Dartmouth Mayflower 400 - planned events

Mayflower 400 is the commemoration of the sailing of The to the New World, in 1620, an extremely significant event in history for both the United Kingdom and the United States of America. In conjunction with 12 other towns & cities across the UK, Dartmouth has a number of ambitious Projects & Events planned during 2020, which we hope will include:

  • The River Pageant. This will be one of the most spectacular events ever to be held on the river. A “look alike” Mayflower ship will be moored in Bayards Cove and we hope to attract approximately 100 ships and boats of all sizes to take part in the Pageant, including if available, ships from the British, American & Dutch Navies.
  • The Dartmouth Mayflower Walking Trail. This trail will consist of three linked sections around the historic areas and buildings of the town and will tell the story of Dartmouth’s role in the sailing of The Mayflower. We plan to install mosaics at historical points in the town, plus interpretation boards to guide visitors along the trail together with a digital app to enhance the story. A permanent statue is also planned for the South Embankment, to be designed by local students.
  • Mayflower Scale Model. A 3.5m replica model of The Mayflower will be built by students at Noss Marina Academy [part of South Devon College], and this will be permanently displayed either at The Visitor Centre or The Museum. This detailed model will be built to drawings provided by Brixham Museum. A workshop facility has been provided by The Britannia Royal Naval College, and work has already begun on the building of this model.
  • Son et Lumiere. This event will be held at The Britannia Royal Naval College on 5th September 2020, and will mark the finale of “Mayflower week”. Plans are well advanced and we hope will include a performance by a world-renowned orchestra plus a spectacular light show.
  • Film Project. Award winning film & TV director, Peter Nicholson, will work with young people in front and behind the camera to make a series of short films based on the Mayflower story.
  • Illuminate Light Festival. Planned to be both the opening event of this commemoration in November 2019 and the closing event 12 months later. Dartmouth’s “Night of 400 Candles” will link with other light base projects in the UK. The Netherlands and the US.
  • Plantation Garden. Planned for an under-used area of Coronation Park, this full sized Plantation Garden will replicate the local Indian food growing techniques adopted by the Pilgrim settlers with the help of the Indians. The aim of this project is to educate both residents and visitors, young and old, about the food growing techniques at the time, and the horticultural problems that had to be overcome by the Pilgrims if they were to survive.

Other events planned include a Mayflower Anthem, already written, Plays, music events, an Arts and Crafts Trail and an illustrated book of childrens’ Mayflower Stories.

At this early stage of course, some of these plans may change. You can find up to date details on the website: www.dartmouthmayflower400.uk

First published By The Dart May 2018 Issue

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