Britain’s Ocean City is yet again set to host a fantastic line-up of events this year, from the return of some beloved events to exciting new music festivals and popular free events. The buzzing programme doesn’t just offer a great choice of activities to be enjoyed by everyone but also makes a point of supporting independent organisers to host events in the city.
Inspired by the high seas, Plymouth Pirates Weekend will fill the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and waterfront with two days of swashbuckling fun with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy (20 and 21 May).
Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year too. Flavour Fest (26 to 28 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 (16 and 17 September) will celebrate all that is 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 August Summer Bank Holiday weekend will see the 1 Big Summer music festival take to Plymouth Hoe (25 and 26 August), with the line-up set to include a range of music including the fabulous Ibiza Orchestra.
Plymouth is set to host more global music superstars, at Home Park Stadium, including Devon’s very own Muse (27 May) and Kiss with their End of the Road Tour (3 June).
The Big Tribute Festival will be returning to Central Park, with an even bigger and better line-up than last year, hosting an awesome range of talented tribute acts (11 to 13 August). The party continues with Live in the Park (16 to 20 August) featuring a range of original and tribute artists to enjoy.
Another popular event coming back to Plymouth Hoe this year is Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock (24 June) – a great opportunity for everyone to show their support for the military community. The day includes a packed programme of entertainment, military equipment and displays, interactive activities, parades and live music. The day will finish with an exceptional free evening concert, where visitors can enjoy an amazing line-up of performances to dance and sing along to.
The Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Navy Recovery Centre Hasler (22 June) will also take place in the city, with outstanding athletes – Paralympians and Invictus Games competitors among them – competing in this tough event. The triathlon is made up of a swim in Tinside Lido, cycling time trials and static rowing on Plymouth Hoe.
For those who enjoy participating in sport, or looking for a new challenge this year, the Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival (14 May), includes the Plymouth Half, 10k and 5k, offering something for runners of all abilities.
Plymouth Pride 2023 will be celebrating with live music, entertainment, rainbow village, a march through the city centre and much more (5 August). Watch out for more details, including the confirmed location, from Pride in Plymouth (CIC).
For the motorcycle enthusiast, visit the Ocean City Motorcycle Festival, incorporating the Ocean City Bike Show (12 August) and The MegaRide, (13 August), one of the largest charity motorcycle ride-outs in the UK, starting at Lee Mill, including South West Blood Bikes. Look to the skies in August as the spectacular British Firework Championships (16 and 17 August) sees six pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work in six epic ten-minute displays, as they compete to be crowned the nation’s best.
Later in the month, the West End Carnival (26 August) will return to the city centre offering a full day of carnival flair. Expect live music, street performers and free children’s activities to enjoy, and take time to explore the city’s independent quarter at the same time.
The circus is coming to town! Or rather Central Park, (6 to 24 September) with the Circus Berlin European tour, an amalgamation of high energy, music and brilliant circus acts.
Amanda Lumley, Destination Plymouth’s Chief Executive:
“Our annual line-up of events is the best way to attract new visitors and showcase the vibrant array of activities Britain’s Ocean City has to offer, as well as enjoying some of Plymouth’s most beloved free events.”
And there’s also a huge range of cultural activity planned for 2023, including a series of public artworks in locations across the city plus a top-class programme of exhibitions and events at The Box. The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum, art gallery and archive, has just launched its spring exhibition programme, which shines a light on its extensive art collection plus a selection of female artists.
The new season comes hot on the heels of British Art Show 9, which completed its national tour in Plymouth earlier this year and was visited by over 80,000 people. It includes an exhibition of the work of British-born South African artist and activist, Sue Williamson and a presentation of drawings, etchings and films by artist duo Quinlan & Hastings, who are known for their thought-provoking work exploring ideas of belonging, institutional power and the safety of the LGBTQ+ community.
For all the latest details about What’s On in Plymouth, including information about smaller events taking place throughout the year, please see visitplymouth.co.uk.
