Press Contact: Natalie Thomas
September 2026
Plymouth will come together on Saturday 26 September 2026 for the Respect Festival: a vibrant multicultural celebration bringing people and communities together to celebrate diversity, culture, and inclusion.
The annual festival will showcase the city’s rich diversity and visitors can expect a welcoming day filled with music, dance, food, performances, and cultural activities, as well as opportunities to discover different traditions from around the world. This year’s theme is…”It’s OK to be different”.
The Respect Festival started in 1998 and aims to create a space and free event for all ages where people of all backgrounds can meet, share experiences and celebrate what makes Plymouth unique.
This year it’s collaborating with The Box Plymouth and Theatre Royal Plymouth.
The morning’s activities will take place at The Box from 10.30am until the festival parade begins at 2pm. Visitors will be treated to performances, workshops, talks, dance, live music, a silent disco, henna, hair braiding and friendship bracelet making as well as information stalls and Thai, Nigerian and Kenyan food. Attendees can also make a decoration for the parade which will be led by Devon-based Samba band ‘Crooked Tempo’ and will take everyone from The Box to the Theatre Royal in the most colourful and vibrant way.
Activities then continue at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 2.30-5pm with more talks, henna, face painting, a flamenco workshop, Thai dance, a Weapons of Sound junk percussion workshop and the West African vibes of ‘Otto and The Mutapa Calling’.
Julie Paget from the Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council said: “Respect Festival is about bringing people together and celebrating the incredible diversity that exists within our city. It’s a chance to experience different cultures, meet new people and enjoy a fantastic day together. This Saturday promised to be a colourful and inclusive celebration for the whole community and we’re looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible to Plymouth’s annual celebration of diversity.”
More information about the activities at The Box is available from here.
More information about the activities at Theatre Royal Plymouth is available from here.