Plymouth Summer Festival 

Athenaeum Lodge Guest House list of Summer Events in Plymouth

We had some guests go to Dartmoor Zoo otherwise known as Ben's Zoo and had a really great time. They had their kids with them who did a lot of "hands on activities" It's nice to see that the Zoo is doing well. I'm told it has a real family atmosphere, so once the Easter break is over and I've got a little more time I shall be up there to see for myself. If anybody's got some events they've been to in Plymouth and the surrounding area and have some good positive feedback let me know and I'll put it on the blog. David.

Now the Plymouth Summer Festival officially starts on May 1st with events on the Hoe, Barbican and around Plymouth

Plymouth Summer Festival programme

Top billing for this year’s Plymouth Summer Festival is Rod Stewart who will be performing at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park on Thursday July 2.

The 4 month programme starts on Friday, May 1, with the Barbican International Jazz and Blues Festival, followed by highlights that include the Navy Days (September 5 and 6), the British Fireworks Championships (August 11-12), the Sutton Harbour Festival (July 25 – August 4) and the UK’s biggest farmers market Plymouth Flavour Fest (August 14-16).

This year the Plymouth Summer Festival programme will also include scheduling on the.

Live programs on the BBC Big Screen in Armada Way will include the following:

Eurovision Song Contest on 16 May
The British Grand Prix on 21 June
Wimbledon tennis from 22 June – 5 July
Glastonbury from 24–18 June
Last Night of the Proms on 12 September 2009

May

Barbican International Jazz and Blues Festival

The Barbican - Friday 1 to Sunday 10 May

The second annual Barbican International Jazz and Blues Festival will be a marvellous start to the 2009 Plymouth Summer Festival.

The Jazz and Blues Festival will feature a jazz parade, outdoor performances, street entertainments and new for this year, Swing Sunday, for all you swing dancers out there!

For information about times and venues visit the Barbican International Jazz and Blues Festival website.

Plymouth Volksfest

Newnham Park - Friday 22 to Monday 25 May

The second annual Plymouth Volksfest will feature live music, trade tents and an exhibition of VW cars.

Music will be provided by some national performers as well as showcase the best in the city's live music talent.

For more information visit the Plymouth Volksfest website or email info@plymouthvolksfest.co.uk.

Plymouth Half Marathon

The Hoe - Sunday 24 May

There will be 5,000 competitors in this year's Plymouth Half Marathon, well established as one of the top events of its kind in the UK. There is also a fun run and schools challenge.

For more information visit the Plymouth Half Marathon website.

OSTAR 2009 (the Original Single Handed Transatlantic Race)

Plymouth Sound - Monday 25 May

This is the world's oldest solo ocean challenge, dating back to 1960. In upholding its Corinthian roots, the race provides aspiring professional and amateur sailors with the ultimate challenge. Organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club, the OSTAR sets off from Plymouth for Newport, Rhode Island.

For more information visit the OSTAR website.

Blooming Marvellous spring gardening show

The Hoe - Wednesday 27 to Thursday 28 May

The show, being held in the city for the first time, features a variety of exhibitions plus demonstrations, master classes and talks on topics including bee-keeping, recycling, composting, local produce, clubs, healthy eating and the environment. There will be a balance of trade and community organisations supporting the event and offering lots of expert advice.

For more information email info@redrokevents.co.uk.

Lord Mayor's Day

The Hoe and Armada Way - Saturday 30 May

A traditional day to welcome the city's new Lord Mayor. A range of entertainments and displays are planned.

It is an opportunity for community groups to participate in this very popular event. Stall pitches are available.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Marine and Maritime’, in celebration of the return of Gipsy Moth IV on 28 May, the Classic Boat Rally and Port of Plymouth Regatta in July and the finish of the Fastnet Race in August.

Please call Plymouth City Council's Events Team on 01752 307451 for information on how to get involved, or to book a stall.

Land and Sea - Plymouth Lifestyle Show

Plymouth Hoe - Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May

All that is good about living in Plymouth and the South West! Outdoor adventure, jet ski's, yachting, classic cars, sports activities, street sports, bikes, featuring taster sessions, demonstrations, displays and fun.

Admission Free - 10am to 6pm daily

June

Plymouth Mega-Ride

Plymouth Hoe - Sunday 14 June

The Plymouth Mega-Ride is probably the UK's largest charity motorcycle ride with thousands of motorcyclists taking part. This year sees the fifteenth Mega-Ride leaving Lee Mill Industrial Estate and finishing on Plymouth Hoe where a range of entertainments and stalls will be based.

For more information visit the Mega-Ride website.

Plymouth Grand Prix

Plymouth Sound - June 20-21

Round 2 of the Honda Formula four Stoke Series.

Visit:  Grand Prix Website

Race for Life

Plymouth Hoe - Sunday 21 June

Walk, jog or run 5km with thousands of other women to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

For more information visit the Race for Life website.

Plymouth Armed Forces Day 2009

City Centre and Plymouth Hoe

Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 June

'Celebrating Britain's Armed Forces: past, present and future'

Plymouth will again host one of the flagship events in the national Armed Forces Day.

Saturday will see a range of activities in Plymouth Guildhall, on the Guildhall Forecourt and the city centre piazza. Sunday will see a large scale event on Plymouth Hoe including military bands and flyovers.

More details to follow.

July

Rod Stewart in concert

Home Park - Thursday 2 July

For the third successive summer, Plymouth Argyle are hosting a concert. In securing major international star, Rod Stewart, this is arguably the most eagerly anticipated concert so far.

Ticket details are available on the Plymouth Argyle website.

Cancer Research UK Relay For Life

The Brickfields - Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 July

Plymouth will host a 24-hour charity relay to raise awareness of cancer at Brickfields sports ground.

The relay will include a range of entertainment including live music and stalls.

For more details about the event, including information about participating or helping, visit the Cancer Research UK website.

Western National Bus Rally

Plymouth Hoe - Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 July

A display of vintage and modern buses with other entertainments and stalls will be on The Hoe for its traditional annual event, which this year celebrates the 80^th anniversary of the Western National Omnibus Company.

For more information visit the Western National Preservation Group website.

The Port of Plymouth Regatta

Plymouth Sound - Saturday 25 July to Sunday 2 August

Port of Plymouth Regatta Week offers superb competitive racing for all classes of dinghies and yachts in Plymouth Sound including a simultaneous series of Rookie Races for the less experienced young sailor.

There will be complementary shore side events and evening entertainment.

For further information visit The Port of Plymouth Regatta website.

August

Plymouth Classic Boat Rally 2009

Sutton Harbour - Sunday 2 to Tuesday 4 August

Detailed information to follow.

Visit the Plymouth Classic Boat Rally website for more information.

The British Firework Championships

Plymouth Hoe -Tuesday 11 to Wednesday 12 August

The most anticipated event in the city's annual events calendar will see thousands of spectators heading up to the Hoe for two evenings of entertainment culminating in spectacular fireworks displays from six companies seeking the coveted title of British Firework Champions.

The Rolex Fastnet Race

The Barbican - Tuesday 11 to Wednesday 12 August

This famous race, started in 1925, has 300 yachts leaving Cowes on Sunday 9 August heading to the Fastnet rock, then to the finishing line at Plymouth. The leading boats are expected in on Tuesday 11 August.

There will be displays in the Barbican area.

For more information visit the Fastnet website.

Plymouth Flavour Fest

The Piazza, Armada Way, Plymouth - Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2009

One of the most eagerly awaited events in the Westcountry food and drink calendar returns to Plymouth again this year for a packed festival of great food, drink and entertainment.

Plymouth Citybus Village Fete

Plymouth Hoe - Sunday 16 August

Plymouth Citybus are sponsoring a family fun day on Plymouth Hoe in aid of the Mustard Tree Unit at Derriford Hospital and Dame Hannah Rogers Trust.

The day will include a variety of entertainments, stalls and a strongman bus pull.

For more information visit the Plymouth Citybus Village Fete website.

September

Navy Days 2009 - Meet your Navy

Devonport Naval Base - Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September

This is your opportunity to meet the Royal Navy and see first hand how they operate. You will be able to climb aboard some of the most advanced ships and submarines in the world, see how the sailors and marines live and how cutting edge technology is transforming the way the Royal Navy operates.

To mark the Fleet Air Arm celebrating 100 years of naval aviation, naval and military aircraft will be showcased featuring displays by the 'Black Cats' and the 'Royal Navy Black Sea Hawks'. The future Navy exhibition will showcase the new aircraft carrier and next generation submarines.

The show will also include military displays, bands, exhibitors and careers information.

Tickets can be purchased in advance. For further information visit the Royal Navy website.

The British Mountain Bike Series

Newnham Park - Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 September

Newnham Park hosts this Class One Mountain Bike event which is the final round of five and the most prestigious in the UK during 2009.

A full programme of complementary events is being planned.

For more information visit the British Mountain Bike Series website.

October

World Coastal Rowing Championships 2009

Plymouth Sound - Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October

Plymouth is delighted to host the Championships on their first visit to the UK. Patron of the Championships is Sir Steve Redgrave, five times Olympic gold medallist.

For more information visit the World Coastal Rowing Championships website.