Enjoy a great day out with the kids this weekend as Lord Mayor’s Festival returns to Plymouth city centre on Saturday 21 May 2022, as we welcome the new Lord Mayor of Plymouth to the role.

This year, the free family-friendly event celebrates Plymouth’s ocean and green spaces and there’s lots to learn and explore. Here’s our top picks out of things to see and do!

   

Space Odyssey Dome

Found in Plymouth Guildhall, enjoy an incredible virtual and interactive learning experience based around the effects of climate change, and how we can create a more sustainable future.

There’s free showings taking place at the start of every hour from 10am to 3pm. There’s no need to book – just turn up on the hour at the Guildhall foyer and you will be taken to the show! Please note there will be a maximum of 40 attendees per show.

   

Stage performances

The stage on the Piazza will host a full programme of performances from talented locals with dance and music from groups including Street Factory, Plym Kids and The Groovement Project.

Make sure you don’t miss Weapons of Sound, the UK’s greenest band hitting home the green message in a high energy way with beats on an array of recycled and reused junk!

   

Enchanting entertainers

Street performers inspired by nature will be roaming the city centre streets interacting with everyone throughout the day, including stilt walkers Neptune and the Ocean Queen, as well as Green Man and Mother Nature who will tower above the crowds.

Bumblina, the Queen of the Bees, will perform mesmerising tricks with her magical ball of pollen while the enchantingly squirrel-like duo Mr and Mrs Nutkin will charm adults and children alike.

Vinny the Magician will also perform his unique blend of physical comedy, balancing feats and juggling tricks, while encouraging lots of audience participation.

   

Eco Trail

There’s a free Eco Trail for children to follow with the chance to win amazing prizes, including a folding scooter and family entry to the National Marine Aquarium. Pick up a leaflet from the Piazza and head to seven city centre locations. At each stop, you’ll learn more about the environment – from plastics and renewable energy, to oceans and nature and plenty more.

Answer the questions on the leaflet and submit your completed trail form for the chance to win!

   

Workshops

There will be plenty of free workshops on the day for all the family to get involved in.

Shed of Stories at Place de Brest will be telling intriguing tales throughout the day and in between story times, the shed will turn into a pop-up library for families to read together.

On the Piazza, get creative and make your mark on a huge shared artwork, create your very own shipwreck chart of Plymouth Sound, or make some music with interactive junk band Weapons of Sound. Make sure you don’t miss the Higher Beings Circus Workshops, where everyone can get involved in circus skills from testing your balance on a tightrope, trying out a unicycle and get acrobatic with an aerial hoop, plus much more!

   

Meet with local communities

At Lord Mayor’s Festival you’ll find over 40 stalls to explore, showcasing Plymouth’s amazing charities and community organisations and all the work they do, as well as delightful food and craft stalls.

  

Looking for more information?

Find out everything happening at visitplymouth.co.uk/lordmayorsfestival

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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.