Discover Top Cornwall Events: Festivals, Seafood, and Family Fun for 2023

Cornwall, with its stunning coastline and rich cultural heritage, offers a plethora of events that cater to every interest. From vibrant festivals celebrating local art and music to historical reenactments that transport us back in time, there’s always something happening in this picturesque corner of the UK.

Whether we’re foodies eager to indulge in fresh seafood at a coastal fair or adventure seekers looking to participate in thrilling outdoor activities, Cornwall’s event calendar never disappoints. Let’s explore the diverse range of events that make Cornwall a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Key Takeaways

• Cornwall offers a diverse range of events catering to all interests, from vibrant festivals celebrating art, music, and food to historical reenactments and outdoor activities.
• Annual festivals such as the St Ives September Festival, Falmouth Oyster Festival, and Padstow Christmas Festival highlight Cornwall’s rich cultural and maritime heritage.
• Seasonal events capture the essence of Cornwall’s landscape and community spirit, including summer surf competitions, winter lights celebrations, and springtime traditions like Helston Flora Day.
• Cultural highlights such as theatre performances, art exhibitions, and family-friendly activities enhance Cornwall’s appeal as a year-round destination.
• Hidden gems, including Boscastle Walking Week and St. Endellion Music Festivals, offer intimate and authentic experiences away from mainstream tourist paths.

Upcoming Cornwall Events

St Ives September Festival

Running from 9–23 September, the St Ives September Festival offers a diverse programme of arts and music. Visitors can enjoy live performances from local bands, art exhibitions, and workshops. Every year, the festival attracts thousands and serves as a platform for emerging artists.

Falmouth Oyster Festival

Scheduled for 12–15 October, the Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates Cornwall’s maritime heritage and seafood. Attendees can indulge in freshly shucked oysters, local ales, and culinary demonstrations by top chefs. The event also features live music, a town parade, and children’s activities.

Padstow Christmas Festival

From 1–4 December, the Padstow Christmas Festival transforms this picturesque harbour town into a festive wonderland. Highlights include a spectacular fireworks display, a Santa fun run, and a bustling Christmas market. Renowned chefs Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth often conduct live cooking demonstrations, drawing food enthusiasts from across the country.

Tate St Ives Exhibition

The Tate St Ives hosts an ongoing exhibition from 15 November–26 February featuring contemporary works and historical pieces. This event provides an opportunity to explore Cornwall’s artistic heritage in a renowned gallery setting. Special guided tours and talks enhance the visitor experience.

Newquay Boardmasters Festival

Taking place from 9–13 August, the Newquay Boardmasters Festival merges music and surfing. Renowned artists perform on clifftop stages while surf competitions take place at Fistral Beach. Attendees can also enjoy yoga sessions, skateboarding, and local food stalls.

Helston Flora Day

Helston Flora Day is set for 8 May, celebrating the arrival of spring with ancient customs. The day features the famous Furry Dance, where participants, dressed in white, dance through the streets. Other attractions include live music, food stalls, and craft fairs.

Cornwall Film Festival

The Cornwall Film Festival, occurring from 14–18 November, showcases UK and international films. Independent filmmakers present their works, followed by Q&A sessions. Workshops and panel discussions provide insights into the film industry, making it a must-visit for cinema enthusiasts.

Porthleven Food Festival

From 21–23 April, the Porthleven Food Festival welcomes visitors to savour local cuisine. The event features cookery demonstrations, food stalls, and live music. Known for its friendly atmosphere, the festival is ideal for food lovers looking to experience Cornish culinary delights.

Royal Cornwall Show

From 8–10 June, the Royal Cornwall Show in Wadebridge celebrates agriculture and rural life. The event includes livestock competitions, equestrian displays, and local produce exhibitions. Families enjoy the fairground, craft stalls, and various entertainment acts, making it a staple in Cornwall’s event calendar.

Annual Festivals

Cornwall offers a variety of annual festivals celebrating its rich culture and coastal beauty. These events attract visitors and locals alike, providing unique experiences throughout the year.

St Ives September Festival

The St Ives September Festival, held from 9–23 September, showcases a blend of arts and music, enriching the town’s cultural landscape. Visitors can enjoy live performances, art exhibitions, and workshops. This event nurtures creativity, attracting artists and music enthusiasts eager to explore new talents and genres.

Cornwall Folk Festival

The Cornwall Folk Festival celebrates traditional and contemporary folk music every August in Wadebridge. With performances from local and international artists, this festival immerses attendees in the folk culture. Acoustic sessions and workshops provide opportunities for all ages to engage with the music and learn from seasoned musicians, enhancing the communal atmosphere.

Falmouth Oyster Festival

The Falmouth Oyster Festival, celebrated from 12–15 October, honours the town’s maritime heritage. The event features cooking demonstrations, seafood tastings, and local produce markets. Attendees can participate in oyster shucking competitions and enjoy live music. This festival emphasises Cornwall’s connection to the sea and its culinary traditions, delighting food enthusiasts and families alike.

Seasonal Events

Cornwall’s seasonal events capture the essence of its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, offering unique experiences throughout the year.

Summer Surf Competitions

Summer in Cornwall is synonymous with surf competitions, attracting pro surfers and enthusiasts alike. The Boardmasters Festival in Newquay, which runs from 9–13 August, combines world-class surfing with live music, making it a must-visit event. Competitions, such as the UK Pro Surf Tour and the Rip Curl GromSearch, showcase talent in several locations, including Fistral Beach and Perranporth.

Winter Lights Celebrations

Winter brings magical light displays to Cornwall, transforming towns into festive wonderlands. The Mousehole Christmas Lights, from 17 December to 6 January, illuminate the harbour with intricate designs. The Montol Festival in Penzance, held on 21 December, celebrates winter solstice with fire performances and music. Additionally, Truro’s City of Lights, featuring large lanterns and parades, begins in November, drawing visitors to this charming city.

Cultural Highlights

Theatre Performances

Cornwall boasts a vibrant theatre scene with local and national productions. The Minack Theatre, an iconic open-air venue in Porthcurno, stages a variety of performances including Shakespearean dramas and contemporary plays against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Each summer, the Sterts Theatre in Upton Cross presents a diverse repertoire ranging from musicals to children’s theatre, attracting audiences with its unique amphitheatre setting. The Hall for Cornwall in Truro also offers a year-round programme featuring touring West End shows, ballets, and pantomimes, providing cultural enrichment for all ages.

Art Exhibitions

Cornwall’s art exhibitions reflect its rich artistic heritage. The Tate St Ives, perched above Porthmeor Beach, showcases modern and contemporary art, highlighting local artists like Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson. The Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange in Penzance exhibit contemporary visual arts, fostering connections between artists and the community. Meanwhile, the Penlee House Gallery & Museum in Penzance focuses on the Newlyn School of Art, featuring works by influential figures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Throughout the year, smaller galleries in towns like Falmouth and St Ives also host exhibitions, offering an intimate look at Cornwall’s thriving art scene.

Family-Friendly Activities

Cornwall offers a wealth of activities designed for families, ensuring all ages have a memorable experience. From theme parks to nature trails, the region presents diverse options.

Theme Parks and Adventure Parks

Cornwall boasts several theme and adventure parks that cater to families. Some popular destinations include:

1. Flambards – Located in Helston, it features thrill rides, an indoor play area, and an immersive Victorian Village.
2. Camel Creek Adventure Park – Near Wadebridge, offering attractions like roller coasters, animal encounters, and water slides.
3. Paradise Park – A wildlife sanctuary in Hayle, home to exotic birds, a farm area, and an indoor play space.

Coastal Activities

With its extensive coastline, Cornwall provides numerous family-friendly beach activities:

1. Rockpooling – Explore marine life on beaches such as Gyllyngvase and Treyarnon Bay.
2. Surfing Lessons – Newquay and Polzeath are popular spots with surf schools catering to beginners.
3. Boat Trips – Enjoy wildlife spotting and scenic views on boat trips from towns like Falmouth and Padstow.

Historical Sites and Museums

Educational and entertaining, Cornwall’s historical sites and museums are great for family outings:

1. Pendennis Castle – In Falmouth, offering interactive exhibits and reenactments.
2. National Maritime Museum – Falmouth-based, with hands-on exhibits about Cornwall’s seafaring history.
3. The Eden Project – Near St Austell, famous for its biomes housing diverse plant species and seasonal events for kids.

Outdoor Activities

Family-friendly outdoor activities abound in Cornwall:

1. South West Coast Path – Offers manageable walks with stunning views, such as the segment from Lizard Point to Kynance Cove.
2. Trebah Garden – A sub-tropical garden with trails leading to its private beach.
3. Tamar Trails Centre – Features walkable trails, cycle paths, and tree-top adventures suitable for all ages.

Seasonal Activities

Throughout the year, families can join seasonal activities:

1. Summer Beach Games – Organised on beaches like Perranporth and Sennen Cove, including sandcastle competitions and volleyball.
2. Autumn Festivals – Attend events such as the Newquay Fish Festival, which often includes activities for children.
3. Winter Illuminations – Visit light displays and festive activities at places like the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Mousehole Harbour.

Arts and Crafts Workshops

Creative workshops engage children and adults alike:

1. St Ives School of Painting – Hosts family-friendly art workshops.
2. Cornwall ScrapStore – Offers craft sessions using recycled materials.
3. The Clay Factory – In Rame, provides pottery workshops for all ages.

These activities ensure families can fully enjoy the rich culture, natural beauty, and diverse attractions Cornwall has to offer.

Hidden Gems

Cornwall’s well-known events often overshadow countless local treasures, hidden from the mainstream. These hidden gems offer intimate and authentic experiences for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist paths.

Boscastle Walking Week

Boscastle Walking Week, held annually in April, is perfect for avid walkers. The event showcases Cornwall’s scenic beauty with guided walks covering varied terrains. Small group sizes ensure an engaging experience, exploring both coastal and inland routes.

The Man Engine

The Man Engine, a colossal mechanical puppet, embarks on periodic tours through Cornwall’s mining heritage sites. This moving spectacle celebrates Cornwall’s industrial past, highlighting the craftsmanship and engineering prowess of the local community.

St. Endellion Music Festivals

St. Endellion hosts two music festivals annually, in Easter and August. These festivals offer classical music lovers a unique chance to enjoy performances in the charming St. Endellion Church. The intimate setting fosters a close connection between musicians and audiences.

Trevithick Day

Camborne’s Trevithick Day, held on the last Saturday in April, honours the local inventor Richard Trevithick. The event features steam engines, vintage vehicles, and craft stalls, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of the industrial era.

Lafrowda Festival

St. Just’s Lafrowda Festival, occurring in July, celebrates community and arts. The festival includes parades, live performances, and creative workshops, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for locals and visitors alike.

Lowender Peran

Lowender Peran, a five-day festival, takes place each October in Perranporth. It celebrates Celtic culture with music, dance, and storytelling. The events are deeply rooted in Cornish traditions, offering an authentic cultural immersion.

Cornish Pilot Gigs

The Cornish Pilot Gig racing season, running from April to September, features traditional rowing competitions along the coast. Watching these races provides insight into Cornwall’s maritime heritage and community spirit.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Held in Fowey annually in May, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a themed event inspired by “Alice in Wonderland.” Guests of all ages can enjoy whimsical decorations, costume contests, and interactive performances, making for an enchanting experience.

Port Eliot Festival

The Port Eliot Festival, occurring in late July, blends literature, music, and visual arts in a unique setting. Held on the historic Port Eliot estate, this festival offers eclectic programming and intimate interactions with artists and speakers.

Mousehole Sea Salts and Sail Festival

This biennial event in July celebrates Mousehole’s maritime history. Traditional boats, sea shanties, and craft stalls create an authentic nautical experience for attendees, evoking the village’s rich seafaring past.

Conclusion

Cornwall’s events calendar is truly a testament to its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a local or a visitor there’s always something exciting to experience. From the lively festivals and rich artistic heritage to the family-friendly activities and hidden gems Cornwall offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

We encourage everyone to immerse themselves in the diverse events and activities that Cornwall has to offer. Each event provides a unique opportunity to connect with the local community and create lasting memories. So why not make your next trip to Cornwall an unforgettable adventure filled with culture, history, and natural beauty?