Top Ten Festivals in Cornwall to Visit This Summer
There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of seeing one of your favourite bands, comedians or artists perform outdoors. With a backdrop of some of the most stunning scenery in the UK, summer festivals in Cornwall have become increasingly popular. From music to literature, poetry to food – we’ve rounded up the top ten summer festivals in Cornwall to enjoy this year.
falmouth Sea Shanty Festival: 14th – 16th June
Where: right on our doorstep!
Music has always been an important part of Cornish culture. The annual Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival provides a platform where that heritage comes alive. Get involved and watch free performances by dozens of groups across the world. Whilst raising money for the RNLI, it is the perfect way to soak up the true atmosphere of Falmouth’s seafaring past. The Working Boat is an official venue and with 16 performances over the three days including The Fisherman’s Friends. It is an unmissable event for festival goers in Cornwall.
Eden Sessions: 20th June – 3rd July
Where: 55 minutes from The Greenbank
Don’t miss the chance to see world-class bands and artists perform in front of the beautiful Eden Project’s biomes. Amazing acoustics are created by their natural amphitheatre. This year sees the venue host it’s 100th session, and to mark the occasion, Nile Rogers & Chic will be performing. Other acts playing this summer include Stereophonics, Liam Gallagher, The Chemical Brothers, Snow Patrol and Kylie Minogue.
Tropical Pressure Festival: 12th – 14th July
Where: 30 minutes from The Greenbank
Food, dance and culture are top of the agenda at Porthtowan’s Tropical Pressure Festival. This exciting and inspiring festival will feature top quality live acts from Colombia, Brazil, Kenya, Cuba, Jamaica and the UK. Serving all vegetarian food at the World Food Market, you can enjoy cuisines from all over the globe. Stay hydrated and head over to the tea tent or cocktail courtyard for drinks. After dark, the venue morphs into a sparkly wonderland, with an enchanted dancefloor and tropical silent disco among other vibrant events. Think neon colours and busy prints for this fun-filled festival.
Port Eliot Festival: 25th – 28th July
Where: 1 hour and 20 minutes from The Greenbank
Deemed by The Times as “one of the most successful arts festivals in the country”, Port Eliot Festival is a combination of art, food, literature and live music. Held in the grounds of the ancient Port Eliot estate, there are so many workshops and talks aimed towards a variety of ages. Not to mention the most scrumptious food and drink, outdoor adventures, wild swimming and a raucous ‘after hours’ party scene. Festivals in Cornwall don’t get much better than this.
St Endellion Summer Music Festival: 30th July – 9th August
Where: 1 hour and 15 minutes from The Greenbank
This festival began when musical priest, Roger Gaunt, invited a group of college friends down to help him renovate St Endellion’s derelict rectory. Over the years the festival grew from friends putting on small scale fundraising concerts to include an orchestra and a chorus. This internationally famous festival is perfect for classical music lovers and provides symphony orchestras and a chorus of 75. Enjoy opera, choral, orchestral, chamber and recital concerts in the inspiring and intimate atmosphere.
Boardmasters Festival: 7th – 11th August
Where: 50 minutes from The Greenbank
A surf, skate and music festival combined, situated across Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay. Boardmasters features the best in action sports including surfing and skating. Music plays across eight stages with panoramic sea views. This year’s line up includes Florence and The Machine, Wu-Tang Clan, The Wombats, Jorja Smith, Razorlight and Dizzee Rascal, to name just a few.
Falmouth Week: 9th – 18th August
Where: right on our doorstep!
Falmouth Week is the highlight of the town’s annual events calendar. A major attraction for locals and visitors alike, it dates back to at least 1837 as a local sailing regatta. A major sailing competition in the South West, it is also an opportunity for sailors to enjoy the festivities in the town. Expect to see a varied programme of live music, markets, workshops, fireworks and themed nights in the big tent at Falmouth’s event square.
The Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival: 13th – 15th September
Where: 30 minutes from The Greenbank
This is the seventh year of the festival hosted at Healey’s Cyder Farm in Penhallow. The three day event fuses live music, secret cider walks, glamping in hobbit huts, a silent disco and tractor rides. This festival has quickly become one of the most quirky and magical experiences to attend this year. With headline acts from The Zutons, Mad Dog Mcrea and the Wurzels, this is a festival you won’t want to miss.
ST IVES SEPTEMBER FESTIVAL: 14TH – 28TH SEPTEMBER
Where: 50 minutes from The Greenbank
The St Ives September Festival of Music and the Arts began in a back kitchen in Teetotal Street, St Ives, in September 1977. It was designed to encourage visitors to the picturesque seaside town outside of peak tourist times. Over the two weeks, St Ives embraces all things art and music, with live performances, walks, arts and crafts workshops, talks, poetry and more.
HENRY’S LITTLE BIG GIG: 20TH – 21ST SEPTEMBER
Where: 40 minutes from The Greenbank
Hosted at Henry’s Campsite, Caerthillian Farm, on the breathtaking Lizard peninsula. A family friendly festival over two days where you can enjoy music, food and fun. This year there will be a fancy dress hour and a new children’s tent. The perfect weekend festival to take the whole family to the see the most southerly point in the UK.
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