Marine City Festival Update

The Plymouth Marine City Festival got off to a great start this weekend, with thousands of people coming down to the waterfront to take part in the first of the festival’s events.

The festival kicked off on Saturday with a marine-themed carnival parade which wound its way from the Barbican to the Hoe and back, with hundreds of local school children in colourful costumes led along by a thunderous samba band.

On Saturday and Sunday, swimmers, kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders lined up to swim and paddle a mile by water to raise money for marine conservation projects in the Ecover Blue Mile.

Across the Sound in Mount Edgcumbe families were entertained by Sea Shanty singers, tales of pirate life and real life treasure and artefacts. The Marine City Festival continues throughout the week, with lots more events and activities to celebrate our unique marine city.

The Oceans of Potential marine science conference begins today, with leading marine experts from across the globe coming together to discuss the future of our seas. You can keep up with all the latest issues being discussed by following the hashtag #OceansofPotential and updates from @PlymouthMarine on Twitter.

The conference will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, and will include a public debate on Tuesday night, chaired by television presenter and marine biologist Monty Halls. To book a place please email pde@plymouth.ac.uk.

Tuesday will also see a science and technology showcase taking place all day at the University Graduation Marquees on Plymouth Hoe, where members of the public can find out how specific scientific research relates to real life.

There’ll be more marine science and technology to discover at the National Marine Aquarium this week as local schools combine education and fun at STEM Fest, which continues all week.

On Wednesday, Plymouth Chamber’s business expo will take over the Graduation Marquee, with a whole host of top speakers lined up including Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board and Lord Green, Minister for Trade and Investment. The event is free and open to any business in the area.

For all the latest news and updates, visit www.marinecityfestival.co.uk or follow @marinefestival on Twitter.