Plymouth celebrates two historic events with flotillas, Flypasts and Octonauts

24th May 2017

This weekend is shaping up to be one of Plymouth’s most adventurous as the city gets ready to celebrate and commemorate two historic events.  

Lord Mayor’s Day on Saturday will welcome Councillor Wendy Foster into her new role with a host of great family events and entertainment.  

And then on Sunday a flotilla of boats will re-enact the moment fifty years ago when legendary seafaring explorer Sir Francis Chichester returned triumphant from his incredible single handed voyage around the world.  

The two events are expected to draw thousands of people into the city with attractions including dance performances, flypasts and even stilt walkers.  

On Saturday, there will be a discovery trail around Plymouth where children can discover their inner adventurer and collect items used by Sir Francis Chichester, Sir Francis Drake and Captain Scott.  

On a stage on the Piazza community groups will be performing throughout the day, including a Lottery funded dance show about Sir Francis’s incredible journey featuring children from several local schools.  

Other activities on the day include a giant games area, craft workshops, balloon modelling and magic acts, as well as a host of Octonaut characters who will be joining in the fun.  

Then, on Sunday, Plymouth will mark the 50th anniversary of Sir Francis’s epic 28,500-mile voyage and his return to the city on board the ketch, Gipsy Moth IV.    The Devon-born yachtsman began the first solo round-the-world, west to east voyage from Plymouth on August 27, 1966 and returned on May 28, 1967, to a heroes’ reception after completing the voyage in just 226 days.  

And the City will celebrate his epic adventure with a flotilla of yachts in Plymouth Sound re-enacting his return, with his son Giles expected to arrive by boat at the Waterfront Steps on West Hoe at 11.30am – marking the moment his father reached dry land five decades ago.    The anniversary will also include a flypast by vintage Gipsy Moth and Tiger Moth aircraft