Upcoming events at Crownhill Fort:
Thursday 8th May 2025 - 6pm to 10pm
Commemoration of VE Day
Join us at this event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. This hugely significant event in world history is being commemorated across the world and we are delighted to take part. The evening will begin at 6pm with refreshments, museums and displays. Timed activities will take place between 7pm and 9pm and the VE Day commemoration will round off the evening by 10pm. The late finish is to enable our commemorative beacons to be lit at the same time as hundreds of others across the world.
Confirmed so far:
- Food and drinks will be available from South Coast Coffee and their 1960s Citroen Van
- Walking tours of the rampart highlighting alterations made to the Fort in the 1940s
- Lighting of a commemorative beacon at 9.30pm
We are keen to hear from anybody who wishes to set up a static display at this event, including military vehicle owners and heritage institutions.
Admission costs £5 for adults, £3 for those aged 5-15 inclusive and is free for under 5s. Car parking costs £2.50 per vehicle. A limited number of tickets for this event are now on sale.
Thursday 12th June 2025 - 6pm to 8pm
Firing of the Moncrieff Disappearing Gun at Crownhill Fort
Crownhill Fort is home to the world's only operational Moncrieff Disappearing Gun. This striking example of Victorian military technology is fired once a year and you have the opportunity to witness the spectacle.
Ticket holders will assemble in the Guardroom for 6pm and the evening begins with a short lecture about the Palmerston Forts, the historical background that led to their construction and how they have been used since.
From here, the group will move to a museum display in a recreated barracks depicting life in the 1890s, explore part of the historic rampart that encircles the Parade Ground and view the exterior of the former Officers Quarters.
The evening concludes with an in-depth look at the Moncrieff Disappearing Gun. Its mechanisms will be demonstrated before the piece is loaded with a blank shell, raised in to its position above the parapet and fired. There will be opportunities for audience participation should you so wish.
Admission is by advance ticket only. Places are limited and the event is likely to be fully subscribed. Admission costs £5 per person and car parking, if required, costs £2.50 per vehicle. Under 5s do not require a ticket. Advance tickets are now on sale.
Provisional dates for future events
This is a provisional list of dates upon which ticket holders can gain admission to Crownhill Fort:
- Friday 18th July 12pm - grounds/museums open
- Thursday 14th August 4pm - grounds/museums open
- Thursday 4th September 6pm - firing of the Caponier Guns
- Saturday 27th September TBC - Plymouth History Festival event
- Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd October 6.30pm - Bat walks
- Date TBC, Crownhill Fort After Dark
Detail about these events will be posted here and on social media in due course. Follow us for news and updates.