The Cornish Culture Club
12th April 2019
Whether you’re into music, food, literature, sailing or surfing, soak up some Cornish culture at some of the region’s finest festivals…
With an array of festivals to suit all types and tastes, Cornwall loves any excuse to celebrate its rich maritime, foodie and literary roots. Dance with your feet in the sand, learn to cook Cornish cuisine like the master chefs, and rub shoulders with the literati. Here are some of our favourite events in 2019.
Explore more things to do in Cornwall in spring for the whole family.
Visiting with a large group? Discover our large holiday homes perfect for big families or friend groups.
Porthleven Food Festival, Porthleven
26-28 April
Porthleven’s annual food festival kicks off the holiday season with a mighty three-day feast of food, music and entertainment beside the harbour. There’s something for everyone – from chef demos, food and beer matching, street food and family entertainment, to late-night live music rocking the Shipyard Stage.
Fowey Festival of Literature of Arts
10-18 May
The annual Fowey Festival was launched in honour of the region’s most famous author, Daphne du Maurier, and her legacy is still very much at the core of this celebration of words, art and music. As well as readings from some of the region’s finest authors, enjoy creative workshops, art and literature trails, secret gardens and live music from classical to jazz.
Fancy staying in Fowey? Have a look at our Fowey holiday properties.
Porthilly Spirit, Trefresa Farm
24-26 May
In its inaugural year, this intimate festival promises to be a feast for your senses, celebrating everything that is unique to Cornwall. Think wild cookery, outdoor adventures, artisan produce, seasonal feasting, music, workshops and wellbeing. And you don’t have to pitch a tent and brave the die-hard festival lifestyle – simply stay in a stylish Beach Retreat nearby.
Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge
6-8 June
Marking the onset of summer proper, Royal Cornwall showcases the country and farming lifestyle at the heart of the county. Here you can witness award-winning cattle, equestrian events and dancing tractors, alongside foodie bounty and the finest Cornish crafts.
Eden Sessions, St Austell
20 June – 3 July
With a backdrop to its world-famous biomes, The Eden Project has a reputation as one of the most unique live music venues in the county. This year the Stereophonics, Liam Gallagher, Kylie Minogue and The Chemical Brothers are amongst the headliners, and all tickets daytime entry to explore this tropical paradise.
Port Eliot Festival, St German’s
25-28 July
Chefs, literati and comedians come together with rock stars and DJ’s for a full-throttle party in a sprawling estate on the banks of the River Tamar. Cornwall’s quirkiest and most creative festival combines arts, music, adventures and food in a stunning venue where you can dine on local seafood by day and have a knees-up to Lily Allen by night.
Boardmasters, Watergate Bay and Fistral
7-11 August
This world-famous surf and music festival is one of the coolest dates in the Cornish festival calendar. By day international surf pros battle it out to be king of the waves, while in the evening big-name bands hit the stages overlooking Watergate Bay. With Florence + the Machine, Wu-Tang Clan and Rudimental amongst the names, this year promises to be the biggest party yet.
Falmouth week, Falmouth
9-18 August
You don’t have to like boats to make the most of this spectacular week that started out as a local sailing regatta in 1837. There’s plenty for landlubbers and maritime fans, as the whole town hits party-mode for a week of sailing competitions, street parades, family entertainment and live music.
Newquay Fish Festival, Newquay Harbour
13-15 September
Any trip to Newquay should include a seafood feast and trip to the historic harbour to see the fishermen landing fresh catch. If you’re here in September, celebrate the area’s fishing heritage and enjoy street bands, seafood cooking demos and, of course, plenty of fresh fish dishes to sample.
Padstow Christmas Festival, Padstow
5-8 December
Lit up by fairy lights on the edge of Padstow’s pretty harbour, Padstow’s Christmas Festival is a veritable Christmassy outing for the whole family. Not only can you get your hands on Cornwall’s finest artisan foodstuffs and witness chef demos from the region’s greats such as Stein, Outlaw and Ainsworth, you can blitz your Christmas shopping at stalls showcasing the handmade arts, textiles, toys and trinkets.
padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk
