Harwich celebrates 400 years since the Mayflower set sail with festival of lights

2020 marks 400 years since the Mayflower set sail from England, carrying America’s forefathers, and Harwich is celebrating with a festival of lights.

It’s a special year for the town where the ship itself, as well as the Captain, Christopher Jones, hailed from. For this reason, Harwich is part of the ‘Mayflower 400 Compact’ which is an international group of destinations linked to the story.

There’s a year of events ahead to celebrate the momentous occasion, kicking off with a festival themed around light.

The Illuminate Festival, which coincides with American Thanksgiving, will include a tunnel of light, street entertainers, projections and a torch procession.