With an impressive Georgian harbour, filled with an incredible fleet of sailing ships, Charlestown is a quaint village with strong links to the sea. The Charlestown Regatta Week is an annual tradition bringing the community and visitors together to celebrate this beautiful seaside spot, with an assortment of music, races, sports, competitions and other fun activities. We take a look at what is happening on each day of the regatta week.
The regatta is kick-started with the popular triathlon event, racing as either an individual or in a team of three! The first day will also present the little ones with the chance to go off on an adventurous treasure hunt, with an array of craft activities also set up, including pebble painting, face painting and other craft stalls. Saturday also sees the exciting raft races, where competitors take to the seas in a homemade raft, hoping to win a prize for their raft construction and fastest time! At the end of the day, relax with some barbeque food and listen to the live music entertainment.
The main event on Sunday is the Charlestown Regatta Challenge Gig Race. Hosted by the Charlestown Rowing Club, the rowing race sees four novice rowers paired with a couple of experienced rowers to race to the finish. Sunday also has a strong foodie theme, with a barbeque and cream teas served (the Cornish way) for lunch on The Quay, as well as a pasty making workshop!
Dubbed ‘Musical Monday’, this day of the regatta week focusses on musical performances, with a free event at The Quay. Here The Roustabouts Collective will be performing, from 7pm. Food stalls will also be offering up tasty treats throughout the evening.
An evening of family fun is to be had, with children’s sports and activities hosted in the Charlestown Regatta Playing Field from 6.30pm. There will be races and games set up for all ages, as well as a variety of stalls to browse. After you’ve tired yourself out with these family activities, grab something yummy from the refreshment stalls and head to The Rashleigh Arms for some sea shanty entertainment!
On Wednesday night, Cornish comedian Johnny Cowling will be giving a special performance in the Regatta field, entertaining audiences with his Cornwall-themed comedy routines. The event is free to attend, and a licensed bar will be selling drinks from 6.30pm.
The Grand Carnival takes place on Thursday 26th, with the procession commencing in the Regatta Field at 7pm. Leading the parade will be the St Austell town band and the Kernow Pipes and Drums group, making for a lively and exciting start to the evening. Prizes will be awarded to members of the procession with the best costumes and floats. After the parade, there will be a Proms in the Park event, performed by the St Austell Town Band, followed by a firework display.
For the last day of the Regatta Week, the grand finale comes in the form of the open air live music evening, known as ‘Regatta Rocks’. With gates opening at 6.30pm, a number of local bands and acts will be taking to the stage. Keep your energy up for dancing with a bite to eat from the hot food stalls or a glass of Pimm’s from the bar! Tickets cost £10 for over 16’s, £5 for ages 5-15, and are free for under-5’s.
Charlestown may also be familiar to visitors, having been the filming location for over 25 films and TV shows, including as one of the main sets for the hit BBC show Poldark! If you would like to see all the Charlestown, and the surrounding areas has to offer, then come and visit for great family-friendly holidays in Cornwall!
Image Credit: Alison Day
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