riviera BID Company, said the Bay of Lights is “quickly becoming a national ‘must see’ event on the festive calendar.” Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services, also welcomed the event’s growth and said she was looking forward to 2026 plans developing further.
The Train of Lights service is operated by the Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company. The wider Bay of Lights festival is scheduled to run from late November 2026 through to January 2027; the Dartmouth steam railway traditionally operates its Train of Lights on selected dates in November and December as part of the seasonal programme, rather than running continuously through the whole festival period. Local business owners say the increased focus on Torquay should help fill luxury hotels and harbourside shops during the quieter winter months.
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