Final preparations are underway in Plymouth as the city’s waterfront area gears up to welcome the famous Transat race with a range of celebrations and events from 24 April to 2 May.

The Transat is a solo ocean yacht race that sets sail every four years from Plymouth and, this year, finishes around 3,000 nautical miles later in New York City. From 24 April, Plymouth will host a week of celebrations and events including the brand new Ocean City Rhythm, Blues and Jazz Festival as well as an air show and fireworks display, before The Transat Race sets off on Monday 2 May 2016.

Watch the start of the 2016 Transat from Plymouth in May

Plymouth’s waterfront Barbican area and harbour will turn into a bustling race village at the end of April and will host an exciting nine days of free entertainment. The boats will arrive in Plymouth on the morning of Sunday 24 April and will be moored at Plymouth Yacht Haven and Sutton Harbour Marina until they depart on Monday 2 May.

Visitors will have the chance to meet the skippers at The Transat race village, located on West Pier and Commercial Wharf, which will be open from Friday 29 April to Monday 2 May from 1000 to 1700 each day. One of the larger boats taking part in the race will also be moored by the wharf at the Barbican Landing Stage to offer people a closer view of the yacht.

Music enthusiasts can relax at one of the bars and restaurants on The Parade to enjoy the Ocean City Rhythm, Blues and Jazz Festival that will be taking place every afternoon from Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May (1400 to 2100 on 30 April, 1300 to 1800 on 1 May and 1200 to 1700 on 2 May).

On Saturday 30 April at 2115 and Sunday 1 May at 1400 there will be a fireworks and air display setting off from The Barbican to mark the final lead up to the main event. The Transat race will officially commence at 1430 on Monday 2 May and spectators can watch this dramatic event from Plymouth’s harbour. The harbour will also have a range of sailing themed stalls of clothing outlets and boutiques as well as organisations including the Ellen MacArthur Trust.