Torquay Tropical is set to return to the English Riviera this month with an expanded two-day programme celebrating soca, steelpan, reggae and global carnival culture.
Following a successful debut last year, the free festival will take place on 26 and 27 September at Banjo Gardens and Princess Gardens on Torquay’s seafront, bringing together artists from across the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America and beyond.
Presented by Global Carnivalz, Global Local and Torbay Council, with support from Arts Council England, the event will feature live music, dance workshops, food vendors and family-friendly entertainment from 11am to 8pm on both days.
The line-up includes legendary Jamaican reggae vocalist Earl 16, one of roots reggae’s most respected voices, alongside acclaimed Zimbabwean musician and broadcaster Pax Nindi and festival promoter Chris Tofu. Other performers include Sambroso Sambroso, Los Costureros, Barefoot Bandit, Malavita, Newtown Roots and Too Hot.
For carnival and Caribbean music fans, one of the standout attractions will be a performance by Real Steel, one of the UK’s leading steel orchestras, helping to bring the unmistakable sound of steelpan to the Devon coast. Festivalgoers will also have the opportunity to take part in a free soca class, adding a distinctly Caribbean flavour to the weekend’s activities.
Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of soca, reggae, Afrobeat, salsa, Latin rhythms, roots music and global sounds, reflecting the festival’s mission to bring communities together through music, culture and shared experiences.
With its move to a two-day format, Torquay Tropical continues to grow as a unique celebration of carnival culture in the South West, introducing new audiences to the music, traditions and energy that have long been at the heart of Caribbean festivals around the world.
