Summer events in Cornwall

Summer events in Cornwall 

There’s always something happening Cornwall. From food and drink, music, literature, walking, arts and craft – anything and everything goes! Here’s our insider’s guide to some of our favourite summer events.

The International Sea Shanty Festival in Falmouth needs no introduction. This year there are 64 acts from all over the UK and abroad, performing in over 20 different venue across the town, all of which are free to enter and watch. The atmosphere is always congenial and often accompanied by good weather, this makes for a fun and entertaining festival. You will find singers on street corners, in pubs, on a professional stage in Events Square by the Maritime Museum, with each group performing in their own style. Food stalls and a large beer tent on the Square add to the atmosphere. 

Porthleven food and music festival is in April and sees over 30,000 visitors flock to this popular harbour town. For the more glamorous of us, there is also the popular Masked Ball in May, The Great Estate festival in June and Boardmasters in August! But closer to home, the St Ives festival in September has to be one of our favourites. This 2 week celebration of the arts is great for the whole family and includes events such as live music, art workshops, street entertainment, theatre, cinema and whole host of other exhibitions throughout the town. 

For three days each year, the Royal Cornwall Show takes place in Wadebridge, and is one of the biggest events on the Cornish calendar with around 130,000 people attending. The event showcases Cornish produce with over 1,000 trade stands selling fantastic food and drink, local crafts and much more. Listen to live music, visit the famous flower tent, or even watch the entertainment taking place at the main ring; there’s also a major dog show and traditional steam fair. There’s definitely something for everyone! The show often gets a visit from a member of the royal family too. 

For more information about events in Cornwall and St Ives, Visit Cornwall's event guide will keep you up-to-date: https://www.visitcornwall.com/whats-on