Mayflower 400 | 2020 | A Year Of Celebrations
As many of our guests book to return year on year; we thought we would share some exciting news and dates for 2020.
2020, the year of the Mayflower 400 Celebrations, a year set to be an exciting one for Plymouth and all who visit.
Within the hospitality sector, we are unsure of the ‘true’ impact it will have on Plymouth Tourism and the visitors economy, it’s a once in a lifetime celebration so we have nothing to compare it to!
We therefore don’t know how busy it will be in comparison to other years that you have visited, but what we do know is it will certainly add value to your stay with us here in Plymouth.
Many of our guests have set times of the year that they visit us; but rest assure, no matter when you come in 2020, there WILL be things happening with a Mayflower spin for you to enjoy.
With all this in mind; I thought I would give you a heads up on what we know, and what is planned for the ‘remarkable’ year of history, culture and community!
What is it?
2020 is the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage. One of the most integral journeys in global history and a defining moment in the shared history of Britain, the US and the Netherlands.
Plymouth is using this milestone as a unique opportunity to highlight Plymouth’s exceptional heritage; to promote our visitor offer to friends old and new; and to bring communities together to celebrate our city.
What will be happening?
The ‘Mayflower Programme’ will be a year of prime partnerships, of which Strathmore House Apartments will play a significant role. There will be 400 moments to explore all aspects of the Mayflower Voyage throughout the year of 2020, including: art, music, theatre, exhibitions, immersive storytelling, digital innovation, literature, crafts, sports, festivals, debates, business activities and much more.
Overview…
Major new cultural attractions will open in Plymouth for 2020, including The Box, new heritage trails and the Elizabethan House.
Although still not set in stone, the rough date for these things will be March 2020 for the launch of the trails, April 2020 for the opening of The Box and The Elizabethan House early in the year.
The Box is a £38m project, the symbol of 2020, a high profile gallery and history centre that will hold all of the Plymouth and Devon archives; it will be a must see for anyone visiting Plymouth.
By January 2020, there will have been a huge investment in the public realm, with new signage, water taxis and literature for the years events. There is said to be almost £200m to be invested in Plymouth by 2020. For those of you that love it as it is, please don’t worry; you will not miss the old – you will simply celebrate the newly transformed Plymouth.
You may have noticed seeing Plymouth advertised in your home towns; this is due to the national and international marketing programme. The city has been working hard celebrating not only our history, but also our future.
Signature Events…
Mayflower Ocean Festival | 4th-10 May 2020
This will celebrate Plymouth’s status as Britain’s Ocean City, aimed to get people on the water (inc events such as Transat, OSTAR & TWOSTAR races and Pirates weekend)
Mayflower Week | 14th-20th September
A week of activities, including;
- A visit from a replica 15th century tall ship
- Daily fly-bys
- International field gun comp
- The Navy’s Rehabilitation Triathlon
- PLUS – two headline events yet to be revealed!
Mayflower Ceremony – 16th September
A four nations civic ceremony. This will be a united, city event, with mass participation throughout sectors, communities, schools and all over the city.
Mayflower Muster – 19th – 20th September
Celebration event of the world’s foremost Navel basis; there will be a host of activities that will be truly breathtaking.
Illuminate will be the book end to the events in November 2019 and November 2020
An there’s more…
Culture…
A production from the Theatre Royal Plymouth from the Wampanoag Tribe; this will be extraordinarily good as they are an amazing producing theatre, plus Arts Council England are supporting a series of events throughout the year.
Culture Fund have also given investment to the city to create provoking experiences throughout the year. Settlement by The Consious Sisters and Cannupa Hanska are creating a large scale ‘radical’ installation in Central Park, it will run for 8 weeks in the summer exploring colonialism, migration and the deep effects of indigenous people.
A local favourite; Street Factory CIC will be bringing the city together with Hip Hop events. Le Navet Bete (a brilliant comedy/clowning theatre company) will be at the Barbican Theatre in August and September for a HILARIOUS production about 4 people trying to flee their past lives. They are BRILLIANT and a real must see! There will also be three major artist events which will profile people of colour in the art sector.
In May, June and July there will be ‘Mayflower Music’ at historic venues in Plymouth, including St Andrews and The Guildhall.
There will be lots of film and video commissioned in art venues and community spaces and there will of course be Pride 2020 and lots more!
As you can see, the city that we all love will be full of vibrant and rich events and activities, many free to attend and all set to be totally inspiring.
We would love for you to join us in 2020, our apartments are listed on our website to give you time to book and plan your trip, and we will update everyone with as much information on the year as we can.
If you would like to keep in touch with the developments as they happen; follow them on Twitter and Like them on Facebook!
To a year of celebrations; to seeing you again soon!