Firstly, I need to address the massive elephant in the room… "Ere, where 'ave ee bin then? Ain’t seen thee for ages!β€œ

I can only apologise… BUT I’ve got some exciting news! Some of you might remember that I announced PLYM CARD earlier this summer. Well, it’s taken a little longer than planned, but we’re so close to confirming the official launch date.

We’ve already revealed a bunch of brilliant local Plym businesses offering exclusive discounts for PLYM CARD holders, and there’s plenty more to come. I can’t wait to share more info really soon!

So yeah - that’s my excuse.
What’s your excuse for not making the most of pumpkin season in Plymouth this weekend? πŸŽƒ
Don’t worry, you won’t have one after reading this week’s edition…

⭐ FEATURED EVENTS (October 17-19)

πŸŽƒ Pumpkin Fest at Strawberry Fields, Lifton
Pumpkin picking, a Creepy Carnival maze, magic shows, and live music. Autumn at its most Instagrammable.
πŸ“ Strawberry Fields, Lifton
πŸ•“ Sat 18 & Sun 19 Oct, 10am – 4pm
πŸ’Έ Free entry (charges for some activities)

🎀 Michael Starring Ben – The Michael Jackson Tribute
The King of Pop comes alive in this big-production tribute featuring live band, costumes and choreography that nails every move.
πŸ“ Plymouth Pavilions
πŸ•“ Sat 18 Oct, 7:30pm

A PLYM CARD UPDATE!

A little reminder of what PLYM CARD is…

PLYM CARD (not to be confused with Brit Card) is a digital discount card created to support Plymouth’s amazing independent businesses. Cardholders will get access to exclusive discounts at a growing list of local gems - from your favourite cafΓ©s and bakeries to tattoo studios, restaurants, pet groomers, beauty salons, barbers and more essential services.

As previously mentioned, I can say we are now so close to launch. We are rapidly approaching 50 partaking businesses that will all be offering some amazing discounts to PLYM CARD holders.

It’s completely free for businesses to join, and it means extra footfall, promotion across our channels, and a bit more buzz for the local independent scene. NO NATIONAL CHAINS.

If you run a local business and want to get involved, just hit reply to this email or message us over on Instagram @plymcard.

Let’s give Plymouth’s indie scene the love it deserves πŸ’š

πŸ“… Events Happening This Weekend

FRIDAY 17th OCTOBER

🎢 50 Years of Blood On The Tracks
Folk favourite Tobias ben Jacob (of Jacob & Drinkwater) brings Bob Dylan’s best-selling album back to life β€” strings, soul and storytelling included. Expect songs from Blood On The Tracks plus a nod to the new Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.
πŸ“ Barbican Theatre
πŸ•“ Fri 17 Oct | Doors 7:30pm / Show 8:00pm (2 hrs)
πŸ’Έ Β£16.96 | Under 18s with adult
🎻 Featuring Cori Smith (viola) & Seth Bye (violin/bass/keys)

✨ The Life of a Showgirl – Taylor Swift Album Launch Party
Swifties, this one’s yours. A glitter-soaked rooftop party spinning Taylor’s brand-new album The Life of a Showgirl alongside her greatest hits. Expect singalongs, confetti and main-character energy.
πŸ“ Level 33 Rooftop, 30 Bath Street
πŸ•“ Fri 17 Oct, from 8pm – late
πŸ’Έ 18+ / ID required / Free entry for NHS staff or birthday offer

🎨 Canvas Gallery Autumn Exhibition – 1st Birthday Bash
Colour, creativity, and cake. Canvas Gallery celebrates its first birthday with the opening night of their Autumn Exhibition. Pop by for art, chat and a glass of something nice.
πŸ“ 56 Ebrington Street
πŸ•“ 5pm – 9pm
πŸ’Έ Free

🎭 Double Bill: Dear Sisyphus & The Skeleton is White
Two bold new works-in-progress at Theatre Royal’s Lab β€” one blending poetry and philosophy, the other dance and identity. Intimate, thought-provoking stuff.
πŸ“ The Lab, Theatre Royal Plymouth
πŸ•“ Fri 17 Oct, 7pm
πŸ’Έ Β£7 | 16+

🎬 Urchin (15)
A gritty, deeply human debut from actor-turned-director Harris Dickinson. Frank Dillane stars as a Londoner fighting for a second chance.
πŸ“ Arts University Plymouth Cinema
πŸ•“ Fri 17–Wed 22 Oct | 6pm showings

🎞️ Mr. Blake at Your Service! (PG)
John Malkovich leads this warm French dramedy about grief, miscommunication and unexpected friendship. Subtitled and full of heart.
πŸ“ Arts University Plymouth Cinema
πŸ•“ Fri 17 Oct, 6pm | Sat 18 Oct, 8pm

🎭 Finding Nemo Jr.
A bright, family-friendly musical bringing Pixar’s ocean world to the stage.
πŸ“ Devonport Playhouse
πŸ•“ Fri 17 Oct, 7:30pm | Sat 18 Oct, 2:30pm & 7:30pm

SATURDAY 2nd AUGUST

🎢 Pogo Presents: Dub Princess & Hotsteppas + Shniece
Reggae, ska, jazz and Afrobeat collide in this lively Bristol-born collab. Expect soulful vocals and big energy.
πŸ“ The Roundabout Pub, Drake Circus
πŸ•“ Sat 18 Oct, 8pm – 11pm

πŸŽ“ University of Plymouth Undergraduate Open Day
Curious about life on campus? Take a tour, meet lecturers and see the famous wave tank.
πŸ“ Main City Campus
πŸ•“ Sat 18 Oct, from 9am
πŸ’Έ Free (booking advised)

πŸŽ“ Arts University Plymouth Postgraduate Open Day
For anyone eyeing up a creative Master’s, explore studios, chat with tutors, and get inspired.
πŸ“ Tavistock Place
πŸ•“ Sat 18 Oct, 10am – 4pm

🎡 A Right Old Ding Dong – The London Songs
A community choir, soloists and kids from Widey Court Primary bring the streets of London to life through original music by local composer Sian Jamison.
πŸ“ Market Hall, Duke Street, Devonport
πŸ•“ Sat 18 Oct, evening

πŸ§™β€β™€οΈ October Half-Term Trail: Piskies vs. Trolls
They’re back and they’re feuding! Help your side win this playful family trail at Buckland Abbey.
πŸ“ Buckland Abbey, Yelverton
πŸ•“ Sat 18 Oct, 10am – 4pm (continues daily)
πŸ’Έ Free (normal admission applies)

SUNDAY 19th October

πŸš‚ Plymouth Collectors Toy & Train Fair
Trains, diecasts, LEGO, books. A friendly swap-and-buy fair with free parking and cafΓ©.
πŸ“ Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road
πŸ•“ Sun 19 Oct, 10am – 1pm
πŸ’Έ Β£1 adults / kids free

πŸ₯Ύ South East Cornwall Adventure Day
Ferry across and hike the Rame Peninsula, from woodland trails to Atlantic views. Three route options, lunch included, ferry fares covered.
πŸ“ Departs Plymouth Barbican / Royal William Yard
πŸ•“ Sun 19 Oct, 9am – 4pm

β˜• Grab a roast at HonkyTonk Wine Library
Local Jazz legend Martin Dale will be lighting up the room with his amazing Jazz Saxophone together 2 other amazing musicians. We accompany this live music with a fabulous Sunday Roast Board.Β 
πŸ“ HonkyTonk Wine Library, Sutton Harbour
πŸ•“ Sun 19 Oct, 3pm - 5pm

πŸ₯ͺ BUSINESS OPENING!

Sad news first… Beloved Bretonside cafΓ© Minerva served its last grilled cheese toastie last week (still unmatched, if you ask me).

But before you start mourning your favourite brunch spot, there’s good news. They haven’t gone far. The team have moved over to Alma Yard and are relaunching under a fresh new name: SATO.

The new space marks a bit of an evolution for the Minerva crew, with a reworked menu and a few tasty surprises. Expect their refined brunch menu Wednesday to Sunday, and on Thursday nights, a dedicated Korean Fried Chicken Night. A nod to the pop-ups that won them a loyal following earlier this year.

Come Friday and Saturday evenings, they’ll be switching gears with seasonal supper dishes, inspired by their sell-out supper clubs, now available every weekend. Behind the bar, you’ll find Bluntrock Brewery on tap, alongside organic wines and a curated cocktail list to match the mood.

SATO will open this Saturday at Alma Yard - no bookings needed, just wander in from 9:30am onwards for brunch and a peek at the new offerings.

That’s your lot. Enjoy your weekend, peeps.

That’s all from us this week. Go out, soak it all up, and support some local gems while you’re at it.

Want these roundups earlier next time? Sign up now and never miss a weekend again.

Cheers,

Lewis

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