Mid Summer Festival
One of Devon’s oldest events and for centuries families have enjoyed the Lamb Feast, held in the shadow of the castle. This year is no exception, and over the years the celebrations have extended to offer a weekend of entertainment for all ages.
On June 14th the Festival will start off on a high note when the 50 strong Sir Joshua Reynolds choir perform “As Long As I have Music” in the village Guildhall. The performance starts at 7.30 and tickets cost £5.00. Monies raised from the event will go towards FROGS – Friends of the Guildhall – who are endeavouring to restore the building for community use.
Crowds of people visit the popular Lamb Feast rain or shine on Castle Green from noon onwards on Saturday 15th. They’ll enjoy classic cars, martial art displays, brass bands, human fruit machines, dancing, kids entertainers – the list goes on and on. And of course there are lots of stalls selling everything from plants to cakes, bric-a-brac and more. Puppeteers, swing boats, dog show, tug-o’war – in short something for everyone to enjoy – and there’s no entrance fee!
And of course there’s food. The iconic lamb baps sell out quickly and there’s always a queue for the Gribbles bangers hot dogs, and veggie food is also available.
On Sunday June 16th there’s the chance to be as nosy as you like. The Hidden Gardens of St Maurice is what it says and keen gardeners open areas at the back of their houses that are normally away from curious eyes.
There are gardens in piggeries, gardens with fancy masonry plundered from Plympton Priory, allotments in the castle moat. Then there are big and small walled gardens and examples of Saxon strips that date back to the earliest times of the Village development. Gardens open 2-6pm and tickets cost £5 children, who can enjoy a treasure hunt, are free. Tickets from The Guildhall Fore St, Dark St Lane and the bottom of George Lane.
The Plympton Art Group will be exhibiting their paintings throughout the weekend at the Guildhall.All in all it’s a weekend not to be missed!
