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News from cultural venues and Plymouth reporters.
Festive Fun: Cultural and Creative Fit and Fed Activities This Christmas
Plymouth’s Fit and Fed Christmas 2025 programme is packed with free creative opportunities for children and young people, from circus skills and ballet to science clubs, crafts, drama and festive trips. Discover the most inspiring cultural activities available across the city this winter and find out how to book.
In a world on fire… let’s mess around maybe and be kind!?
Creative columnist Pete Clayton ends 2025 with a heartfelt reflection on kindness in the creative industry. Inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s “Wear Sunscreen,” he urges Plymouth’s creative community to collaborate, communicate with respect, and put people first. A thoughtful call to build a kinder, more supportive city for creatives.
Grace Lightman’s November Gig Guide: Swing, Folk, Punk and Indie Rock in Plymouth
Plymouth Music Ambassador Grace Lightman shares her November gig picks: swing with The Hot House Combo, Cornish folk at Nos Lowen, indie rock from The Hunna, and a final punk blowout with Bus Station Loonies. Discover the best live music in Plymouth this month and book your tickets now.
Lessons from a creative business owner: Adapting to keep-a-float and sailing on.
In this sea-soaked reflection, illustrator Pete Clayton shares how he navigated a quiet spell in his creative business by getting back to basics, reigniting passion projects, and seeking support from peers. A candid, uplifting reminder that when the wind drops, creativity — and community — can keep you moving forward.
Nosferatu Meets Radiohead: A Haunting Halloween at Plymouth Arts Cinema
Plymouth Arts Cinema hosts an unforgettable Halloween double bill — Nosferatu x Radiohead and locally made short film Knell. Community reporter Joshua Edwards delves into this inspired mix of classic horror and experimental sound, celebrating Plymouth’s long-standing art cinema and its place in the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Making Creative Health Matter Everyday: Why Jayne Howard’s message lands in Plymouth
Creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s everyday care. Jayne Howard’s visit shows how Plymouth’s coast, culture and community make feeling better simple and local. Our article shares easy ways to try creative wellbeing this week: dance, free over-55s workshops, harbour sketch walks, blue-health moments and wellbeing hubs. Start small—bring a friend today.
Fashion in Film Festival Showing at Plymouth Arts Cinema
This weekend, The Fashion in Film Festival: Grounded comes to Plymouth Arts Cinema (24–25 Oct). Written by community reporter and fashion designer Victoria Lammie, the article explores how this national festival connects global fashion conversations to Plymouth’s own sustainable design scene, featuring an interview with local bio-designer Joanne Nudd.
Family-friendly cultural and creative things to do in Plymouth this October half-term 2025
From spooky storytelling to hands-on art workshops, Plymouth is bursting with creative fun this October half-term. Explore trails, theatre shows, and family-friendly events across the city — from The Box to Royal William Yard. Discover what’s on, get inspired, and make lasting memories with your little ones this autumn.
Funband Bring Confetti, Chaos & Creativity to Plymouth’s Live Music Scene
Community reporter Joshua Edwards explores the rise of Funband, Plymouth’s eccentric and unpredictable art-rock group. Blending humour, theatre and raw musical talent, Funband’s live shows are joyous chaos — a mash-up of confetti, masks, and perfectly crafted hooks. If you haven’t seen them yet, make sure you do.
DRAKE CIRCUS BRINGS PLYMOUTH’S CREATIVITY TO LIFE WITH ‘CITY LAYERS’ CULTURAL CELEBRATION
Drake Circus will burst into colour and creativity on Saturday 18 October with City Layers – a one-day celebration of Plymouth’s artistic talent. Visitors can enjoy live art from Jon Lilly, printmaking workshops with Sue Lewry, children’s activities, and poetry displays celebrating the city’s people, places and identity.
Creative Calm by the Coast: Inside Megan Roberts’ “And Breathe” Workshops
Spending a morning with artist Megan Roberts at Grow Plymouth offered a moment of calm and creativity for Community reporter Victoria Lammie. Through her And Breathe workshops, part of the Sea for Yourself programme, Megan blends art, film, and the sea to explore stress, wellbeing, and our connection to Plymouth’s waters.
Afro-Sonic Mapping Chapter 4: Seeing a Creative Genius at Play
Afro-Sonic Mapping Chapter 4 at KARST Gallery invites audiences into Satch Hoyt’s hypnotic world of sound, colour, and cultural memory. Through music, painting, and performance, Hoyt reawakens instruments once silenced, creating a powerful act of sonic restitution. Open until 29 November, with a Curator’s Tour on 14 November.
Grace Lightman’s Gig Guide: October Edition
Plymouth Music Ambassador Grace Lightman shares her top live music picks for October, including bhangra at The Roundabout, experimental electronica at The Depo, immersive storytelling at Market Hall, blues at B-Bar, and a Halloween album launch at Nook Houseplants.
…And Breathe: Free Creative Workshops for Over-55s Explore the Sea, Stress and Wellbeing
…And Breathe is a free workshop series for over-55s led by filmmaker Megan Roberts. Through collage, sound, and filmmaking, participants will explore stress, the sea, and shared creativity. The project culminates in an immersive 360° film at Plymouth’s Market Hall dome, part of the Sea for Yourself programme.
The Student Guide to Creative Nights Out in Plymouth
Looking for an alternative to clubbing in Plymouth? From improv comedy and quiz nights to open mics, art openings, and monthly design meetups, the city is packed with fun, affordable, and creative ways to spend an evening. Perfect for students who want culture, laughs, and community without the nightclub hangover.
Plymouth on a Student Budget: 8 Free or Low-Cost Culture Opportunities
Plymouth is packed with free and budget-friendly things to do, perfect for students looking to explore the city without spending much. From museums and live music to outdoor trails and festivals, this guide highlights the best low-cost cultural experiences that prove being skint doesn’t mean being bored.
Thirty Years of Noise: Plymouth Punx Picnic 2025
Plymouth Punx Picnic 2025 once again brought together a wild mix of punk, folk, and noise across venues including the Nowhere Inn and the Pit and Pendulum. From chaotic sets to family moments in the Sunday sunshine, it proved why this festival remains a much-loved cornerstone of Plymouth’s music scene.
A Creative Exercise Routine & Putting in the Work at the Gym
Creativity, like a muscle, strengthens with consistent practice. Illustrator Pete shares his drawing “workout routine”: warm up with loose doodles, progress through three sets of sketching, refining, and final artwork, and always cool down with rest. Balance effort and recovery to avoid burnout, nurture ideas, and sustain creative health.
Discover the Creative Heart of Plymouth: Devon Open Studios 2025
Devon Open Studios 2025 runs 6–21 September, with Plymouth hosting four standout venues. Flameworks leads as the city’s creative hub, joined by Café Momus in Stonehouse, 45 Southside Gallery on the Barbican, and Sarah Chapman’s Colebrook studio. Meet makers, explore studios, and discover Plymouth’s thriving artistic community.
Slimy Girls’ Riotous Debut E.P. Sets the Tone for Plymouth Punk
Slimy Girls’ debut Slime E.P. delivers on the promise of their explosive live sets. From venomous standout Ur Mum to the brooding power of The Reckoning, the record is both diverse and cohesive. Joshua Edwards reviews a release that cements the Plymouth band as a major force in the local scene.