…you are sure of a big surprise! This summer, Torre Abbey has lots of exciting events happening including The BFG in Pictures, The Wind in the Willows outdoor theatre, blockbuster film screenings at the extremely popular Open Air Cinema Festival and a Big Family Picnic!

Whether you are living in or visiting the English Riviera, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, Cllr Mike Morey, said: “Situated at Torquay Seafront, Torre Abbey is a wonderful contemporary interactive museum and art gallery with stunning gardens. This all year round attraction, has a jam packed summer programme of exhibitions, events and activities from open air cinema and theatre to a school holiday music club and live music – so plenty of reasons to pay a visit!”

Torre Abbey prides itself on being family friendly with free entry for kids and teens (u19s). Family friendly activities include dressing up, interactive displays, garden games, indoor and outdoor trails, and craft activities. To make life easier, there is a lift to all floors, baby changing facilities and an on-site café.

The BFG in Pictures

The BFG in Pictures is a touring exhibition from House of Illustration featuring reproductions of Quentin Blake’s illustrations for Roald Dahl’s much loved story. The exhibition curated by Quentin Blake contains 40 reproductions of illustrations that weren’t used when the book was first published in 1982. To complement the exhibition there is a Dream Jar Cave, gigantic model of the BFG, colouring and reading activities, dressing up, storytelling and a BFG trail.

Wind in the Willows

Join Mole, Ratty and Badger on their madcap adventures in this heart-warming tale of friendship, mishap and mayhem in Quantum Theatre’s brand new adaptation of Kenneth Graham’s family favourite.

The Comedy of Errors

Folksy Theatre present Shakespeare’s classic tale of mistaken identities. Filled with Folky’s wonderful live music, audience interaction and downright silliness.

Mister Magnolia

Folksy Theatre present Mister Magnolia based on the book by Quentin Blake. Join Mister Magnolia on his wacky adventures. Filled with bold characters, live music, and puppetry with audience interaction.

Big Family Picnic

Get all the family together for our Big Family Picnic on Sunday 28 July. Bring along your picnic blankets and lunch and enjoy quality time in our beautiful gardens. There will be plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained all afternoon with garden games, trails and a beautiful historic house to explore.

Storytelling

Take some quiet time out your little one and enjoy storytelling in our first floor gallery which is home to the BFG in Pictures exhibition. Sessions will be running on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, sessions are free to attend with normal admission fee. No booking required.

Music Mania

From Monday 5 August, the talented team from Torbay Music Hub is running a week long programme of musical activities for young people aged 9-13 years. Each day there will be workshops, games, an off-site activity and the opportunity to learn new musical skills as well as make new friends.

Open Air Cinema

The hugely popular Open Air Cinema Festival returns for a third consecutive year. For nine nights we are screening popular blockbuster movies, cult classics and family favourites will be screened under the stars. A fully licensed bar and a range of cinema snacks and popcorn will be available to purchase on the night. Tickets for each screening are priced at £10, concessions apply for our 1196 Club members and for groups of 10 or more.

Annual 1196 memberships to Torre Abbey are available to buy for just £16 per adult, they give unlimited free admission to the abbey, gardens and exhibitions, including special discounts on selected events.

For more information on what’s going on at Torre Abbey this summer visit www.torre-abbey.org.uk