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If you're looking for things to do in Plymouth there is plenty to get excited about this year. From iconic unmissable events, mesmerising cultural moments, live music performances and sporting activities, there is so much to rave about in 2024!
Jump to: Family fun | Foodie feasts | Military moments | Live music | Cultural happenings | Outdoor action/sports
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.
1. Pirates Weekend
Enjoy a swashbuckling weekend of fun at Pirates Weekend, inspired by the high seas on 18 and 19 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.
2. British Firework Championships
Look to the skies on 14 and 15 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.
3. West End Carnival
At the end of the summer, head into the city centre for a day full of carnival flair. The West End Carnival returns on 24 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.
4. Bonfire Night
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 above the Citadel. 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.
5. Return of Smeaton's Tower, Tinside Lido
Come Spring 2024 two of Plymouth's iconic attractions reopen. Smeaton's Tower on Plymouth Hoe and Tinside Lido both re-open their doors to visitors for the season. Ascend the historic lighthouse and gaze out over The Sound, or plunge into the water at Tinside which has been voted among the top ten outdoor pools in Europe.
6. Monthly markets at the Royal William Yard
Treat the family to a visit to the Good Food and Craft Market at the iconic Royal William Yard. The monthly market is a fantastic opportunity to pick up a locally crafted gift, with handmade goods from a wide array of stall holders available, there is something for all the family to enjoy. Hosted either in the Melville Building and courtyard during the wintermonth , or the Royal William Yard green in the summer, the market is always a popular occasion with plenty of mouthwatering food stalls on location providing the perfect bite to accompany your shopping adventure.
Military moments
Plymouth has a proud military history, which is being celebrated at a number of events during 2024.
7. Armed Forces Day
Returning on 29 June, Plymouth Armed Forces Day is 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!
8. Rehabilitation Triathlon
Returning to Plymouth for third time, the Rehabilitation Triathlon sees outstanding athletes competing – Paralympians and Invictus Games competitors among them. The triathlon, on 27 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!
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!
9. Flavour Fest
Taking place from 29 May to 2 June, and celebrating its 20th anniversary is Flavour Fest, 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, making it a foodie lover's paradise!
10. Seafest Plymouth
The waterfront will celebrate all that’s great about our stunning seas and thriving local fishing industry at Seafest Plymouth. Tuck into fresh seafood dishes, pick up top tips from local chefs and buy fish and shellfish to take home and cook.
11. Street Food Festival
Central Park will host Plymouth Street Food Festival from 3 to 6 May for four days of food-filled fun. Check out top street food traders from across the south west and the rest of the UK.
12. Vegan Food Fair
In a Plymouth first, the Vegan Food Market is coming to Central Park on 27 April. Showcasing the best independent vegan businesses and brands, expect everything from street food to sweet treats and bakes.
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.
13. TK Maxx presents Plymouth Summer Sessions
Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, Madness and Sting headline 2024’s inaugural TK Maxx Presents Plymouth Summer Sessions on Plymouth Hoe with four days of live music from 13 to 16 June this summer. Prepare for a festival like no other with amazing tunes paired with a fabulous backdrop of the ocean.
14. Plymouth Pavilions
Plymouth’s live entertainment venue, Plymouth Pavilions, has a plethora of acts coming in 2024. Artists include Paloma Faith, Mad Dog Mcrea, Fisherman's Friends, Blue and Jane McDonald.
As well as live music, the Pavilions also has tons of comedy and live acts to enjoy throughout the year including Michael McIntyre, Kaleb Cooper, Bill Bailey, Romesh Ranganathan, Paul Smith and Jason Manford.
15. Home Park Stadium
Home Park plans to host two huge nights of music in 2024, with one of the UK’s most successful bands, Take That performing on 4 June, and the biggest Electronic Dance Music takes to the stage with Alive at Argyle on 25 May.
16. The Big Tribute Festival
The Big Tribute Festival features the best tribute acts the UK has to offer at Central Park from 9 to 11 August. Three days of exhilarating live music are set for the ever-popular festival with tributes to Ed Sheeran, Elvis, Spice Girls and many more among the setlist.
17. Live In the Park
Less than a week later there’s more musical madness as Live In the Park brings themed evenings to Central Park from on Wednesday 14 August and Friday 16 August. Prepare for a boogie with live music from Rob Lamberti, the world's number one tribute to George Michael, and a performance from Symphonic Ibiza full orchestra.
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.
18. The Box
Plymouth's award-winning museum and cultural hub The Box 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. It includes collaborations with some of the country’s most high-profile museums and galleries, and exhibitions that explore timely issues such as the role of museums in relation to empire and the ongoing challenge of the climate crisis.
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19. Theatre Royal Plymouth
Plymouth is lucky enough to be the home of Theatre Royal Plymouth, 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 in 2024. Top shows include Aladdin, Life of Pi, The Sleeping Beauty, The Wizard of Oz, Pretty Woman: The Musical, The Devil Wears Prada, and Dear Evan Hansen.
Outdoor action/Sports
Plymouth enjoys an enviable location with a stunning waterfront and lots of blue and green space to explore.
20. Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival
Encompassing the Half Marathon, 10k and 5k, the Britain's Ocean City Running Festival returns on 28 April, drawing in spectators and athletes to the iconic Plymouth Hoe.
21. Pretty Muddy
The annual muddy obstacle course, Pretty Muddy, returns to Central Park in on 21 July. Climb, crawl and slide your way around the inflatable muddy assault course to raise money for Cancer Research.
22. Race for Life
Plymouth's Race for Life on 2 June starts and finishes on the picturesque Hoe promenade. The race is always a packed event, and provides fantastic views of the sea along with a great atmosphere, all in aid of Cancer Research.
23. Men’s Day Out
Men's Day Out is back on 6 April, where a mass of big-hearted men will march a scenic route through Plymouth in aid of St Luke's.
24. Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
There's plenty to get excited about with an action-packed schedule at the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, the first of its kind in the country. Explore the area with by wild swimming or paddleboarding. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in activity, with regular events taking place across the waterfront including exhibitions, litter picks, eco-friendly events and much more. Watch this space!
Visit what's on in Plymouth for the bumper calendar of exciting events in Plymouth this year.
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