Cornwall has a jam-packed calendar of events throughout the year, from traditional celebrations and foodie festivals, to craft fairs and agricultural shows - there’s plenty to see, do and experience. Take a look at just a few of our favourites:
Flora Day - 7th May
In the Cornish market town of Helston, the tradition of Flora Day has been celebrated for hundreds of years. The town is decorated with beautiful spring flowers and over eighty couples and hundreds of local school children dance through the streets to the iconic ‘Hal an Tow’ beat, performed by the town band.
Open studios
Now in its 12th year, Open Studios is a celebration of Cornwall’s creative sector. From the 28th May to the 5th June artists and crafts people will be throwing open their studio doors to members of the public to explore their crafts and creations. The event takes place throughout the Cornish peninsular - from Liskeard to Lands End you’ll find painters, photographers jewellers and much more.
Port Eliot Festival
This festival is unlike any other, a magical weekend that celebrates words, music, imagination, food, fashion and fun – and all set in the stunning surroundings of the Port Eliot Estate. With performances, talks and demonstrations from the likes of Noel Fielding and Kernow King to Nathan Outlaw and Satish Kumar - there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this varied, four-day event.
The Man Engine
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site award, a giant steam-powered ‘Man Engine’ puppet will be striding the length of the county this summer. Standing at 40ft tall, made from cast-iron and controlled by miners and bal-maidens in traditional dress - it will travel from Tavistock to Geevor Mine in West Cornwall, visiting various World Heritage Sites throughout the county.
Lusty Glaze Sundower Sessions
The horseshoe shaped cove at Lusty Glaze is the ultimate natural amphitheatre and this summer it will play host to Guy Garvey and Newton Faulkner. There’s nothing quite like settling down on the sand and watching the sunset whilst listening to the sound of some of the country’s best artists.
Eden Sessions
The giant biomes at the Eden Project are one of the most atmospheric places to experience live music. Located in a disused quarry, the orb like structures are lit up and the surrounding grounds are alive with the sound of music! Famous names gracing the stage this year include Lionel Richie, Tom Jones and Jess Glynn.
Porthleven Food Festival - 15th – 17th April
Returning for its seventh year, the Porthleven Food Festival is one Cornwall’s top foodie events. Discover fantastic chef demonstrations from the likes of Anthony Worral Thompson, Jack Stein and Nicky Grant – alongside fantastic foodie stalls showcasing the best of Cornish produce. There’s a jam-packed line up of local musicians and entertainers - alongside the ultimate culinary challenge, ‘The Great Cornish Bake Off’!
Royal Cornwall Show
The Royal Cornwall Show is so much more than an Agricultural celebration. Expect a fantastic mix of livestock judging, dog shows and arts and crafts stalls – alongside a spectacular showcase of Cornish food and drink.
Falmouth Oyster Festival
Photo courtesy of the Falmouth Oyster Festival and Perfect Events Group
The Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates the start of the oyster-dredging season – now in its 20th year. Discover impressive cookery demonstrations from the county’s top chefs - plus an amazing range of Cornish produce (including ales, wines and spirits) to sample. The varied programme also includes live music, a lively town parade, oyster shucking competition and the Falmouth Working Boat race.