August is a big month in Plymouth’s events calendar, with so much to see and do. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re looking for a free family day out during the summer holidays, an evening of live music with friends or some of the country’s most impressive firework displays.

Here are all the details of the top five events that you definitely will not want to miss this month! 

Rolex Fastnet Race

Plymouth Yacht Haven, Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 August

Plymouth has marked the end point of this historic, biennial yacht race since its inception in 1925. This year, the race village is open to the public for three days. Enjoy a huge range of family friendly activities, live music and the chance to wander the docks, seeing the boats and meeting the sailors who have completed this impressive challenge.

There’s lots for children to enjoy with face painting and circus skills workshops run by the team at Higher Beings. Test your balance on the tightrope, ride a crazy clown tricycle, try out the aerial hoop or learn to juggle and spin diabolos!

Families can also get out on the water with free stand-up paddleboarding sessions run by the Mount Batten Watersports team. Learn a new skill and then paddle around an inflatable recreation of the Fastnet Rock! There’s no experience needed, so complete beginners are welcome, and you can simply turn up on the day to give it a go with no pre-booking required (minimum age 11 years, please bring a swimming costume, trainers with a sensible sole that can get wet and a towel).

There’s also free transport to the race village via the Mount Batten Ferry, you can collect your tickets from the Tourist Information Centre. Find out more here.

 

Plymouth Pride

Plymouth Hoe, Saturday 10 August

This loud and proud celebration, promoting the diversity that exists within the LGBTQ communities, is open to everyone.

Plymouth Pride begins with a parade through the city centre, starting at the Jigsaw Garden near Drake Circus at 11am. The parade will make its way to the Hoe for the main festival, where there’s a packed programme of live music, a fun fair, children’s rides, food and drink traders, a selection of stalls and plenty of fun, inclusive activities. Find out more here.

British Firework Championships

Plymouth Hoe, Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 August

Two nights of breath-taking pyrotechnics will light up the skies over Plymouth at the annual British Firework Championships.

Six top firework display companies will battle it out over two nights to be crowned the country’s best – so there are three ten-minute displays to watch each night.

The best viewing point is Plymouth Hoe, and here you’ll also find a funfair and food and drink stalls. There’s free entertainment on a big screen and stage from 3pm each day, with a showing of the new Dumbo film and performances from a variety of talented local dance groups and choirs.

The firework displays start at around 9.30pm and are fired from the Mount Batten breakwater – it’s the star of the show in Plymouth’s events calendar, so make sure you don’t miss it! Find out more here.

West End Carnival

City Centre, Saturday 31 August

Head to the West End of Plymouth city centre for a fantastic family day out, which will bring the sights and sounds of the carnival to Britain’s Ocean City.

This year’s West End Carnival will be bigger and better than ever before – and is also an extra special combined celebration, as Plymouth Market will be celebrating its 60^th anniversary on the same day.

There will be live music from bands including Joey The Lips and a Beatles tribute act on the main stage, hosted by Radio Plymouth. Visitors can also enjoy a huge range of street entertainment along Cornwall Street and outside Plymouth Market, including juggling unicyclists, fire breathers and performances from Street Factory and Plymouth Morris Dancers.

Two samba carnival parades will take place, and Mi Salsa Cubana will be encouraging everyone to get into the carnival spirit with dance sessions on the streets. In addition to this, there’s carnival craft activities on offer for children, and cooking demos, classic cars and even a gin bar for the adults to enjoy. Find out more here.

To find out more about all the events in Plymouth this August, check out our What's On Calendar, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner