What’s on in Cornwall? You’re better off asking what’s not on! From family-friendly festivals to community celebrations, boat races and feast weeks, Cornwall has plenty to offer as the summer season gets under way.
Fal River Festival, Falmouth
Monday 30 May – Sunday 5 June
Every year locals and visitors celebrate life around the Fal River with a week of music, comedy, food, sport, entertainment and community events. Festivities kick off with ‘Jazz on the Quay’ in St Mawes, a street food market in Falmouth and canoeing and ‘stand up paddling’ on the river itself.
Charles Causley Festival, Launceston
Friday 3 – Sunday 5 June 2016
Cornish poet Charles Causley is celebrated in this family-friendly festival of arts, which includes performances, talks, films, workshops, walks and exhibitions. Children will love the ‘Lego with Causley’ event, where they can create lego scenes and models while listening to readings of Causley’s poems.
Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge
Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 June 2016
When it comes to what’s on in Cornwall, this event has it all: sheep dog displays, show jumping, demonstrations from the RAF Falcons and Atkinson Action Horses… and that’s just in the main arena! Elsewhere on site there’s a steam fair, flower show, arts and craft market, dance festival and plenty more.
Saltash Regatta and Waterside Festival, Saltash
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 June 2016
With gig racing, sailing, canoeing and even a bit of swimming, this not-for-profit event is a real celebration of water sports. Visitors can also enjoy live music, street entertainment and children’s rides, not to mention browsing the many stalls selling crafts and local food and drink.
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, Falmouth
Friday 17 – Sunday 19 June 2016
Celebrate the heritage of maritime music with this series of free events around Falmouth, featuring the likes of Fisherman’s Friends, Femmes de la Mer and The Barnacle Boys. Don’t miss the special one-off Gala Concert at the Princess Pavilion – profits from the £10-a-head tickets go to support the RNLI.
Falmouth Classics Regatta, Falmouth
Friday 17 – Sunday 19 June 2016
If you like boats, you definitely don’t want to miss this three day rally of classic sailing crafts and traditional vessels, which includes several races and a grand parade. Watch from a number of key venues including Falmouth Docks, Gyllyngvase Beach, Pendennis Point and St Mawes Castle.
Murdoch Day, Redruth
Saturday 18 June
18th century inventor William Murdoch is one of Redruth’s most famous citizens. His life and work is celebrated every year on Murdoch Day, which includes children’s dance and art processions, live music and entertainment, a street market, exhibitions and an Old Tyme Fair.
St Austell Feast Week, St Austell
Saturday 18 – Saturday 25 June 2016
Resurrected and recreated for a new generation in 2013, this historic week of festivities is based on the ‘feasten customs’ made popular during Victoria times. There will be historic exhibitions and talks, music and entertainment, and a walk of the Heart of St Austell Trail, which takes in 18 of the town’s most significant old buildings.
St Merryn Steam and Vintage Rally, St Merryn
Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 June 2016
There aren’t many places you can see dancing diggers and Cornish wrestling, so make sure you don’t miss the annual St Merryn Steam and Vintage Rally this summer. The weekend’s attractions also include vintage exhibits, trade stands, a car boot sale and musical performances.
We’re always interested in hearing about what’s on in Cornwall, so if you’re organising an event, let us know.
If you’d like to go to any of these events and need a place to stay, check out our great range of holidays in Cornwall.