Lord Mayor’s Festival returns with day of free family fun

The family-friendly Lord Mayor’s Festival returns to the city centre on Saturday 21 May, welcoming Councillor Sue Dann to the role of Lord Mayor of Plymouth for 2022-23.

This year’s event is themed around celebrating Plymouth’s blue and green spaces, including the new Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, with plenty of nature-inspired fun.  

There’s lots for families to enjoy, including free activities and workshops, immersive experiences, stage performances and street entertainers.

Councillor Dann, who will take on the role of Lord Mayor from Friday 20 May, said: “It is a real honour to be chosen as the next Lord Mayor of Plymouth and I look forward to meeting lots of people at my first event this Saturday. Not only does it promise to be a fun-filled day for family members of all ages, it’s also an opportunity for charities and community organisations to showcase the vital work they’re doing across Plymouth.

“This year’s environmental theme also means it will give everyone chance to learn more about our environment and what we all can do to protect the amazing blue and green spaces that make Plymouth a fantastic place to live.”

Inside Plymouth Guildhall, a Space Odyssey Dome will offer free immersive experiences giving children the chance to learn more about climate change and how we can create a more sustainable future, all in a fun and inspiring way.

Throughout the day, street performers inspired by nature will be roaming the city centre streets, including stilt walkers who will tower above the crowds. Bumblina, Queen of the Bees, will perform mesmerising tricks with her magical ball of pollen while the enchantingly squirrel-like duo Mr and Mrs Nutkin will charm adults and children alike.

There’s also a free Eco Trail for children to follow, sponsored by Plymouth City Centre Company. Leaflets will be available to pick up from the Piazza, guiding event goers to seven city centre locations with each stop teaching something new about the environment. Everyone who completes the trail and submits their finished form will be entered into a competition, with prizes on offer including a scooter and family entry to the National Marine Aquarium.

The stage on the Piazza will host a full programme of performances from talented locals with dance and music from groups including Street Factory, Stage Stars and The Groovement Project.

There’s also lots of free workshops for families to get involved in, giving the chance to learn circus skills, to create a shipwreck chart of Plymouth Sound or make music with interactive junk bank Weapons of Sound.

In addition to this, more than 40 stalls will line the city centre streets, with representatives from charities and community organisations sharing news and information.

All the action takes place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 21 May. Find out more and plan your visit at www.visitplymouth.co.uk/lordmayorsfestival.