Plymouth's Mayflower celebrations 'could be moved to 2021' as coronavirus forces postponement

Plymouth's Mayflower celebrations could be moved to 2021 as the coronavirus pandemic has forced several events to be postponed.

The city had been due to mark the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers setting off for the New World with a full cultural programme.

But chief executive Charles Hackett says the Covid-19 crisis means the schedule is now uncertain.

Up to 16 million Americans can trace their ancestry back to the voyage, which set sail from the city in 1620.

The Pilgrim Fathers established one of the earliest colonies and held their first Thanksgiving meal a year later. This is now an annual celebration in the United States.

The following events have been postponed:

24-25 March - Some Call it Home - Theatre Royal – postponed

7 April – Mayflower 400 Sports Quiz – Plymouth Argyle Community Trust – postponed

18 April – Plymouth Albion Takeover Event – Plymouth Argyle Community Trust - postponed

22 April – Sounds of the Ocean City – North Prospect Community Choir - postponed

2 May - Mayflower Football Cup – Plymouth Argyle Community Trust – postponed

3 May – North Prospect Community Choir performance - The Box – postponed

4-10 May – Mayflower Ocean Festival – cancelled, with some elements postponed

8 – 31 May – Plymouth History Festival – postponed

10 May - OSTAR and TWO STAR – postponed

16 May - Mayflower 400: Legend & Legacy – The Box - postponed

16 May – Piazza Walking and Running Event – Plymouth Argyle Community Trust - postponed

17 May – Mayflower 400 Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon – postponed

23 May - University of Plymouth Choral Society - postponed

23 May – All Nations Ministries Afternoon Tea Dance - postponed

30 May – Mayflower Big Toddle – Plymouth Argyle Community Trust - postponed

31 May 2020 – YMCA Community Fun Run – Plymouth Argyle Community Trust – postponed