Mayflower Ocean Festival Week

Mayflower Ocean Festival, Plymouth, Devon, UK

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED, AWAITING A NEW DATE.  Plymouth is holding the Mayflower Ocean Festival Week from Monday 4th until Sunday 10th May 2020.  The festival is part of the Mayflower 400 celebrations which commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage to the New World.  Plymouth Sound is also the first area in the UK to hold a National Marine Park status. This is worth celebrating in its own right.  Here are just of the few of the attractions that you will see along the waterfront at the festival.

OSTAR and TWOSTAR Yacht Races

On Sunday 10th see the start of the OSTAR and TWOSTAR transatlantic races.  These two races are organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club.  The OSTAR is a single-handed transatlantic race and the TWOSTAR a two-handed transatlantic race.  Normally the OSTAR runS every 4 years but has been brought forward to celebrate its 60th birthday. Both races finish in Newport, Rhode Island.  Not for the faint-hearted, these races cross the Atlantic Ocean against both the prevailing winds and currents.

Ocean Cinema Film Screenings

In association with the Plymouth Arts Cinema, there will be special film screenings on Monday 4th, Tuesday 5th and Thursday 6th at the National Marine Aquarium.  The films to be shown have not yet been published.   They will range from conservation films to family favourites and classic blockbusters all with an ocean theme.

Ocean Sailing Activity Zone

There will be all sorts of family activities to take part in at the Ocean Sailing Activity Zone.  Run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, there will be the chance to make a model boat, try sailing VR and tub snorkelling, whatever that may be!

On the Water

On the Friday (8th) of the Mayflower Ocean Festival Week, the On the Water event will be running taster sessions for visitors to try a variety of different activities.  Activities on the list will be stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and powerboats.  There will also be exhibitors on hand to answer questions about sailing courses, rowing and scuba diving and a chance to look around a sail training yacht.

Shanty Shindig

What ocean festival wouldn’t be complete without a few sea shanties.  During the bank holiday weekend sea shanty groups, bands and musicians will be performing.  Between 1 pm and 7 pm around the Barbican and other local pubs will host the music.  For a list of the bands and locations see Shanty Shindig.

We have only just touched on some of the activities taking place during the Mayflower Ocean Festival Week. for more details see the Visit Plymouth website.

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