Pedal Kart Grand Prix

The Pedal Kart Grand Prix is back in Torquay on Saturday 18 July 2027, running from 10am to 5pm at Torre Abbey. It's a family-friendly pedal-powered race that's been a fixture of the Torbay calendar for a long time, though it's been six years since the last one. The 2019 edition was a big success, and residents and visitors have been calling for its return ever since.

There's a fair bit of history behind it. The race was originally launched by the Round Table more than 42 years ago, and in 2009 the Sunrise Rotary Club took over to keep the tradition going. Stephen Holdup has been a constant figure throughout. This time around, it's run by 'Q', founder of Q-Ball Media, working with local Rotary groups, community organisations and suppliers. The organisers describe it as a celebration of community spirit, teamwork and fun, rather than just a competition.

It also does some good for the local area: the event raises funds for Rowcroft Hospice, the South Devon charity that cares for patients and their families. For those who've followed it from the start, there's a bit of a full-circle moment here, too — the race is returning to Torre Abbey, the very place where it all began. The organisers say victory will taste sweeter this year because of that.

So, it's a pedal-powered race for the whole family, running from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 18 July 2027 at Torre Abbey, with funds going to Rowcroft Hospice.