The West End Carnival is returning to the city centre on Saturday 31 August, as part of a joint celebration for the 60th Anniversary of Plymouth Market.
After the success of last year’s event, this year will be even bigger and better, with a packed programme of live music, street entertainment and family friendly activity.
As well as being a fantastic free day out for the whole family, it’s also an opportunity to explore the great range of independent shops in the West End, who will be running a variety of special offers throughout the day.
Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company who run the event, said:
“We are delighted to team up with Plymouth Market to put on such an exciting free event.
“We have a day-long programme of live entertainment and we want people from far and wide to come and see what a great community we have here in the West End and some of the changes we have made to bring more colour and vibrancy to the streets.”
There will be live music from bands including Joey The Lips and a Beatles tribute act on the main stage, hosted by Radio Plymouth. Visitors can also enjoy a huge range of street entertainment along Cornwall Street and outside Plymouth Market, including juggling unicyclists, fire breathers and performances from Street Factory and Plymouth Morris Dancers.
Two samba carnival parades will take place, and Mi Salsa Cubana will be encouraging everyone to get into the carnival spirit with dance sessions on the streets.
In addition to this, there’s carnival craft activities on offer for children, and cooking demos, classic cars and even a gin bar for the adults to enjoy.
As well as being a celebration of Plymouth’s vibrant West End, the day marks the 60th anniversary of Plymouth Market, which is the lynchpin of the city’s independent shopping quarter. The Grade II listed building was officially opened on 7th September 1959 and has been home to a fascinating and eclectic mix of stalls and eateries ever since.
On the day, the market will be hosting cooking demos and tastings by Plymouth foodies’ favourite, Jacques Marchal and there will be a number of special offers on stalls throughout the market. Popular entertainer Billy Wiz Magician and face painters will be on hand to entertain children too.
Plymouth Market has also commissioned a specially designed canvas bag to celebrate the event which is free to lucky customers, subject to availability.
For more information about the West End Carnival, head to visitplymouth.co.uk.
