Mayflower 400

2020 marks the 400 year anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower to the New World, America, in 1620. And this year is a special commemorative year for Devon and two particular locations who were involved in the Mayflower story and it’s historic journey.

After setting sail from Southampton the Mayflower and the Speedwell, its travelling companion, were forced to stop at Dartmouth for repairs after the Speedwell started taking on water. The pair of boats set sail again but when they were 300 miles off Lands Ends the Speedwell started leaking again and they returned to England, docking in the city of Plymouth. From here the Mayflower set sail alone on the 16th September 1620 reaching America with the Pilgrims on board later that year, where they created history.  If you would like to find out more about the Mayflower Story read our blog post Commemorating the Sailing of the Mayflower here. 

Throughout 2020 a whole range of one off, special and commemorative events including town trails, a Peal of Bells, River Pageant, sports events, plays, replicate models, special museum exhibitions and much more are being held to share the regions part in the historic event.

The commemorations are being held over a year, starting with Illuminate events in November 2019 and ending with closing events in November 2020. Dartmouth’s Mayflower Week, when the main events will be taking place, is between the 30th August and the 5th September 2020. Plymouth’s Mayflower Week is being held between the 14th and the 20th September 2020 when events can be found throughout the city and on the Hoe.  

Below you’ll find details of the events which are being held in Dartmouth and Plymouth to mark the 400 year anniversary of the sailing. The events can be filtered by date, so you can easily find the events taking place at which ever location you choose to visit.