The Mayflower 400 is a countdown to the 400th anniversary since the Mayflower set sail on the 16th September 1620 from Plymouth to the New World. Over the next year there is an extensive range of events taking place across the UK as well as Holland and the US. We’ve narrowed down the best Mayflower 400 events taking place in Plymouth and Dartmouth.
Want to learn more about the history of the Mayflower first? Click here
Mayflower 400 Events
Illuminate Plymouth
The opening event of the commemoration year, Illuminate Plymouth will also mark the end of the events in November 2020. A number of spectacular light-based art installations and projections will transform the main festival site at Royal William Yard, as well as other illuminations at the Barbican and Mount Edgecumbe House and Country Park.
When: 28th November – 1st December 2019
More information: Illuminate
Illuminate Dartmouth
Starting on Friday 29th November there will be a Christmas Market as well as the switch on of the Christmas lights. The festivities continue until early evening with music and street entertainment. On Saturday 30th November a traditional lantern procession makes its way through the town. This year the procession will be led by a Mayflower lantern carried by the Torrington Cavaliers followed by lots of small boat lanterns.
Accompanying the parade will be the first performance of the Dartmouth Mayflower Peal of Bells, to be rung from St Saviour’s Church bell tower. The Parish Choir will also perform a premiere of the Dartmouth Mayflower Anthem.
When the lantern parade arrives in Royal Avenue Gardens everyone will be encouraged to leave their lanterns at St Saviour’s Church, which will be illuminated with 400 candles.
When: 29th – 30th November 2019
More information: Mayflower 400
Opening of the Mayflower Trail, Plymouth
Trace the iconic route through Plymouth’s historic Barbican district, home of the Mayflower Steps from which the Pilgrims are believed to have boarded the famous ship.
Opening: 1st April 2020
Plymouth Philharmonic Choir
The Philharmonic Choir, in their 50th season, are staging two wonderful performances. In April they perform Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony and July is the world premiere of The Lodestone of Love, a composition that draws on writings from people onboard the Mayflower.
When: 5th April & 5th July 2020
Further information: Plymouth Philharmonic Choir
Plymouth Pirate Weekend, Plymouth
Ahoy me hearties! Round up your crew and spend the weekend sailing, enjoying boat tours and exploring a pirate-themed National Marine Aquarium
When: 8th – 10th May 2020
Mayflower History Festival, Plymouth
The annual Plymouth history festival is being rebranded to include talks, tours and exhibitions about all things related to the Mayflower.
When: 8th – 31st May 2020
Mayflower 400 Exhibition, Dartmouth
St Saviour’s Church will exhibit arts and crafts and provide information on the Mayflower 400 project in Dartmouth
When: 23rd May – 30th September
This Land, Plymouth
Calling all budding performers! This a true community project with the Theatre Royal looking for 120 people from Plymouth to join 30 members of the Wampanoag tribe from Massachusetts in creating This Land, a story of the Mayflower’s journey and a reflection on the past, present and future. Don’t fancy yourself in front of an audience? The production is also looking for people to work backstage as part of the crew on this innovative creation.
When: 16th – 20th June 2020
More information: Theatre Royal
Mayflower 400 International Naval Academy Regatta, Dartmouth
A week long series of boat races will take place culminating in a Passage boat race.
When: 2nd – 8th August 2020
Dartmouth Mayflower Week
A culmination of the commemorative year in Dartmouth with a week of major river-based events. The Grand River Dart Pageant will see tall ships and vessels take to the river decked out in fancy dress, led by The Matthew, a 15th century replica ship. There will also be a week of boating events, music, concerts and much more.
When: 30th August – 5th September 2020
Plymouth Mayflower Week
A week marking the commemoration of the Mayflower’s journey on the 16th September 1620. There will be boating events, a visit from the Matthew, a replica 15th century tall ship, live music and two special events. On the 16th September the Mayflower Ceremony will mark the legacy of the Mayflower’s voyage with representatives from the UK, US, Netherlands and Wampanoag. The Mayflower Muster, taking place on the 19th and 20th September, will celebrate Plymouth’s naval history with a festival including demonstrations, live displays and other activities.
When: 14th – 20th September 2020
For a full schedule of all events in Plymouth and Dartmouth as well other locations across the UK visit Mayflower 400.
History of the Mayflower
The passengers on the Mayflower were all people keen to begin a new life in America, as we now know it. A number of this group were Separatists, people who wanted to live free from the domination and rule of the Church of England. Some of this group had already left England years earlier and settled in Leiden, Holland for a number of years. However, they struggled to settle in the society and were worried the relaxed and cosmopolitan lifestyle would lead their younger community astray. The remaining passengers were not leaving for religious reasons but just wanted a fresh start. All of the passengers would later be known as the Pilgrims and shape the future of the United States of America.
Originally two ships were set to make the journey, The Mayflower and the Speedwell. Collecting passengers in Holland the Speedwell sailed to Southampton where the Mayflower would be docked. The ships set off from Southampton on the 15th August but it became immediately apparent that the Speedwell was taking on water so the ships docked in Dartmouth for repairs to be made. Around a week later they set off again however the Speedwell again started leaking and the boats made harbour in Plymouth. Further repairs were attempted until the Speedwell was finally declared unfit for purpose. Some passengers decided against making the journey but the remaining group set off from Plymouth aboard the Mayflower on the 16th September 1620.
66 days later, after enduring cramped conditions, horrendous storms and bouts of illness and chronic seasickness, the Mayflower reached Cape Cod, eventually settling in an area now known as Plymouth.
On arrival the settlers drew up the Mayflower compact, a document that attempted to provide legal standing and also guidelines for civil order. Effectively this became a precursor for future colonists seeking independence from British rule.
The first winter was very difficult, with most of the passengers living on board the Mayflower. Many succumbed to sickness and disease and only 53 survived. When they did move ashore the colonists were helped enormously by the Wampanoag tribe, a local tribe who had already lived here for thousands of years. The Wampanoag people taught the Pilgrims how to hunt animals, fish and grow corn. Their help and guidance led to a bumper harvest for the Pilgrims and they celebrated with the Wampanoag with an enormous feast, now recognised as the first Thanksgiving.
Today there are an estimated 35 million people around the world who can trace their ancestry from the passengers on the Mayflower.
Back to Mayflower 400 events.
Staying in Plymouth and Dartmouth
Planning to attend the amazing Mayflower 400 events lined up? Why not browse our fabulous collection of cottages in Devon and across the South West. We have properties ranging from rural retreats to stunning apartments overlooking the water.
Image Credit: Joybot – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Stephen Craven – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Robert Pittman – (CC BY-ND 2.0)
