Torquay is all about festive sparkle this Saturday (19th November), and there’s added excitement to its annual Christmas lights celebrations as some of the X Factor contestants are coming along.

We’re not sure exactly which of the bunch will be performing in the town centre yet, but they’ll be joining Palm FM, Father Christmas himself and a whole range of street entertainers from 11am-6pm.

There will be a live Palm FM broadcast on a Fleet Walk stage from 3pm, and the Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.30pm.

Torquay’s Babbacombe Model Village is showing its sinister side this Halloween with the Halloween Evening of Mini Horrors.

The popular attraction is hosting an evening of family fun with a sinister twist every night until 31 October and it’s a great experience for all ages.

From 6pm-10pm visitors can enjoy eerie illuminations, fire and sound effects throughout the village, as well the Workshop of Horrors tour.

Torquay Museum isn’t just packed with tales and artefacts from our favourite seaside resort, until 25 October 2011 it’s hosting the stunning Secret Egypt – Unravelling Truth from Myth exhibition.

This interactive display includes beautiful ancient Egyptian relics from some of the UK’s most impressive collections, including the British Museum.

Come face to face with the mummy of a small boy, and see the model of what he may have looked like created using cutting-edge technology.

The sunny waters of Torbay were dominated by a special visitor last weekend, as the warship HMS Bulwark anchored for three days as a special regional engagement.

The 20,000 tonne ship made a spectacular sight offshore from Torquay, and lucky members of the public enjoyed a transfer to the ship and tour of it on Sunday.

The ship is the star of Channel 5’s ‘Warship’, and measures the equivalent of two football pictures in length!

First we saw him on our way to Torquay, then he hit Facebook and now the national news...ladies and gentlemen meet Moses.

The curving drive along the coast between Paignton and Torquay would be a treat no matter what, as the sea looms into view lapping at the bay.

But thanks to a kindly local celebrity called Moses, it’s become extra special over the last few years.

There are some areas that take you to another place and time every time you visit them, and Cockington Village in the heart of Torquay is one of them.

This timeless thatched village is one of Devon’s most beautiful spots, and the stately Cockington Court is surrounded by history that you can still walk, admire and enjoy.

Choose from woodland walks, lakes, a historic forge, tea rooms and a church to discover during a visit, and they’re open all year round. Cockington is a medieval village which appeared in the Domesday Book, and much of it looks just as it would have done centuries ago.

Torquay’s Babbacombe Cliff Railway has ferried happy holidaymakers up and down the cliff face since 1926, and this month will see it open to the public with a restored station and elegant carriages!

Visitors will see a dramatic difference at the Bottom Station where staff and volunteers have been working flat out to refurbish the whole place during the Torquay attraction’s closed period.

The project to complete the refurbishment of the top and bottom stations was aided by a £31k lottery grant - not to mention a great deal of volunteer time and resources.   

If you haven’t managed to come and explore the Winter Wonderland at Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay this year, have a look at our pictures and see the exciting transformation.

We blogged about the upcoming special effects that would cast a snowy spell over the Model Village in South Devon, but the family attraction has excelled itself with lifelike snow, alpine skiing for children, Santa’s log cabin and the magical illuminations.

As if all this isn’t enough to celebrate the festive season, for an additional charge visitors are treated to the unique 4D cinema experience ‘Sleigh Ride Adventure’!  

Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay is a delightful sight at any time, but from 4 December until 3 January it will become a tiny winter wonderland thanks to cutting edge snow effects used in films such as Harry Potter and James Bond!

The highly specialised snow effects will include thousands of miniature sparkling lights, creating the effect of a glinting world covered in snow.

The results are bound to be a magical spectacle, so if you’re visiting the English Riviera this festive season- don’t miss this beautiful attraction.

Hundreds gathered to welcome the Christmas spirit to Torquay in South Devon on Saturday, as they watched the annual Christmas Carnival, switching on of the spectacular Christmas lights and a harbourside fireworks display!

The day’s festivities also included live music from local children who sang carols in the high street, local DJs from Palm FM radio station and much more.

If you missed it, check out our Facebook page to see the rest of the photos...