This half term, residents and visitors are being invited to ‘play in the street’ during a series of events aimed at welcoming people back to our high streets.

Supported by us and TDA and funded by the ERDF Welcome Back Fund, Playing in the Streets will see three events take place in each of the Bay towns next week.

Visitors can enjoy free fun and entertainment for all the family, and it’s also hoped they will support local businesses getting back on their feet after the pandemic.

Participants will be able to pick up a trail sheet from the welcome tent and complete a street treasure hunt, while taking part in some fun games and activities along the way.

The events each run between 11am and 3pm and will feature live music, workshops, street entertainers, and lots of unexpected fun and surprises. The events will encourage people to experience their high streets in a completely different way and to learn something new about each of the towns.

People’s quiz sheets will also include special offers in several of the shops along the route, to inspire people to support their local high streets. A variety of local organisations will be involved in each of the three events, offering everything from live music to mini-guided walks and art activities to street challenges and games.

There will be the opportunity to take part in circus skills, drumming, and art workshops. Other activities include drama activities and have-a-go DJing sessions. Elfic will also be on hand with his comedy juggling show featuring high unicycling, ladder balancing, magic and more. (All activities are subject to change).

The dates and locations are:

• Town Square and Fore Street, Brixham: Thursday 24 February
• Lower Union Street, Torquay: Friday 25 February
• Victoria Street, Paignton: Saturday 26 February

Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said “Our high streets have particularly struggled over lockdown, so we are delighted to be able to bring some colour and fun back to our town centres. Each of the events in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are packed with free fun for all the family, so do come along and join in. And don’t forget to visit some of our shops, cafes and other businesses whilst you are in town and spend a little money with them if you are able to.

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said; “Playing in the Streets is part of an exciting time for Torbay with a whole host of multi-million-pound projects currently in the pipeline aimed at creating spaces where people can thrive.

“These include £21.9 million for Torquay Towns Fund and £13.36 million for the Future High Street Fund for Paignton. In line with the Brixham Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan, there are also plans for the regeneration of both the Harbour and Brixham Town Centre car park, who recently received a share of £1 million secured through the Brownfield Land Release Fund.” 

The events are being delivered by Tonic Creatives, a new local events company and funded by the ERDF Welcome Back Fund.

The Welcome Back Fund has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.