Plymouth History Festival

Plymouth History festival is a celebration of Plymouth’s unique history and heritage. Taking place over a month, the event comprises a large variety of elements including exhibitions, guided tours and family activities to name a few. Venues from all around the city are opening their doors for this wonderful event, there really is something for everyone!

The following information was provided by the organisers of the festival, for full details, please click here. You can also download the brochure by clicking here.

This will be the fifth time the annual celebration of the city’s heritage has taken place. So far more than 600 events have been enjoyed by thousands of people, all of whom have had the opportunity to find out more about many different aspects of Plymouth’s proud history.

Each year the festival programme includes a range of exhibitions, displays, special events and family activities. It also features a large number of guided walks, illustrated talks and behind-the-scenes tours.

Venues range from libraries, community halls and churches to country houses and historic landmarks.

Councillor Glenn Jordan, cabinet member for culture said: “The History Festival has become a well-loved fixture on the city’s annual event calendar so we’re very pleased to be able to confirm the dates for 2017. Each year provides another opportunity to showcase many of the fascinating stories and characters that have played a part in the story of Plymouth. Just as they have done in previous years, we’re hoping as many people as possible will get involved.”

The Festival will kick off on Saturday 6 May with ‘Local Studies Day’ – a special event packed with talks and presentations about heritage including the Restoration, the Victorian era and an update about the History Centre project.

Other events during the Festival will include a nationally touring exhibition looking at ‘Britain in the Fifties’ as well as displays and special events marking the 50th anniversary of Sir Francis Chichester completing his historic solo circumnavigation of the world.

It will also feature the first ‘Plymouth Festival of Words’. Building on the success of the former Plymouth International Book Festival, this event will be organised through a partnership between Literature Works, Plymouth University, Peninsula Arts, Plymouth City Council and the local community, supported by Arts Council England.

Registration for the 2017 Plymouth History Festival is now open.

For those planning on travelling to Plymouth for the History Festival, please call 01752 275850 to speak to our reception team. We look forward to hearing from you.