Programme for 2016 History Festival goes live

The 2016 Plymouth History Festival has now been confirmed, with a packed programme of 100 different events.

This is the fourth year that the month-long celebration of Plymouth’s history has taken place and details are now live at www.plymhistoryfest.wordpress.com.

The festival, co-ordinated by the Council’s Arts and Heritage service, will run from Saturday 7 May to Sunday 5 June and includes exhibitions and displays, special events, family activities, talks, walks and tours.

Exhibitions will explore subjects such as the Blitz, Charles Darwin, the Battle of Jutland and the history of Plymouth’s sports and sporting personalities.

Walks will take place all over the city, letting people follow in the footsteps of famous figures such as the Parkers of Saltram and The Beatles, as well as discover some of the lesser-known aspects of Plymouth‘s heritage.

Talks will cover topics as diverse as Agnes Weston, Lawrence of Arabia, Boer War soldiers, historical mining landscapes and the 1970s. They are set to take place in venues as varied as the Plymouth Synagogue, St Andrew‘s Church, Ford Park Cemetery and the Athenaeum.

Special events will include an open day at the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre, a medieval tournament in Plympton St Maurice and Local Studies Day at Plymouth University's Robbins Conference Centre.

Families will be able to enjoy arts and crafts activities, a children’s quiz, the chance to meet a costumed re-enactor dressed as a World War I nurse and more.

Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “Once again a large number of organisations and individuals have come together to create a really impressive programme for this year‘s History Festival. Just like the last three years, I’m sure 2016 will provide people of all ages with lots of opportunities to celebrate and learn more about our heritage – as well as highlight just how fascinating Plymouth’s history is.”
More events will be added to the History Festival website as they are confirmed. A festival brochure will be available from early April and you can also stay up-to-date with the developments at www.facebook.com/plymhistoryfest and www.twitter.com/plymhistoryfest.