Funding approved for major music events in 2014

Plymouth Hoe looks set to host two major music celebrations in 2014 as part of an exciting and ambitious events programme for the city.

Cabinet members have approved funding for a spectacular public event in July to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines.

The ticket-entry arena event, which will be one the main celebrations held in the UK to mark the 350th anniversary, will run over several nights and attract spectators locally as well as from across the country and overseas.

Major General David Hook of the Royal Marines said: “Next year is a major milestone for the Royal Marines and we look forward to marking the occasion in Plymouth, a city we have a long and proud relationship with.”

The Royal Marines’ celebration will be immediately followed by a major music event marking the 100th anniversaries of the First World War and of the joining of the ‘three towns’ of Devonport, Plymouth and Stonehouse to form the city of Plymouth as it is known today.

The music event will make use of the infrastructure already in place for the Royal Marines’ event, giving the Council an opportunity to stage a truly first class show to commemorate the start of the First World War and the centenary of Plymouth being granted city status. It is hoped that some of the tickets will be made available free so that many of the local community get the opportunity to see the show first hand.

Hosting these high profile events will help the Council, Destination Plymouth, the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company to showcase the city on a national stage and raise awareness of the ‘Britain’s Ocean City’ brand, as well as plans for Mayflower 2020. The events will also help to attract visitors, boost the local economy and promote Plymouth as a vibrant centre of music and culture.

Cabinet members have approved the allocation of £395,000 from the Council’s revenue budget for the two events.

Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “Plymouth looks set to host two of its biggest and most exciting events to date, allowing our local community as well as visitors form far and wide to commemorate some of the most important dates in the city’s history in spectacular style.

“These events will feature performances from some of the world’s finest military bands and most talented musicians in the industry, bringing visitors from all over the UK and beyond. By staging live shows of this scale, Plymouth will be cementing its reputation as a leading venue for major national and international events, as well as a thriving centre of culture and creativity.”

Duncan Currall, Chairman of Destination Plymouth, said: “Major events form a key part of the Visitor Plan for the city, which aims to grow visitors by 25 per cent up to 2020 and provide over 2,600 jobs within the city’s tourism sector. We are delighted that working in partnership with the Council, Royal Marines and Business Improvement Districts we are able to bring these fantastic events to the city for all to enjoy.”

For full details see the report at www.plymouth.gov.uk/modgov