Guests got dressed up to down champagne and listen to a world famous pianist as Dartmouth Mayflower 400 was launched.

The official launch of Dartmouth Mayflower 400 celebrations at the Britannia Royal Naval College last month began with a champagne reception.

More than 200 people were entertained by the acclaimed pianist Ji Liu who delighted his audience with pieces by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Liszt and also by lesser-known composers such as Rzweski, with some Gershwin thrown into the mix.

Following the performance Ji Liu received a standing ovation from his appreciative audience. “I had such a great time performing at the college and I am hugely grateful to you for having invited me to this gorgeous event,” he said.

Charles Hackett, CEO of the National Mayflower 400 Partnership, opened the evening with a speech in which he explained the importance and breadth of the commemoration, which will take place in twelve destinations in the UK, USA and The Netherlands in 2020.

He also talked about Dartmouth’s role in the organisation, and how the Mayflower Trail will link all of these destinations with each telling their unique part in the story.

Adrian Vinken, Chairman of the National Mayflower 400 Partnership, gave the closing speech. He emphasised the themes and ethos of the commemoration, and why it is important to recognise the historic voyage.

He talked about the signing of the Mayflower Compact, which had its roots in Magna Carta, saying that the Compact eventually formed the basis of the American Constitution that exists today, and it is these shared values that link our countries, and sets them apart from others in the world.

Guests left with an attractive brochure, outlining Dartmouth Mayflower’s ambitious plans for the commemoration in 2020 – a mixture of legacy projects and lavish events that will benefit the community for years to come.

For more information on Dartmouth Mayflower 400 visit www.dartmouthmayflower400.uk