There’s nothing the people of Cornwall like better than a good old fashioned festival. And we’re not talking about fairy wings and legal highs here – Cornish festivals are a riot of tradition, culture, music, dancing, food and drink, making them some of the most colourful events on the British summer calendar.
Think dancing horses, seaside shanties, surfers, singers, and more seafood than you ever thought you could eat.
Here are eight of the most brilliantly Cornish festivals that Cornwall has to offer.
Early summer
It’s an annual celebration of all things sea-related. For three days, the fishing town of Falmouth plays host to dozens of musicians across 21 venues – all completely free of charge. There is a Gala Concert on the final evening, with all proceeds going to the RNLI, so you are supporting a good cause while brushing up on your favourite sea shanties.
Mid-summer
It’s supposed to be a straight-up oyster festival, complete with oyster-shucking competitions and seafood cooking lessons. But over the years it has ballooned into something much more spectacular. Held on the grounds of the 17th century Dinham House, the Rock Oyster weekend features live music, circus acts, performing arts, and even a shopping bazaar.
Throughout the summer
Every year, the Eden Project invites a selection of top artists to perform on a tiny stage set against the backdrop of the Eden Project’s iconic Biomes domes. The natural acoustics of the venue mean that each gig feels amazingly intimate, and tickets typically sell out in record time as a result.
Early August
What’s it all about? Sun, sea, sand and surf…plus an always-impressive line-up of big name bands. By day, you can roam the beach with a cocktail, or learn how to surf in the world-famous Watergate Bay (one of the best surfing spots in the UK), and when the sun goes down, the music cranks up and the beach party vibe kicks in.
Late July
What’s it all about? A riot of creativity – it is a favourite with writers, artists, designers and bohemian types, who love to roam around the grounds of the old manor house (which boasts original paintings by the likes of Van Dyck and Reynolds) and the perfectly manicured gardens (which even have their own maze!). Each year, the Earl and Countess of St Germans open their home up to festival goers and performers with one rule – do what you like. The result is a magical combination of history and modernity.
September
A massive festival which takes over the seaside town of St Ives for two weeks every September. This year there are more than 300 events planned, covering everything from poetry and stories, to music and dancing, walks, talks, workshops, theatre and exhibitions. All set against the idyllic coastal scenery of beautiful St Ives.
September
A massive festival which takes over the seaside town of St Ives for two weeks every September. This year there are more than 300 events planned, covering everything from poetry and stories, to music and dancing, walks, talks, workshops, theatre and exhibitions. All set against the idyllic coastal scenery of beautiful St Ives.
May Day
An utterly barmy but deeply traditional festival which is held every May Day in the Cornish town of Padstow.
Two ‘obby ‘osses (‘hobby horses’, or at least, men dressed up as hobby horses) dance through the town, attempting to catch young maidens along the way. Masked ‘teasers’ keep the ‘osses moving, while the Mayers (or townspeople) sing the Morning Song, and dancers entertain the crowds. The procession ends at the town maypole, at which point the ‘osses meet and retreat to their ‘stables’ (pubs) until the following year.
Why, none other than the two rival ‘obby ‘osses themselves: The Blue Ribbon ‘Obby Oss and The Old ‘Obby Oss. You can’t miss them during the day, as they dance their way between the Padstow Institute and The Golden Lion pub.