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We’re looking ahead to a year filled with fantastic experiences in Plymouth, from unmissable events to exciting cultural moments, as well as making the most of being in Britain’s Ocean City with our incredible waterfront and on-water activities.
Family fun
Looking to entertain the family? There's so much to enjoy in Plymouth with a brilliant range of free events to enjoy together, that are guaranteed to keep both big and little kids entertained.
Enjoy a swashbuckling weekend of fun inspired by the high seas on 7 and 8 May. Fancy dress is actively encouraged here, so get your eye patches and Jolly Rogers at the ready for a day of exploring Plymouth’s historic harbour. Expect shanty bands, storytelling and plenty of fun activities to join in with.
British Firework Championships
Look to the skies on 17 and 18 August as the beloved British Firework Championships returns to the waterfront – the best view is on Plymouth Hoe but you can see the displays from all around Plymouth Sound. Six pyrotechnic companies will showcase their very best work, each putting on an epic ten-minute display, as they compete to be crowned the country’s best.
Welcome Plymouth’s new Lord Mayor to the role with a day of free activities and entertainment in the city centre on 21 May. There’s a stage programme, street entertainment and activities to enjoy.
At the end of the summer, head into the city centre for a day full of carnival flair. The West End Carnival returns on 27 August with its unique line-up of live music, street performers and free children’s activities. While you’re there, make sure you take some time to explore the city’s independent shopping quarter.
One to look forward to later in the year, Plymouth’s spectacular Bonfire Night celebration on 5 November is a safe and free way to spend the most explosive night of the year. Watch as the huge bonfire is lit, then gaze in awe at the brilliant firework display. If you’re feeling brave enough, have a go on the fairground rides or warm up with a bite to eat from one of the food stalls.
Military moments
Plymouth has a proud military history, which is being celebrated at a number of events during 2022.
Returning on 25 June, it’s a great opportunity for everyone to show their 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 as well as stage entertainment throughout the day and into the evening – keep an eye out for our headliner announcement coming soon!
Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines
Coming to Plymouth for the first time ever, this tough event sees outstanding athletes competing – Paralympians and Invictus Games competitors among them. The triathlon, on 23 June, is made up of a swim in Tinside Lido, cycling time trials and static rowing on Plymouth Hoe. Come along to cheer them on!
Commando Gunners’ 60th Anniversary Parade
This year marks the 60th year of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery being based at the Royal Citadel on Plymouth Hoe. This momentous occasion is being celebrated with a parade through the city centre, which will include the serving regiment and veterans.
Foodie feasts
Britain’s Ocean City has a brilliant foodie scene to indulge in – just check out some of the incredible food and drink on offer. The city also hosts some amazing food festivals, celebrating the very best of the region’s produce. Make sure the dates are in your diaries!
Taking place from 27 to 29 May, it’s the South West’s largest free food and drink festival. Hundreds of local producers will line the Piazza in the city centre, selling a great range of tasty treats. Look out for the chef stage with regional cookery stars showcasing their skills and giving you top tips to improve your home cooking.
Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival
On 17 and 18 September the city will come together on the cobbled streets of the Barbican and Sutton Harbour to celebrate all that’s great about our stunning waterfront and thriving local fishing industry. Tuck into fresh seafood dishes, pick up top tips from local chefs and buy fish and shellfish to take home and cook.
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Live music
Picture the scene: the sun is shining, you’ve got your favourite drink in hand and there’s an artist you’ve been waiting to see performing on stage. Make it a reality this year with all the live music on offer in Plymouth – including some great outdoor gigs.
The Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend (2 to 4 June) will see the 1 Big Summer music festival take to Plymouth Hoe. The line-up so far includes a range of music to suit all tastes, including Basement Jaxx, Years and Years, The Libertines and Supergrass.
Plymouth’s biggest park is hosting two global superstars this summer: singer-songwriter Paloma Faith on 9 July and chart-topping band Simply Red on 10 July.
Plymouth’s live entertainment venue has a plethora of acts coming in 2022. Artists include James Arthur, Paul Weller, Craig David, Bastille, Gary Numan, UB40 and The Proclaimers.
As well as live music, the Pavilions also has tons of comedy and live acts to enjoy throughout the year including James Martin, Joe Lycett, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, John Bishop, Kevin Bridges, Professor Brian Cox, Jason Manford, Paul Hollywood, and Jimmy Car.
Get ready to party when this popular festival returns to Newnham Park in Plymouth on 24 and 25 September. The line-up is yet to be announced, but look forward to more than 50 acts and a funfair!
Cultural happenings
Culture vultures are in for a treat in Plymouth this year. There’s a thriving arts and culture scene to dive into, as well as some exciting visiting exhibitions.
Plymouth's award-winning museum and cultural hub not only has extensive collections of art, natural and maritime history to explore, but will also be welcoming a range of exciting exhibitions this year. This includes:‘Another Crossing – Artists revisit the Mayflower voyage’ and ‘Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by women from 1945 from the Arts Council Collection’ – a major exhibition challenging the male-dominated narratives of post-war British sculpture by putting ambitious works by women artists in the spotlight.
Organised every five years, British Art Show 9 will be coming to Plymouth from 8 October to 23 December. A landmark touring exhibition celebrating British contemporary artists including Turner Prize nominees, see the show at a range of Plymouth-based cultural venues.
Plymouth Is lucky enough to be the home of the largest and best attended regional producing theatre in the UK. There's everything from world-class drama, opera and international dance to family favourites and West End Musical transfers to see on stage during 2022. Get your tickets now for top shows including The Da Vinci Code, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Footloose, School of Rock, Dreamgirls and many more!
A one-of-a-kind venue, Market Hall opened last year. The renovated building is now home to an incredible 15 metre immersive dome, the first of its kind in Europe. Make sure you visit this year for one of the special dome experiences which can transport you to new worlds or faraway lands - the schedule of virtual experiences so far includes the Northern Lights and prehistoric sea monsters to name just two!
Spectacular sailing
Britain's Ocean City makes a great venue for some of the world's most famous sailing races and this year is no exception…
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 on 30 and 31 July.
Held every four years, the major transatlantic races, the Original Single-handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR) and the Two-handed Transatlantic Race (TWOSTAR) will once again set sail from Plymouth on May 15, so you can wave off the competitors as they start their epic journey.
The great outdoors
Plymouth enjoys an enviable location with a stunning waterfront and lots of blue and green space to explore.
With the creation of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, look forward to lots of activity happening in, on and around the water throughout 2022. Follow the National Marine Park on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest news and events from Plymouth's 'park in the sea'.
Camping, kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding – enjoy an adventurous outdoor weekend with the whole family, whatever your paddling ability, from 3 to 5 June. There'll be 'Have a Go' sessions, guided trips, workshops, live music and stalls, all set just a hop across the water from Plymouth in the magnificent grounds of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.
If you'd like to keep up to date with all the latest Plymouth news this year then make sure you sign up to our free email newsletter.
Please note: all details were correct as of January 2022, but please check with individual event organisers for the latest updates.
Plymouth is easily accessible by train with a wide range of services running from a variety of locations within England. Although some services may require a change or two.
Travelling from London takes around 3 hours with Great Western Railway, if you're coming from the north, the trip from Manchester can take 5 hours 15 minutes.
Alternatively, the recently renovated Night Riviera Sleeper service runs Monday – Friday and Sunday evenings. Visit gwr.com/sleeper for more details on times and how to book.
We recommend using GWR.com to search for the fastest and best route for your journey, and book in advance for the best price.
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