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By Natasha Harding
Whether you’re a cider drinker, crafter, love to dance or listen to live music, Cornwall is home to many festivals every year – with some of them dating back hundreds of years. This year, locals and visitors to the county will be spoilt for choice as there is a wonderful mix of traditional celebrations as well as modern day gatherings.
Here, Natasha Harding chooses some of the best Cornish events not to be missed.
Where? Helston
When? 8th May
Cost: Free
Flora Day is an ancient festival that is held in the charming market town of Helston and celebrates the end of winter. From 7am, when the big bass drum strikes, the festivities begin. Couples dance their way through the town, entering selected houses and shops to drive out the darkness of winter and bring in the light of spring. At 8.30am, the Hal an Tow performers tell the history of Helston before the children’s dance all in white at 9.50am. There are two more dances, at 12.00 noon and then 5pm. The spectacle attracts people from all over the world and the midday dance is probably the most crowd pleasing with the men wearing top hats and tails and the women in beautiful dresses.
Where? Falmouth
When? 14 – 16 June 2024
Cost: Admittance is free, but ticket costs apply for the performances
Falmouth is proud of its sea faring heritage and the largest free nautical music and song festival is one of the town’s yearly highlights. It has got bigger and better since it first began in 2003. This year there will be performances from over 70 groups over the three days. Bryher’s Boys, Fisherman’s Friends, Barrett’s Privateers, Femmes De La Mer and Suitcase Singers are some of the artists that will be appearing – with groups coming from across the globe to appear. As well as non-stop parades, music and pop-up bars, there will be an arts and craft market with some of the town’s local traders offering their wares.
Where? Dinham House Estate, St Minver, Wadebridge, PL27 6RH
When? 25 – 28 July 2024
Cost: Adult day tickets from £64.50
Marketed as a ‘voyage of culinary discovery and musical mischief’, the festival looks set to be an action packed weekend, no matter what you’re into. Music fans will be delighted with over 20 live acts appearing. Highlights include The Human League, Sugababes and Arrested Development. Meanwhile foodies won’t be left wanting due to the cooking demonstrations that are taking place all weekend. The Masterclass Tipi is apparently the place to go if you want to meet your favourite chefs including Nathan Outlaw and Matt Tebbutt. And if it’s pampering and relaxation you’re after, you can book a facial, a hot tub and sauna session or even try a yoga class.
Where? Watergate Bay Hotel, On the Beach, Watergate Bay, TR8 4AA
When? 15 – 16 June 2024
Cost: Free
Cornwall is known as being a creative county and this fairly new event has been designed to cultivate a love of all things crafty. Two days of family fun are on offer with the return of Arts on The Beach being held at the beautiful shoreline at Watergate Bay. As well as a 10am beach clean, there will be a roaming theatre, entertainment from dance troupes and aerial performances, a silent disco and appearances from Eko – a 13 metre tall giant puppet. Over the weekend, children can participate in craft workshops, have the opportunity to help create a community lantern, and try an upcycling workshop. There’s even a chill out tent for those who might need a five minute break. The play zone will have areas for stories, hula hooping and learning traditional skills including wood whittling. If last year’s reviews are anything to go by, it promises to be a superb weekend.
Where? Healey’s Cyder Farm, Penhallow, TR4 9LW
When? 13 – 15 September 2024
Cost: From £75
Nothing screams Cornwall more than a cold drink of cider while listening to your favourite tunes – in an orchard. Now in its 11th year, the Cider & Music Festival at Healey’s Cyder Farm looks as though it’s going to be better than ever. As well as sets from Echo Town, Joanna Cook, Bailey Tomlinson and Chesney Hawkes there is so much more going on. If dancing is your thing, you’ll enjoy the annual barn dance and silent discos. The Rattler Olympics will be great for those competitive visitors and includes welly wanging, apple bobbing – and the barrel push. For the less energetic, you might prefer to check into the Zen Den or the Water and Stone Wild Spa.
Where? The Great Estate, Scorrier House, Scorrier, Redruth, TR16 5AW
When? 31 May – 2nd June 2024
Cost: From £45
Created as the most ‘rambunctious garden fete’, The Great Estate festival has become one of the county’s most anticipated events. For three days, the grounds will be transformed into a magical wonderland where human flamingos roam wild, Vikings battle, lanterns light up the sky and grounds, and drag queens take centre stage – and that’s just for starters. Soul II Soul, The Stranglers and The Darkness are just some of the acts putting in an appearance. Circus skill workshops, Madame Wong’s Drag Race, The Great Lantern Parade, Burlesque, Victorian Sports Day and Comedy Hour, are just some of the happenings. You can also book additional experiences – blacksmithing session anyone?
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Categories: Cornwall Events
