A sizzling summer of surprises at Royal William Yard

From sampling some of the region’s best food from local traders, to catching the latest sporting action and blockbusters on the lawn; this summer is packed with an array of events at Royal William Yard. With something new to discover and experience on every visit, and with activities to suit all ages and interests, the Yard is this summer’s must-visit destination. 

Kicking-off the summer in style is a celebration of Wimbledon. Royal William Yard’s lawn will play host to a big screen, deckchairs, Pimm’s bar and a plentiful supply of strawberries and cream – bringing a taste of SW19 to the South West. To celebrate one of Britain’s biggest sporting events, tennis fans can watch the action on court unfold in the heart of the historic Yard, with racquet coaches also offering lawn tennis taster lessons to bring the experience to life. 

Returning each month is the award-winning Good Food Market, which boasts the freshest produce from the South West’s top suppliers, alongside artisan makers. This August will also see the welcome return of #BardInTheYard, with an open-air production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, performed by the Barbican Theatre Group, taking place in Residence One Gardens. 

As we head late into the summer, guests to the Yard can expect the unexpected, as the dazzling Weekend of Wonders returns with circus performers wowing the crowds in a family-friendly extravaganza. And making the most of the warm summer’s evenings, the much-loved Open-Air Cinema is back, pitching up on the lawn for three blockbuster performances. Moviegoers can enjoy the experience from the comfort of a picnic blanket or watch in style with a VIP package. 

Plymouth’s art hub and Yard resident, Ocean Studios, also has a packed events calendar, perfect for anyone who wants to get creative this summer. Open to everyone and for all ages and abilities, just some of the weekly workshops include jewellery making, floristry, photography, calligraphy and ceramics – with makers tables for both adults and children. There will also be a range of exhibitions taking place at the studios, featuring work from both local and internationally renowned artists, plus student exhibitions from Plymouth University and Plymouth College of Art. 

Events Calendar 
2nd July – 15th July: Wimbledon on the Green 

• Wimbledon fans will be able to watch the action unfold in the open air and on the big screen on the green. Themed refreshments will also be on offer, including picnic boxes, Pimm’s and strawberries and cream. Weekend sessions will include free tennis sessions and face painting between 10:00 – 16:00 on 7th, 8th, 14th &15th July, making it a wonderful day out for all the family. 
• Cost: Free / No tickets required 

31st July – 10th August: Barbican Theatre – Macbeth in Residence One Gardens 

• Making its fourth visit to Royal William Yard, #BardInTheYard returns with Barbican Theatre’s production of the Shakespeare play, Macbeth. A highly visual and energised re-telling of the classic play, using the extraordinary skills of local professional actors and emerging actors, there is no better way to watch the world-famous story than in the historic Royal William Yard. 
• Cost: Tickets are £19 / concessions £17 (under 16s, students, over 60s and registered disabled), inclusive of all booking fees and charges. Tickets can be purchased at the Barbican Theatre or via its website. 

5th August: Good Food Market (Summer Fayre Theme) 

• 10:00 – 15:00 
• Head down to the Good Food Market to celebrate the tastes of summer, with local traders offering the best seasonal foods and produce the region has to offer. 
• Cost: Free / No tickets required 

2nd September: Weekend of Wonders and Good Food Market 

• Prepare for the greatest show! Be amazed as the circus themed Weekend of Wonders event rolls into town for the second time. Packed with activities for all ages, crowds can expect to be wowed by acts from some of the UK’s best performers. A truly unique and awe-inspiring event, Weekend of Wonders is not to be missed! 
• Cost: Free / No tickets required 

13th- 15th September: Open Air Cinema on the Green 

• Enjoy a cinema classic or the latest Hollywood Blockbusters under the stars with Royal William Yard’s Open Air Cinema on the Green. This year, film fans can take their pick from smash hit musical Mamma Mia, Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs or dinosaur thriller, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. 
• Cost: £9. VIP tickets £17 (includes glass of prosecco, pack of Portlebay popcorn, chair and blanket in the VIP area). Book tickets online or by phone on 01752 206114. 

28th – 30th September: Plymouth Art Weekender 

• Set to be bigger and better than ever, Plymouth Art Weekender will be making its return to the Yard with Ocean Studios opening its doors and inviting everyone to get creative, in celebration of the city’s status as an iconic art destination. 
• Coordinated by Visual Arts Plymouth, the weekend is set to be one of discovery, and just some of the exciting activities taking place include, family workshops, exhibitions, open studios, as well as art taster sessions. 
• Cost: Free / No tickets required 

More details about all events will be available on the Royal William Yard website.