Events so good you’ll want to plan your holiday around them…
By Pentewan Sands on the February 07th, 2018 in
Events so good you’ll want to plan your holiday around them...
Action-packed, deliciously tasty, wildly raucous and downright hilarious – whatever takes your fancy, Cornwall’s jam-packed events calendar has got it covered.
Come join the party…
20th – 22nd April
Porthleven Food Festival
A three-day food, drink and music fest in the little harbour town of Porthleven. Fill your shopping bags with Cornish food, your heart with culture and your head with inspiration. Marquees on the quayside will be packed full of tasty treats, live music and cookery demonstrations. There’s also a literary tent and a family field to keep the little ones entertained - you might even spot the odd celebrity chef around too…
1st May
Padstow May Day
Join the throng of people crammed into the idyllic streets around Padstow harbour to see two ‘osses’ – one red and the other blue – swirl and dance around the fishing town to the taunt of a Teazer. Get caught up the vibrant atmosphere and be part of Padstow’s most coveted day of the year.
8th May
Helston Flora Day
Say goodbye to darkness and hello to light by joining the townsfolk of Helston for this annual spring festival. When the big bass drum strikes the first beat of music at seven in the morning some eighty couples weave through the town in a rousing display of dance and tradition. Family dance, music and laughter from dawn till dusk.
7th – 9th June
Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge
Kids and grown up’s absolutely love this anything-goes agricultural festival. It’s got animals aplenty, enough food and drink to make you giddy and the most eclectic mix of local music and live entertainment. The Royal Cornwall Show sums up the breadth and sheer exuberance of Cornwall’s farming scene and throws in a lot more besides.
14th – 15th June
Golden Globe Race
Set sail to Falmouth to see it play homage to maritime history when it hails the start of the Golden Globe Race to Les Sables d’Olonne in France. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s historic 1968/9 world first solo non-stop circumnavigation in the original Golden Globe Yacht Race, this event will be as epic off the water as it is on.
24th – 30th June
Mevagissey Feast Week
Roll up, roll up, Mevagissey is the place to be in the last week of June. As one of the oldest events in Cornwall, it is rooted in tradition but has lashings of contemporary flair to keep the whole family entertained. There’s crabbing on the quay, colourful parades, boat and raft races, a fete, a huge fireworks display and LOADS more. Phew, it’s a busy week and best of all, it’s right on our doorstep!
21st – 27th July
Charlestown Regatta Week
Charlestown’s magnificent Georgian harbour provides an impressive backdrop for this annual regatta. It’s family fun at its best with live music, competitions, pasty demos, raft races, water sports and classic favourites such as the grand carnival and flora dance procession.
8th – 12th August
Boardmasters Surf, Skate and Music Festival, Newquay and Watergate Bay
We didn’t think this legendary festival could get any better but with George Erza and Craig David on the line-up, 2018 looks set to be one of the best yet. Away from the music stages and there’s plenty of surf and skate action, as well as rides, food stalls and barrel-loads more.
10th – 19th August
Falmouth Week
Born from a traditional sailing regatta, Falmouth Week has grown to become ten full days of fun both on and off the water. Yachts race across the famous sailing waters while party nights, markets and family entertainment get the town buzzing. Oh, and then there’s spectacular fireworks and a display from the awe-inspiring Red Arrows. Falmouth certainly knows how to put on an event!
19th – 25th August
Fowey Regatta Week
Cornwall really does spoil us with regattas and Fowey’s edition is up there with the best. The famous Red Arrows turn the sky over the scenic harbour into their play thing, while carnivals and fireworks flood the town with colour. Kids love the raft races and live music, and of course there’s always the sailing action on the water to keep you entertained.
27th August
Newlyn Fish Festival
Where better to spend August Bank Holiday then in Britain’s premier fishing port eating, cooking and learning about Cornish seafood. Grab your spot on Newlyn harbour for cookery demos, children’s entertainment and good old Cornish fishing charm.
Early September
World Bellyboard Championships
Leave your wetsuits, bellyboard leashes and swim fins at home, all you need for these retro-inspired championships is a bit of wood and a gloriously vintage swimming costume. Everyone from the young to the young at heart can be found on the shoreline ready to showcase their thing while curious onlookers line the clifftops. Fabulously unique!
8th – 22nd September
St Ives September Festival
St Ives is well worth a visit at any time of the year but it really shows its colours for two weeks in September when it plays host to a festival of all things arty. There’s live theatre, stand up comedy, art exhibitions, drop in painting classes, walking tours, rousing male choirs and so much more.
7th – 9th September
Newquay Fish Festival
Shining the spotlight on Newquay’s fishing industry, Newquay Fish Festival, is a yummy celebration of life by the sea. It’s a chance to try Cornish seafood washed down with entertainment and shed loads of family fun.
11th – 14th October
Falmouth Oyster Festival
Another foodie great of the fishy variety is the Falmouth Oyster Festival. Timed to coincide with the start of the oyster harvesting season, it brings together cookery demos, craft stalls, fantastic music and children's activities. Stop by the oyster bar to try a local delicacy, it’s a true Cornish must do!
Get the full line-up at visitcornwall.com/whats-on