Discover the Wonders: The English Riviera Geopark Festival Invites You to Explore

This spring, the English Riviera is poised to captivate visitors with its unique blend of nature, culture, and history as it hosts the highly anticipated Geopark Festival from May 21 to May 29. This year's festival promises a wealth of activities designed to celebrate the region's geological and cultural identity, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

A Festival of Discovery

Spanning the picturesque towns of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark is set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. The festival offers an ambitious program featuring guided geowalks along dramatic cliffs, coastal foraging, and interactive fossil hunting. These activities encourage visitors to reconnect with nature while embracing the region’s rich geological history, which spans an astonishing 185 million years.

Wellbeing and Creativity at the Forefront

Wellbeing is a major theme of this year's festival, with events including sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, nature walks, and calming open-air activities that foster a greater appreciation for the coastline's beauty. Additionally, artistic expression will thrive through workshops and exhibitions like "Colour-ing the Bay" at Torre Abbey and the "Strata Stories" exhibition at Artizan Gallery, showcasing local talent and the area's cultural heritage.

Community and Heritage Shine Through

As noted by Councillor Jackie Thomas of the Torbay Council, the festival not only celebrates the Geopark's geological significance but also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and heritage appreciation. It serves as a reminder of the value of preserving natural landscapes and cultural narratives, making it a not-to-miss event for residents and visitors alike.

With such a diverse mix of activities, the English Riviera Geopark Festival promises to be a vibrant and enriching experience for all. More details regarding the festival schedule and events can be found on the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark website.