The Hoe - Sunset (From Plymouth's Media Hub)Plymouth took centre stage this summer, when Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chose the city’s iconic Tinside Lido to mark 100 years of music legend with Phantom, the luxury brand’s pinnacle motor car. Recently, the Lido was carefully restored and reimagined as part of the UK’s first National Marine Park, with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Horizons Award, the UK Government’s Youth Investment Fund, Levelling Up Fund and Plymouth City Council.
The high-profile occasion - which combined British heritage, luxury craftsmanship and music legend - placed Plymouth firmly on the map as a destination of prestige and creativity, and a powerful magnet for future investment.
The special activation, which blended seaside glamour with rock ‘n’ roll mythology, paid tribute to Phantom’s enduring connection to the world of music and links to icons such as Keith Moon and John Lennon. Images and film from the event have been shared globally, showcasing Plymouth’s beauty, character and culture to millions of potential visitors and investors.
Speaking about the collaboration, Rhys Jones, Chief Executive of Plymouth Active Leisure, said: “It has been an honour to work with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Tinside Lido. This unique collaboration not only brought together two distinct British icons in a project that celebrates heritage, creativity, and the power of teamwork to create something truly unforgettable, but also demonstrated how Plymouth can host globally significant events while protecting its heritage and engaging the local community.
“Rolls-Royce were exceptional throughout.”
To enable the event, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Active Leisure closed Tinside Lido for the shoot – a rare decision underlining the project’s importance. Local swimmers were invited to take part, reflecting the city’s community spirit and its ability to deliver world-class experiences with a local touch.
Highlighting the significance for the city, Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is pure Plymouth magic. Rolls-Royce choosing Tinside Lido to celebrate Phantom’s centenary is a global recognition of what we have to offer. Like the Phantom, the Lido is a symbol of timeless style and British character, and it’s looking more stunning than ever. With its Art Deco beauty and history on screen and stage, Tinside is the perfect backdrop. These images will be seen across the globe. It’s a celebration of our culture, our history, our maritime soul…And it’s got all the flair and fun that makes Plymouth so special.”
Underlining the wider impact for the city, Amanda Lumley, CEO of Destination Plymouth, concluded: “We are incredibly proud and honoured by Rolls-Royce’s choice to host such a landmark celebration in Britain’s Ocean City. Events of this calibre not only reinforce our reputation as a city of style, culture and creativity, but also bring a significant boost to our local economy. From global media coverage to increased investment, tourism and brand interest, the impact of this moment will be felt for years to come.”
