Mayflower 400: a programme of cultural events, activity and sport finishing in 2021 commemorating the journey of the Mayflower

16th December 2020

The programme offers something for everyone and includes live performance, music, dance, comedy, public art, community activity, sport and much more to look forward to this coming year, culminating in July 2021 with the Mayflower Four Nations Ceremony as part of the Mayflower International Festival (8-11 July 2021).

The Mayflower International Festival will feature three fantastic events across the Hoe and waterfront to showcase this historic moment and to close the landmark 400^th anniversary commemorations; the Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines, the Mayflower Muster and the Mayflower Four Nations Ceremony featuring representation from the Dutch, UK, US and Wampanoag nations, a 1000 voice choir and much more.

2021 is your chance to take part in this commemoration and to enjoy all that Plymouth has to offer so don’t miss these key event dates for your diaries:

The Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Marines

Thursday 8 July 12pm - 5pm on the Hoe

A triathlon like no other, this event will get your adrenalin going as you see the pure determination and commitment of these outstanding athletes including Paralympian’s and Invictus Games competitors.

Over 200 participants from the UK Tri-services, United States Marine Corp, and the Netherland Marine Corps will swim, cycle and row their way to the finish.

The event will kick off with swimming in the beautiful art-deco Tinside Lido. The cycle time trials will take place across the Hoe promenade and on the roads surrounding the historic Royal Citadel. The athletes will then move onto static rowing machines on the Hoe promenade before crossing the finishing line. The all-important awards ceremony will be held on the main stage on the Hoe that evening.

A public spectator event for the first time in its nine-year history, the Royal Marines Rehabilitation Triathlon will leave you inspired, amazed and brimming with respect.

Mayflower Muster

Saturday 10 July on Plymouth Hoe

Daytime programme 11am - 5pm

Evening programme 5pm – 10:30pm

The Mayflower Muster will be one of the largest and most exciting military events Plymouth has ever seen. Showcasing the most impressive, interactive military equipment, from the past, present and future, this is your chance to get up close and hands-on.

Chat to the Service personnel and Veterans who will be delighted to share their experiences with you. See how the Royal Navy uses the very latest in future technology, including artificial intelligence and robotics.

View the international war ships anchored in Plymouth Sound and prepare for the major highlight - an exhilarating ‘action movie-style’ live display that will thrill audiences as it takes place across the land, sea and air.

With a full arena and stage programme, hosting the formidable Field Gun Competition, unarmed combat displays, military bands and choirs, there will be plenty to keep the whole family engrossed and entertained all day long.

The event will finish with a free evening concert for all to enjoy. With the fabulous backdrop of Plymouth Sound, you can sing-a-long and dance the night away to the great selection of live music.

Full programme to be announced in 2021.

Mayflower Four Nations Ceremony

Sunday 11 July on the Hoe from 3pm

The Four Nations Ceremony is the UK’s flagship Mayflower 400 event, and marks the closure of the international Mayflower commemorations.

This epic theatrical production with live music, song, drama and film will tell the Mayflower story from all angles, including direct from the Native American Wampanoag tribe.

At the heart of the event will be a gigantic choir of 1,000 voices accompanied by the full concert orchestra of HM Royal Marines Band, Plymouth.

Visiting Royals and dignitaries will also be taking part, reflecting on what that historical voyage means to our world today.

This will be the biggest and most internationally significant production Plymouth has ever seen. Get immersed in the storytelling, moved by the music, and engrossed in the film. Be part of history.

The Four Nations Ceremony will be preceded by a range of performances and live events throughout the day.

Full programme to be announced in 2021.

Other events and activities to book into your diaries:

Mayflower 400: Legend & Legacy

Running until 18 September 2021

The Box, Plymouth

Featuring more than 300 objects drawn from museum, library and archive collections across the UK, USA and The Netherlands, Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy is an epic journal of survival, imagination and 400 years of America.

Created in partnership with the Wampanoag Advisory Committee to Plymouth 400 in Massachusetts and uses objects, images and ideas to explore early English attempts to colonise America, the exhibit acknowledge conflict with Native America and the impact of colonisation on the indigenous population.

The exhibition also discusses the context of the sailing of the Mayflower in 1620, details the lives of the passengers, and considers the cultural, demographic and personal legacies of the story.

M400 Get Active sport and wellbeing activities

January – July 2021

Various community hubs across the city

In association with Argyle Community Trust, the programme offers people the chance to try a new sport or activity throughout the Mayflower 400 year to help them stay active with a different focus each month including health and fitness classes, basketball, netball, cycling, golf, cricket and tennis.

Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America

15 May – 26 June 2021

The Box, Plymouth

The ‘Stories and Shells’ exhibition is a nationally touring exhibition that will acknowledge our cultural connection to the Wampanoag people who met the Mayflower and ensured the survival of the English settlers.

It will include the commissioning of a new wampum belt, made exclusively by the Wampanoag people of the Mashpee and Aquinnah nations.

‘Roots Up!’ by Street Factory

Saturday 22 May - the Barbican and the Hoe

People across Plymouth will take part in a free, mass street dance reaching from the Barbican and the Hoe led by award-winning community dance company Street Factory in a bold and contemporary interpretation of the Mayflower story.

The 400 – Le Navet Bete

9 June – 4 July

The Drum, Theatre Royal Plymouth

Plymouth’s favourite funny men will be back in the city at The Drum to premier 400: A Historical Comedy commissioned by Plymouth Culture and Mayflower 400.

Expect 400 years of history in 100 minutes, from the West Country to Wild West, from the Barbican to Boston.

With more events and activities still to be revealed, visit the Mayflower 400 website for the full Plymouth programme as it is updated.

Go to: mayflower400uk.org/plymouth

*Event dates correct at time of article