Events will light up Ocean City

This November needn’t be dark as Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, is lighting up the city with a number of light-themed events.

The events, all designed to celebrate national occasions and commemorate significant moments in the city’s history, include Light 100, Bonfire Night, the City Centre and Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on events, Illuminate and Light Fantastic.

From Saturday 1 November through to Saturday 29 November there are plenty of events to light up the autumn evenings.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Smith, said: “Autumn is here but that doesn’t mean things are quietening down in Plymouth. There is still a great number of exciting events to attend and the Ocean City Lights programme provides a range to choose from. From those with historical associations through to community events and traditional bonfire and Christmas lights, there’s no reason to stay at home.”

In 1914 the three towns, Plymouth, Devonport and East Stonehouse, joined to form Plymouth as we know it today. 100 years later, Stonehouse Action is hosting a Light 100 community event to celebrate.

This event will see Stonehouse Timebank light up Union Street with 100 lanterns, each containing a wish, on Saturday 1 November at 5pm.

Wednesday 5 November will see Plymouth hosting a traditional bonfire and fireworks display on The Hoe.

Visitors can enjoy fairground rides, food and drink from 4pm.

Entertainment, courtesy of Heart FM, will take place from 6pm on the grass area of The Hoe in front of the Royal Citadel. Performances from Alice Sposito, Street Factory, Alice Gullick and The Sound will entertain the crowds whilst the bonfire is lit at 7.30pm.

A surrey-based firework company, Pyrovision, will set off a spectacular display from behind the walls of the Royal Citadel at 8pm. Visitors to The Hoe can watch as the skies are once again lit up with a dazzling array of sparkles.
The Sugar Thieves will take to the stage at 8.20pm for the final performance of the night.

The following week, Thursday 13 November, will see the popular city centre Christmas light switch-on and dazzling lantern parade take place. Entertainment begins at 4pm on the stage outside Drake Circus shopping centre at the top of Cornwall Street.
Join Chico and R&B band Damage as the countdown begins at 6.20pm, followed by the lantern parade starting at the Plymouth Guildhall at 6.40pm.

A unique community event will celebrate the ‘Special Relationship’ between Plymouth UK and Plymouth Massachusetts on Thursday 20 November. The event, Illuminate, will kick off the countdown to 2020, the 400th anniversary of when the Pilgrim Fathers sailed from Plymouth on the Mayflower, heading for the New World.

At 6pm one single candle will be lit at the Mayflower Steps during a short civic service followed by an illuminated procession from the steps to The Hoe where a further 1,000 candles will be lit.

Keeping with the American theme a Thanksgiving ceremony will take place at the Mayflower Steps at 5.30pm on Thursday 27 November, followed by the Barbican and Sutton Harbour Christmas lights switch-on at 6pm.

The Christmas lights switch-on will take place beside the ‘Mayflower’ Christmas tree on The Parade, Barbican and will provide an outdoor, traditional carol service.

The Ocean City Lights programme will conclude with a ‘Light Fantastic’ event which will see some of the city’s most iconic buildings come alive. On Friday 28 November, Smeaton’s Tower, Devonport Guildhall and the Palace Theatre will become illuminated with projections inspired by the ‘Three Towns’ histories and communities.

On Saturday 29 November, Plymouth Guildhall and the Civic Centre will be illuminated with a combined finale projection.

More information about all of these events can be found at www.visitplymouth.co.uk.