This July, the major international Mayflower 400 commemoration event, Mayflower 400 Four Nations Ceremony, will take place on Plymouth Hoe, with free tickets available.
The UK’s flagship Mayflower 400 event and grand finale to commemorations takes place on 11 July on the biggest stage Plymouth Hoe has ever seen, after being postponed due to the pandemic.
The production tells the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims’ journey in search of religious freedom and explores the impact of this on the world. Singers representing choirs and schools from throughout the region will be accompanied by the full concert orchestra of HM Royal Marines Band Plymouth. Together they will perform new music, accompanied by actors and bespoke film footage narrated to tell this unique story.
For the first time ever, this commemoration event will include leading representatives of the Native American Wampanoag tribes, who have historically been excluded from the narrative despite having been greatly affected by the Mayflower’s arrival and subsequent European settlement.
All four nations involved in the story – the UK, USA, Netherlands and the Wampanoag tribes – will be represented by high-ranking dignitaries who will speak during the ceremony and reflect on what the historical voyage means for the world today.
Adrian Vinken OBE, chair of Mayflower 400, said: “This is the major moment for the international Mayflower 400 commemorations and the culmination of all the activity that has been taking place around the world to mark this significant global anniversary.”
The event is being ticketed to due to Covid-19, with all tickets free. However, they must be booked prior to entry. Gates will open at 1pm, with the ceremony taking place from 3pm to approximately 4.30pm. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink, as well as blankets or camping chairs as seating will not be provided.
Free tickets are available to book at: visitplymouth.co.uk/mayflower400ceremony
