Plymouth to host an array of epic events for 2022

From pirates to pyrotechnics, live music to military moments and food festivals to family fun, Plymouth’s 2022 calendar is jam-packed with unmissable events.

Britain’s Ocean City is set to host an epic line-up of events this year, from the return of some beloved events on the waterfront and throughout the city centre to exciting new additions and some of the city’s most popular free events.

After two years of forced cancellations, a buzzing programme is planned for 2022. The family fun begins in May, with the return of Pirates Weekend Plymouth (7 and 8 May) promising a swashbuckling two days of fun inspired by the high seas and continues throughout the month with free activities for families to enjoy at Lord Mayor’s Day (21 May).

Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year too. Flavour Fest (27 to 29 May) is the South West’s largest free food and drink festival, with hundreds of local producers selling tasty treats and a chef stage with regional cookery stars showcasing their skills. Later in the year, the Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival (17 and 18 September) will celebrate all that’s great about the city’s stunning waterfront and fishing industry.

There’s also an impressive line-up of live music to enjoy over the summer. The Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend will see the 1 Big Summer music festival take to Plymouth Hoe (2 to 4 June), with the line-up set to include an epic range of music including Basement Jaxx, Years and Years, The Libertines and Supergrass.

The largest park in Plymouth, Central Park, is also set to host two global music superstars this July: singer-songwriter Paloma Faith (9 July) and chart-topping band Simply Red (10 July).

Another popular event coming back to Plymouth Hoe this year is Armed Forces Day (25 June). As a proud military city, it’s a great opportunity for Plymouth to show support for the military community, from serving troops to veterans, cadets and their families. The day includes a packed programme of entertainment, with arena displays, interactive activities and parades, including a dedicated parade of veterans to recognise the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. Visitors can enjoy live performances throughout the day before a free evening concert takes to the stage, with an amazing headliner set to be announced soon.

The Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines (23 June) will also take place in the city for the first time, with outstanding athletes – Paralympians and Invictus Games competitors among them – competing in the tough event. The triathlon is made up of a swim in Tinside Lido, cycling time trials and static rowing on Plymouth Hoe.

Plymouth’s military history will also be celebrated with Commando Gunners’ 60th Anniversary Parade (14 May) through the city, including the serving regiment and veterans, to mark the 60^th anniversary of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery being based at the Royal Citadel in Plymouth.

For sports fans, sailing enthusiasts and action lovers, SailGP is returning to the city for the second year in a row. Expect adrenaline-fuelled excitement on Plymouth Sound as ten international sailing teams comprised of the world’s top athletes battle it out to win the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix (30 and 31 July).

Anyone who is more excited about participating in sport rather than watching can sign up to the Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival (19 June), which includes the Plymouth Half Marathon, 10k and 5k, offering something for runners of all abilities.

Look to the skies in August as the beloved British Firework Championships (17 and 18 August) sees six pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work in six epic ten-minute displays, as they compete to be crowned the country’s best.