Something strange happens the day after Halloween. Suddenly, Christmas adverts begin to appear on TV. Initially, it is the furniture retailers but very rapidly like an unpleasant rash more and more pop up pedalling the same old hackneyed images of the festive season.
It is easy to be jaded about Christmas especially since it begins so early but away from the world of the media Christmas retains much of its charm and the events that lead up to it tend to reinforce the way in which it still remains a very special time of year for so may people.
On The English Riviera, the Princess Theatre will no doubt be extremely busy with the pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk, whilst up in Babbacombe at the theatre there they are offering a variety show called Christmas stars. Meanwhile the amateur TOADS company offer The Railway Children between 7th and 14th December.
Torquay’s attractions are gearing themselves up for Christmas too and The Babbacombe Model Village will have its incredibly beautiful winter wonderland. A short ditance away in St Marychurch Bygones will have a re-creation of a Victorian Christmas street scene. For the adventuous over at Cockington there will be an outdoor Ice Rink at Cockington Court. The Paignton Dartmouth Steam Railway will also offer their Santa Specials.
For those who have been tempted by the lure of the advertisements, Torquay has late night shopping every Thursday from 28th November up until Christmas.
Finally, all over Torbay, there will be a large number of carol Concerts in the weeks running up to Christmas day. These include a spectacular event at The Princess Theatre involving the band of The Royal Marines.
For anyone wanting to visit Torquay over the festive season, The Somerville offers boutique style accommodation in the very centre of the resort. Alternatively, guests can experience high quality self catering aprtments next door at Bedford House.