Auditions for Torbay's first busking festival have got off to a great start. A dozen people were selected to take part in the event after open auditions were held in Torquay town centre.

Those selected will now perform at the festival which takes place in Paignton on April 28 and Torquay on April 29.

Organiser Vicky Nagy said: "The stage was set up outside Primark and they performed in front of the judges. There will be a lot of variation. We have a circus act, guitarist, singers, dancers and a magician." 

Performers will be based in each town centre and will be entertaining crowds throughout the day. The

Plans for a new multimillion-pound supermarket which will create 240 jobs at the gateway to Torquay have been submitted by Tesco. But traders and residents are already vowing to fight the proposals for the out-of-town store at Edginswell. And chief executive of Torbay Town Centres Company Ian Broadfoot has called for investment in the town centre rather than out of town.

Tesco says the store and new office buildings at Edginswell business park will improve shopping, but TTCC says it is concerned for the impact it will have on the town centre. A Tesco spokesman said: "'We're proud to be offering significant investment in

by Jim Parker,
Editor, Herald Express

So Tesco has officially set its sights on another new store for Torquay. The retail giant has submitted a planning application for a superstore at the Edginswell business park at the gateway to the town — and on its outskirts.

The immediate concern for some is what impact another out-of-town store will have on the already-fragile town centre. On the other side of the coin is the impact the new development will have on jobs. It will create hundreds. So jobs — or the town centre. What is it to be? There may just be a way of striking a balance to make it work on both

Torbay is bidding for a share of £1million and an expert helping hand in revitalising its high streets. 

A dozen towns and cities will have the chance to implement the recommendations from retail expert Mary Portas' review to help them breathe new life into their ailing town centres. The Portas Pilots will share £1million, as well as the support of Grant Shapps, the local government minister, Whitehall, and Mary Portas (pictured) herself.

Competition is expected to be fierce for the funding. Each area has to provide a video and suggest ideas which could be replicated by other areas. Ian Broadfoot, chief executive

Buskers will be brightening up the streets of Torquay and Paignton as part of a range of events aimed at livening up the town centres.

A new Torbay Busking Festival is being launched at the end of April recruiting magicians, singers, dancers and performers with circus skills.

Torbay Town Centres Company is currently recruiting for the festival which will take place in Paignton on Saturday, April 28, and Torquay on Sunday, April 29.

Ian Broadfoot, chief executive of the company, said: "The aim of the festival is to bring something fun, unique and… more»

Parking charges and the future of Torbay Cinema is on the agenda for businesses meeting up to discuss the future of the town.

The first Paignton Business Improvement District meeting is being organised this month.

Businesses will have the chance to hear a presentation from the National Trust on their proposals for the Paignton Picture House, have an opportunity to hear about staff training on customer service, and meet with the officials who determine the parking measures and charges.

Matthew Clarke, chairman of the Paignton BID, said the meeting would be an opportunity to review what has been achieved in the first year of