The Plymouth Marine City Festival has been hailed as a success for proving that the city’s strength in the marine sector runs far deeper than heritage and culture alone.
Throughout the course of the nine-day festival, organised by a partnership led by Destination Plymouth, a series of business, science and educational events underpinned the family friendly activity which attracted thousands of visitors to Plymouth.
Proving that Plymouth is leading the way in marine research, the Oceans of Potential marine science conference attracted speakers and guests from across the globe to come together to discuss the future of our seas.
The event, run by Plymouth Marine Laboratory and supported by the Marine Institute at Plymouth University, attracted delegates from around the world to hear some of the leading global authorities on marine research.
The Business Expo organised by Plymouth Chamber was another resounding success, with more than 500 delegates in attendance, 55 local businesses exhibiting, and keynote speeches delivered by Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board and Government Minister for Trade and Industry Lord Green.
Another key strand of the Marine City Festival was its educational activity, developed and delivered by the National Marine Aquarium and Plymouth University.
The Aquarium’s STEMFest programme saw the largest ever number of school children visiting during a single week, with 1,800 children from over 30 local schools taking part in interactive science shows and workshops designed to make marine themed Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) come to life.
A further 2,500 family visitors took part in the family STEMFest on the Barbican during the Seafood Festival, creating a clear link between the seafood we eat and the issues around the management of our oceans.
Paul Cox, head of Science and Learning at the National Marine Aquarium said: “The Marine City Festival was fantastic for promoting our rich marine heritage, but also in encouraging both visitors and local residents to think more about the importance of protecting our oceans. We were pleased to be so heavily involved in the event, and look forward to seeing even greater numbers get involved in the future.”
Organisers of the festival hope that they can build upon the success of the festival to carve a reputation for Plymouth as a leading marine city.
Pete Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council added: “The Marine City Festival has proven that Plymouth has the heritage, geography, culture, people and facilities to become a real force to be reckoned with in the marine sector. The combination of the science, business and educational events, alongside all the food, arts and entertainment, will help to strengthen Plymouth’s position as the most innovative and ambitious marine city in the country bar none, and this will only grow over the coming years.”
Plymouth Marine City Festival Photos
View photos from the Plymouth Marine City Festival taken by Mike Pitches – Opening Parade and the Seafood festival
About Scott Grenney
Scott is the owner & editor of the BarbicanWaterfront.com. He has lived on the Barbican & keeps close ties with the Plymouth Barbican community and is a member of the Association of Barbican Businesses (ABB).
Scott in his free time is developing the BarbicanWaterfront.com to become a hub / portal for all things related to the Barbican area. The aim is to help increase use of the Barbican by locals and tourists alike. Read more about the Plymouth Barbican Waterfront Website...
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Great to see Plymouth people talking the city up. Plymouth is already on the map and the Plymouth people are starting to believe it, telling everyone Plymouth IS great. We have all the ingredients on our doorstep, the skills and expertise among the private and public sector to deliver world class events. But most of all, the commitment and passion is building amongst the smaller organisations, local businesses and residents. A great recipe for success, working in partnership and listening to the people who know Plymouth IS Great. Kathy Davey
Hi Kathy, I agree Plymouth appears to be getting stronger and stronger. The marine city festival highlighted how once again how we can all come together and make events like this a huge success