Jaws drop as Shark Month returns to Royal William Yard this July
It’s the third ‘summer of the shark’ as Royal William Yard and Plymouth-based international conservation charity the Shark Trust join forces again to host Shark Month – a programme of events and activities running throughout July that brings marine conservation to the city’s waterfront.
This year’s programme spans science, art, food, film and live events. Among the highlights: a 20ft wicker basking shark will be on display, a Great White wine tasting, shark-focused film screenings and pub quiz will all take place, the Shark Trust’s interactive pop-up shop will return, and themed tasty treats will be available.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
From early July: Basket Shark sculpture on display
Duncan Cameron’s life-size basking shark sculpture – constructed from salvaged bamboo, willow and pallet wood – is on display outside Arcade at the Brewhouse building throughout July. At 20ft long, the Basket Shark is as much statement as sculpture: a protest against everything that makes sharks vulnerable, expressed through storytelling, creativity and art. Visitors can get up close to appreciate the scale of the UK’s largest fish while discovering more about why basking sharks matter.
3rd July: Yard Sessions – pop-up
Join the Shark Trust team at Yard Sessions live music event to find out more about their work and enjoy an evening of live music. Listen to music from The Busketeers, 5.30pm - 8pm, Secret Garden/Residence One Gardens, behind Maison Pierre Rooms.
5th July: Good Food and Craft Market – pop-up
The Shark Trust joins the monthly Good Food and Craft Market at Royal William Yard, bringing conservation information and Shark Month activities to the popular monthly market, which showcases the best artisans across the South West. Head to The Green on Sunday, between 10am – 3pm.
7th – 30th July: Shark Trust pop-up shop
The Shark Trust will run a pop-up shop at Melville Corner, across four weeks in July. Visitors can try VR goggles for an immersive shark encounter, browse merchandise, watch film screenings, and see the Shark Photographer of the Year display.
Tuesdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th July (11am – 2pm)
Thursdays 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th July (11am – 2pm)
Saturdays 11th, 18th and 25th July (10am – 3pm)
9th July: Local Shark Science Forum
A forum bringing together local marine scientists and conservationists to discuss sharks in South West waters. Anyone interested in attending can contact The Shark Trust to book a place.
9th July: Great Whites wine tasting at Le Vignoble
Back by popular demand, Le Vignoble and the Shark Trust team up for an evening of six white wines, each produced in a region where great white sharks are found. Some fierce and powerful, others sleek and majestic – it may well be the closest encounter most guests ever have with the ultimate underwater predator. Tickets £22 (7pm – 9pm), with a donation to the Shark Trust made with every ticket purchased.
12th July: Jaws film screening and Q&A at Everyman
Jaws - the iconic and original shark-themed Hollywood blockbuster - will grace the big screen at Everyman, which promises to be edge-of-your-seat viewing. Following the film, the Shark Trust team will run a Q&A session about sharks, giving some fascinating insights into these incredible creatures – see the website for booking details.
23rd July: Shark pub quiz at Steel Brew
A shark-themed pub quiz at Royal William Yard’s Steel Brew, with specially brewed ‘Blues Session’ beer on tap. Various prizes up for grabs – see the website for booking details. Steel Brew will also be selling a shark themed beer to raise money throughout the month.
All month long: Shark-themed treats
Throughout Shark Month, DockSide Coffee Bar will offer special matcha and croissants themed to the occasion. DockSide – and other Yard businesses – will be making a donation to the Shark Trust.
For a full list of events and booking information, visit www.royalwilliamyard.com/shark-month. For more on the Shark Trust’s conservation work, visit www.sharktrust.org.
