TICKETS are now available for the international Mayflower 400 commemoration event.

Having been postponed from the original anniversary date of September 16 due to the pandemic, the Mayflower 400 Four Nations Ceremony will now take place on Sunday, July 11, on the biggest stage Plymouth Hoe has ever seen.

The Mayflower and her sister ship, Speedwell, set sail from West Quay, Southampton, on August 15, 1620, on its now famous journey to the New World.

It carried 102 passengers and settled in what had been the Native American village of Patuxet.

The ceremony is the UK’s flagship Mayflower 400 event and a grand finale to the commemorations.

The 70 metre stage will host a production, which tells the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims’ journey in search of religious freedom and explores the impact of this on the world.

A massive array of 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 brand new music, accompanied by actors on stage and bespoke film footage all narrated to tell this unique story.

The script and lyrics have been written by Nick Stimson, Associate Director at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, with music by Chris Williams.

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: “Nothing like this has been done in Plymouth before, bringing together all four nations to tell the story that has had a profound impact on global history.

"It’s going to be a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime event so I’d urge people to book their tickets quickly.”

The event is being ticketed to safeguard against Covid-19 precautions, with all tickets free. Tickets must be booked prior to entry.

Gates will open at 1pm on the day, with the ceremony taking place from 3pm to approximately 4.30pm.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink with them, as well as blankets or camping chairs as seating will not be provided.