We’ve handpicked some of the best events happening in the local area this Summer, including Theatre, Arts and Festivals. Our country-meets-coast location, just a 10-15-minute drive from Plymouth makes us the perfect base to explore the array of events on offer in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
26th May | Boringdon Gin Festival
Sponsored by Barbican Botanist Gin
Join us for our annual Gin Festival on the Boringdon lawn and enjoy the finest local and artisan Gin’s (including our very own, home distilled Boringdon Gin). Enjoy live jazz and swing music from West End Duo and the Johanna Graham Quintet. Foodies can indulge in a selection of food stands including a BBQ, Hog Roast and Paella.
31st May to 2nd June | Flavour Fest
The south west’s largest food and drink festival returns to Plymouth’s city centre Piazza from Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June. With more than 100 traders showcasing the best regional produce – as well as cookery demonstrations from talented local chefs.
5th June to 8th June | MTV Music Meet
MTV is returning to Plymouth this summer with an unforgettable four-day music extravaganza seeing a huge range of acts perform in the city at live evening shows, along with inspirational daytime events.
4th June to 8th June | Matthew Bourne’s Romeo & Juliet
Theatre Royal Plymouth
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet is a passionate and contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic love story. Confined against their will by a society that seeks to divide, our two young lovers must follow their hearts as they risk everything to be together. This new production of Romeo and Juliet joins the popular New Adventures repertoire which includes Swan Lake, Cinderella, and The Red Shoes. Find out more.
25th July to 28th July | Port Eliot Festival
Port Eliot is a festival unlike any other. Whether you’re swimming in the estuary, picnicking under a 300 year old tree, rocking out at the Park Stage, canoeing on the river, catching an intimate gig in the church, watching a cooking demo in the Big Kitchen or dancing ‘til the wee hours in the Boogie Round – their home is yours for the weekend. Find out more here.
23rd July to 3rd August | Calendar Girls – The Musical
Theatre Royal Plymouth
Calendar Girls – The Musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth is the award-winning production based on the true story of the calendar girls – a group of ordinary ladies who achieved something extraordinary. This marvellous musical comedy which received fantastic five-star reviews in London’s West End now comes to Theatre Royal Plymouth, starring Sarah Jane Buckley, Sue Devaney, Julia Hills, Judy Holt, Lesley Joseph, Lisa Maxwell and Rebecca Storm. Find out more.
6th August to 8th August | Rolex Fastnet Race
The historic Rolex Fastnet Race will once again finish in Plymouth this summer. Yachts come from all over the world to compete in the race which starts on Saturday 3 August 2019 in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The first yachts are expected to arrive in Plymouth in the early hours of Monday 5 August. The Plymouth race village will be located at Yacht Haven at Mount Batten and will be open to the public from Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 August, with live music, family friendly activities. The Rolex Fastnet will be followed by the Britain’s Ocean City Blues n Jazz Festival from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August, rounding off a week of celebration.
9th August to 11th August | Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival
The Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival returns for a third year to The Barbican. The Parade will be full of sounds of blues and jazz over the three days. The event is free to attend – enjoy a drink and a bite to eat while listening to the music. Find out more here.
1st August & 3rd August | Open Air Cinema at Tinside Lido
Plymouth Arts Cinema’s Open-Air Cinema is returning for 2019, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy their favourite films in a series of iconic city locations. With a mix of blockbusters, cult classics and good old sing-alongs, the films are carefully chosen to suit their unique locations and dressing up is encouraged. Stay updated with Open Air Cinema events here.
14th & 15th August | British Firework Championships
Watched by more than 200,000 people, the British Firework Championships is an annual competition held in Plymouth every August where judges review fireworks displays from professional fireworks companies and select the best examples. Find out more here.
14th & 15th September | Plymouth Seafood Festival
Plymouth Seafood Festival is back for its 8th year in 2019 and is set to bring The Barbican and Sutton Harbour alive with entertainment, activities and dishes to celebrate the city’s fantastic caught seafood. Plymouth is the first city in the world to be awarded the Fish2Fork Blue City status for its commitment to sourcing sustainable fish. Watch inspirational, regional and celebrity chefs who will delight you with their tantalising dishes at the Cookery Theatre. Wonder the array of local food and craft stands and be entertained.
Make Boringdon your base for exploring this Summer. Take a look at our rooms and packages here.