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Here, local writer Natasha Harding and Cornish Secrets chooses some of the best Cornish events not to be missed.
Where? The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Near St Austell
When? 28 February 2026
Cost: Free to attend (competition entries vary)
Heading into St Piran’s Day week, Cornwall will crown its ultimate pasty makers at the inaugural Global Pasty Championships at The Lost Gardens of Heligan — the spiritual home of the Cornish pasty. Just outside of Mevagissey, bakers of all stripes, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic home crimpers (and even juniors with a helping hand), will compete across traditional and creative categories to be crowned the best in the world. Alongside the main competition there’s speed‑crimping, pasty‑making workshops, live entertainment and plenty of Cornish food and drink celebrating this iconic hand‑crimped favourite. A proper foodie highlight that’s sure to draw crowds and crust connoisseurs alike.
Where? Porthminster Beach, St Ives
When? 15-17 May 2026
Cost: Free
A date for your Cornish culinary calendar has to be St Ives Food & Drink Festival, the UK’s only food festival on the beach happens here in St Ives. Taking place from 15-17 May on St Ives’ Porthminster Beach, 2026 promises a refreshed programme of celebrations for the three-day festival which brings together some of the biggest names in the culinary world. The 2026 festival is set to also introduce much more music with its sunset sessions, and plenty of new additions designed to keep bellies full and the whole family entertained.
The Great Estate
Where? Scorrier House, Scorrier, Redruth
When? 29–31 May 2026
Cost: From £45
Dubbed Cornwall’s most rambunctious garden fête, The Great Estate returns to the enchanting grounds of Scorrier House for a weekend of eccentric entertainment and eclectic music. Think woodland discos, Victorian sports day, flamboyant drag shows, vintage fairgrounds and secret gin gardens — all wrapped up with a fabulously quirky bow. Alongside the mayhem, there’s a killer music line-up across multiple stages, circus skills, kids’ activities and even blacksmithing sessions if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s wholly Cornish. Whether you’re dancing under the stars or lounging on the lawns, this is one magical weekend not to miss.
Obby Oss ©shutterstock_Scorsby
Where? Padstow, North Cornwall
When? 1 May 2026
Cost: Free
One of Cornwall’s oldest and most beloved folk traditions, the Padstow Obby Oss returns on May Day to herald the arrival of spring with colour, music and dance. Every year on 1 May (or 2 May if the 1st falls on a Sunday), Padstow’s narrow streets and harbour burst into life as two rival hobby-horse figures — the Old Oss and the Blue Ribbon Oss — lead lively processions through town, accompanied by accordions, drums and singers performing the traditional May Song. Locals and visitors dressed in white with colourful sashes join in the celebration, while the town is adorned with flowers, greenery and bunting. This cherished festival blends ancient custom, joyful pageantry and true coastal spirit.
Where? Helston, Cornwall
When? 8 May 2026
Cost: Free
Helston’s Flora Day — one of Cornwall’s most historic and joyful spring festivals — returns in full colour on 8 May 2026, marking the end of winter with music, dance and age‑old pageantry. The celebrations kick off at dawn with the first of four processional dances led by the Helston Town Band, winding through flower‑decked streets with locals dressed in traditional attire. Highlights include the rousing Hal an Tow pageant, children’s dance in white, and the elegant midday Furry Dance with top hats, tails and floral garlands. It’s a true Cornish spectacle that draws visitors from across the UK each year to witness centuries‑old customs and community spirit.
Where? Porthleven Harbour, Cornwall
When? 24–26 April 2026
Cost: Free (daytime); tickets may apply for evening sessions
Spring arrives with flavour as the much‑loved Porthleven Food Festival returns to the beautiful harbour for a three‑day celebration of Cornwall’s culinary brilliance. Expect streets and quaysides filled with brilliant local producers, colourful food stalls and chef demonstrations from top cooks, all set against the stunning backdrop of the working harbour. There’s live music drifting over the water, family‑friendly activities and plenty of opportunities to sample fresh seafood, artisan treats and seasonal delights. With its welcoming atmosphere and feast‑for‑the‑senses vibe, this festival is one of Cornwall’s favourite early‑season foodie weekends.
©Jenna Foxton. Falmouth Food Festival 2024
Where? Church Street Car Park, The Waterfront, Falmouth
When? 22–25 May 2026
Cost: Free
The Falmouth Food Festival returns over the late May Bank Holiday weekend with four days of delicious Cornish flavour, live music and creative spirit by the water’s edge. Set in the heart of town, this flagship event celebrates the region’s incredible food culture, bringing together local producers, artisan vendors and talented chefs alongside a vibrant programme of live entertainment. From fresh seafood and gourmet street food to inspiring chef demonstrations and family‑friendly fun, it’s a joyous feast for all ages with the stunning waterfront as your backdrop.
Where? Various locations throughout Falmouth
When? 12–14 June 2026
Cost: Free admission to most performances (ticketed gala concert)
The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival is a joyous celebration of Cornwall’s rich maritime heritage, with voices, rhythms and harmonies echoing around the harbour. Across three days in mid‑June, expect heartfelt renditions and rousing choruses from more than eighty shanty groups — from traditional crews to international performers — filling pubs, quayside stages and outdoor spaces around Falmouth town. The festival brings music lovers together to tap their feet, clap along, and immerse themselves in maritime song, community spirit and Cornish coastal culture. A ticketed gala concert at the Princess Pavilion complements the free performances, making this a truly unmissable summer weekend by the sea.
People watching a lively outdoor festival in Cornwall with tents, flags, and a scenic seaside backdrop.
Where? Killacourt, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1DT
When? 9-12 July 2026
Cost? Free
The Newquay Food Festival is back for another year, and set to transform Killacourt into a vibrant celebration of Cornwall’s culinary and creative scene. Over four days, attendees can indulge in a diverse array of gourmet street food, fresh seafood, and artisan treats from local producers. The festival features live fire-cooking demonstrations, a dynamic lineup of live music – including acoustic sets and Afro-Caribbean bands – will entertain visitors until 9 PM each evening. With panoramic views over Towan Beach, this family-friendly event promises a feast for the senses in a stunning coastal setting.
Where? Dinham House Estate, St Minver, Wadebridge
When? 23–26 July 2026
Cost: From £129 (day) / £159 (weekend camping)
Set on the banks of the Camel Estuary, just outside of you guessed it… Rock, Rock Oyster is a celebration of music, food, wellness and coastal culture all rolled into one joyful summer gathering. Expect a stellar line-up of chefs like Nathan Outlaw and Jack Stein cooking up a storm, alongside over 20 live music acts spanning folk, indie, electronic and more. There’s plenty to keep little ones entertained, while adults can indulge in everything from wild spa sessions to yoga in the orchard. Whether you’re there for the oysters, the beats or the sea air, Rock Oyster 2026 promises a vibrant long weekend by the water.
themancphotographer.co.uk
Where? Watergate Bay & Fistral Beach, Newquay
When? 5–9 August 2026
Cost: From ~£234 (weekend camping)
Boardmasters is Cornwall’s biggest festival and a rite of passage for sun-chasers and surf lovers. Split between Watergate Bay’s sprawling clifftop music stages and Fistral Beach’s surf village, it’s five full days of live music, world-class surfing, skate comps, yoga, and coastal energy. Expect headline acts like Fatboy Slim and Kasabian, beach bar vibes, and panoramic Atlantic views. But it’s not just about the music — Boardmasters is a full lifestyle experience, where salty hair, sandy toes and sunsets over the ocean come as standard. Whether you’re dancing at the main stage or surfing at dawn, it’s a festival like no other.
Where? Penlee Park, Morrab Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4HE
When? 3-6 September 2026
Cost: Free
The Penzance Food Festival is a free, three-day celebration of Cornish cuisine, taking place from 3 to 6 September 2026. Attendees can enjoy live cooking demonstrations by top local chefs, a variety of food and drink from over 50 local vendors, wellness activities including yoga and sauna sessions, and live music performances throughout the park. The festival emphasizes sustainability, featuring eco-friendly practices and locally sourced ingredients. It’s an ideal event for food enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to experience the vibrant culinary culture of Cornwall.
Where? Healey’s Cyder Farm, Penhallow
When? 11–13 September 2026
Cost: From £75
There’s something wonderfully Cornish about sipping cider in an orchard while live music drifts through the trees — and that’s exactly what Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival delivers. Set at the iconic Healey’s Cyder Farm, this family-friendly festival mixes grassroots music acts, local food stalls and, of course, an abundance of Rattler cider on tap. Highlights include the raucous Rattler Olympics (think apple bobbing and barrel pushing), barn dances, silent discos, and even wild spa experiences. Now in its 12th year, this cider-soaked celebration is a laid-back, feel-good favourite that perfectly rounds off the summer festival season in Cornwall.
Where? Various venues throughout St Ives
When? 12–26 September 2026
Cost: Mostly free; ticket prices vary by event
A firm favourite in Cornwall’s autumn calendar, the St Ives September Festival is back with two glorious weeks of music, art and culture by the sea. Across venues from cosy cafés to St Ives Theatre, the programme blends live music, poetry, talks, open studios, theatre and film with free street entertainment and exhibitions that spill out onto cobbled streets and piazzas. It’s a wonderfully eclectic celebration of creativity that brings locals and visitors together in Cornwall’s creative capital. With something for every taste and most events free or low‑cost, it’s a brilliant late‑summer escape to St Ives.
Where? Falmouth’s Event Square and expand to the Princess Pavilion.
When? 8-11 October 2026
Cost: General admission during the day is free, however, after 6 pm, entry to the festival becomes ticketed.
When autumn arrives in Cornwall, so does one of its most celebrated foodie events: the Falmouth Oyster Festival. From Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 October 2026, Falmouth’s harbourside comes alive with freshly shucked oysters, seafood delights, cookery demonstrations, and live music, marking the start of the native oyster dredging season. Celebrating Cornwall’s maritime heritage, the festival showcases the sustainably harvested Fal Oyster, famed for its delicate flavour. Visitors can enjoy market stalls, Cornish ales, crafts, and family activities. With oyster-shucking contests, tastings, and chef showcases, it’s a feast for the senses.
Padstow Harbour at Padstow Christmas Festival ©James Ram
Where? Padstow Harbour and surrounding areas
When? 4-7 December 2026
Cost: Free
Padstow’s much-loved four‑day Christmas Fayre returns running from 3-6 December . The event reimagines the beloved Padstow Christmas Festival with a vibrant blend of festive cheer and Cornish culinary spirit. Set beside Padstow harbour, it features an artisan market brimming with handmade crafts and locally produced food and drink, alongside masterclass chef demonstrations from celebrated names such as Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth.
Family‑friendly activities include a lantern parade, carols, fireworks, and festive entertainment. The harbour atmosphere is brightened with twinkling lights, mulled wine, brass bands, and a warm community spirit reminiscent of a Cornish Christmas hug. With chef showcases, artisan stalls and seasonal conviviality, Padstow offers a magical festive escape by the sea.
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Rebecca Moore
LOCAL EDITOR AND CORNISH AFICIONADO
Rebecca Moore is a seasoned editor and content writer with over a decade of experience, specialising in Cornwall’s unique lifestyle, travel, and culinary scene. Her expertise has been featured in media outlets such as The Sun, Express, and Cosmopolitan. A proud Cornish resident, Rebecca’s authentic insights help readers explore the best of the Duchy.
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