Tag: Christmas events Truro
Primestock Show 2019
November 25th, 2019
The Primestock Show in Truro returns again for another year, making it the 116th! Visitors can celebrate Cornwall’s agricultural community and enjoy a day of competitions, auctions and activities. In this blog, we share everything you need to know about The Primestock Show and explain why you should visit this year.
What is The Primestock Show in Truro?
The Primestock Show in Truro is an event that celebrates the countryside and farming in the heart of the city. Visitors can observe closely some of the very best Cornish prime cattle and sheep and watch as they are judged and auctioned. Alongside this are some brilliant shows of cookery, floral art, photography, farm produce, and a whole lot more of other exhibits. Below is a video from 2018’s Primestock Show displaying the highlights of the event.
When is The Primestock Show in Truro?
On the 4th of December 2019
Where in Truro is The Primestock Show?
The event is held at the Lemon Quay in Truro. Parking is available in the area, with a few multi-storey car parks on offer. For the main Lemon Quay car park, prices are as follows:
1 Hour: £1.40
2 Hours: £2.50
3 Hours: £3.90
4 Hours: £5.00
6 Hours: £10.50
There is also a bus stop at Lemon Quay which has frequent services running in every direction. So, if you don’t have a car or would rather park outside the city and then travel in, this is a great option.
The schedule of The Primestock Show:
6.30am to 8.30am: Welcome of primestock (cattle and sheep)
7.30am to 8.45am: Outstanding table entries to be staged
9.00am: Judging commences of table exhibits
9.30am: The judging of cattle starts, and the event opens to the public
12pm: Champion beast judging
12:30pm: Judging of sheep commences
2:00pm: Trophies are awarded for cattle, sheep and farm produce
2:15pm: Auction begins for fundraising
2:30pm: Cattle and sheep auction
3:30pm to 4:30pm: The cattle and sheep leave the event
6:00pm: Presentation of trophies for domestic and children
6:30pm: Evening activities begin
History of The Primestock Show
Back in December 1902, the West Briton & Royal Cornwall Gazette had a headline of “Truro Fat Stock Show – The Biggest in the County”. The article stated that the show lacked in importance, and this was due to the size of the city; this resulted in Truro citizens deciding to host a proper Truro Fat Stock Show. The request was taken up by the Truro Mercantile Association, and then the Fat Stock Society was created. Up until 1907, the show continued to be held at the Cattle Market to which they relocated to the City Hall. The annual event was referred to as a huge day for Truro, and it was the day that the country comes to the town. The show took place annually at Truro City Hall, apart from some breaks for the two World Wars and the foot and mouth disease in 1967.
Unfortunately, in 1985, safety regulations and the proposed development of the City Hall resulted in the society having to relocate and search for a new site. It was then moved to the outside of the city to the Livestock Centre, and the name of the event was changed from Fatstock to Primestock, much to the disappointment of many traditionalists who felt that fat was a necessity to make the meat flavoursome. Then, in 1990, it was decided that 2002 would be a big year; the Queen’s Jubilee, 125th anniversary of Truro becoming a city and when The Primestock Show would celebrate 100 years. With this in mind, it was decided that the show should be moved back into the city centre and this is when they moved to Lemon Quay. Since then, the event has been held in a marquee at Lemon Quay due to the success of the centenary show.
Here at The Valley, we have a range of luxury Cornish cottages in Truro, so what better place to stay when visiting The Primestock Show? Our accommodation is family-friendly, and we welcome dogs to join in on the holiday fun. While you are in Cornwall, there are many things to do as well as The Primestock Show, so take a look at these weird and wonderful places.
Christmas Markets Near Truro 2019
October 11th, 2019
As we reach the run-up to Christmas, our festive feelings begin to grow, and we spend each day on the lookout for the ideal gift for family and friends. Luckily, there are many opportunities to find the perfect present in Cornwall this year, with a wide variety of festive fairs and markets taking place throughout November and December. Head to some of these Christmas markets to discover the wonderful local produce and creations on offer!
Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair
27th November – 1st December 2019
If you’re after a truly Cornish gift, then head to the Made in Cornwall fair on Lemon Quay in Truro. Everything on sale at the fair is certified by Cornwall Council as being ‘Made in Cornwall’, so you can be sure that all produce and gifts will have been locally made and crafted. There will be over 80 stalls at the fair, ranging from pottery to clothing and from handmade chocolates to local ales! You are sure to find some incredible gifts amongst the beautiful selection of artisanal foods and impressive artworks from craftspeople around Cornwall.
Etsy Made Local Christmas Fair
15th – 17th November 2019
Featuring 70 talented crafters, illustrators and designers, the Etsy Made Local Fair is coming to Penryn Campus Sports Centre. Stalls lined with unique handmade treasures await, accompanied by local street food and live music performances. The Etsy fair was previously held in St Ives, but a growing demand for this fair has seen the event double in size, moving to the larger venue at Penryn. Cornwall is full of incredible artists and designers, and many will be present at this event, and will be happy to chat about their works. The fair is open from 6pm-9pm on Friday 15th, 10am-5pm on Saturday 16th and 10am-4pm on Sunday 17th.
Flambards Christmas Fayre
30th November – 1st December 2019
Flambard’s Christmas Fayre is back again this year, offering a shopping experience filled with festive family fun. Over 80 local traders will be set up throughout the park, with some stalls even found within the Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz exhibits, making for a truly unique Christmas shopping experience. With a selection of gorgeous gifts and delicious local produce on offer, you’ll be tempted to keep everything you find as a treat for yourself! The Helston Town Band will be there to get you into the festive spirit with their live performances, and the little ones will love meeting Santa and his elves in his grotto! Entrance to the fayre costs £1 per person and includes parking, as well as entry into the exhibits.
Primestock Christmas Craft Fair
6th December – 8th December 2019
Following the annual Primestock Show in Cornwall, Lemon Quay will be filled with local produce, gifts and crafts at the Primestock Christmas Craft Fair. Featuring stunning hand-crafted items from local artists and craftspeople, you will discover a range of soaps, candles, ceramics, jewellery and other wonderful giftware. Alongside the arts and crafts, there will be a number of food stalls, with Christmas hampers brimming with local delicacies. With Father Christmas in his Grotto at the fair, little ones are bound to be good as you browse the stalls in the hopes that they don’t make it on the naughty list before Christmas!
Boscawen Street Market
Wednesdays & Saturdays (27th Nov, 30th Nov, 4th, 7th, 11th, 14th, 18th and 22nd December 2019)
Boscawen Street in Truro will be lined with market stalls every Wednesday and Saturday from the end of November and throughout December. In Truro, Wednesday is late night shopping night during the Christmas period. With the market running until 9pm, you can take a look at the festive treats on offer at the stalls as you browse the high street shops. As well as an assortment of local craft and food products on gift stalls, there will be a range of street food on offer to fuel your shopping experience!
Cathedral City Market
15th-17th November 2019
The Cathedral City Market is a regular market that runs throughout the year in Truro on the Lemon Quay Piazza. The last Cathedral City Market of the year will be held on the 15th, 16th and 17th of November, so you’re sure to find some festive offerings from the local artists and food stands set up here.
The Winter Gift Fayre
11th – 19th December 2019
Another fair to be hosted on the Piazza on Lemon Quay, The Winter Gift Fayre will welcome producers from across the South West to display their beautiful gifts and festive decorations. The magic of winter is the key theme of this fair, so if you need to find some Christmas spirit, this is certainly the place to go! Decorated with warm twinkling lights, you’ll be in a winter wonderland as you browse the incredible stalls filled with jewellery, art, food and more!
Christmas Craft Fair at the Museum
7th December 2019
The Royal Cornwall Museum is getting into the Christmas spirit again this year, with their craft fair offering a variety of goods from local producers, ranging from works of art to tasty treats. Find a truly one of a kind gift at the Museum, as you shop in style. With Father Christmas paying a visit for a storytelling session, little ones will be on their best behaviour as you browse the stalls. Entry to the fair is free, seeing Father Christmas will cost £5.50 and requires advance booking.
Take the stress out of Christmas shopping by combining your present finding with a relaxing Cornish getaway! Our luxury Cornish cottages are the perfect place to go for a festive break, and being located close to Truro means you’ll be in the ideal place to visit all of these wonderful winter fairs!
Truro City of Lights 2019
October 10th, 2019
Each year, around 30,000 people gather in Truro for one of the greatest events in the Cornish calendar at Christmas. Now in its 23rd year, the hugely anticipated Truro City of Lights event sees a parade of creativity from members of the local community. The epic lantern parade and lights switch-on celebration is a staple part of the festive season in Truro, and will be celebrated on Wednesday 20th November 2019.
(more…)Countdown to a Cornish Christmas
November 13th, 2014
With Christmas now just over a month away, more than a few of us have felt our thoughts turning to seasonal pursuits including buying gifts, hunting out decorations, and planning the all important Christmas menu. Are Aldi lobster tails really alright at that price or must it be Waitrose? Will you succumb and buy a Delia Christmas pudding and hide the wrapper?
At Cornwall’s 5 star self catering resort, thoughts are headed in similar directions as Christmas plans take shape. We’ve been hearing about all the fantastic events planned in the local area, here are a few of our favourites:
City of Lights Parade – Truro: Enormous paper lanterns made by local school children and artists will be paraded through the centre of Truro on November 19th to kick off the festivities including music, dance and art as well as the first late night shopping date of the season – the whole city centre will be pedestrians only from 5.30pm so we would definitely recommend hopping on a park and ride bus.
Robin Hood at The Hall For Cornwall– Truro: This years pantomime is a swag bag full of silliness, surprises and sing along songs and runs from the 7th to the 31st December. They are running a number of child free, audio described, signed and relaxed performances so it really is a panto for all.
Nadelik – A Cornish Christmas – Pendennis Castle, Falmouth: With music, dancing and fireside tales, Pendennis Castle comes to life to celebrate Cornish Christmas traditions. There will be a range of craft and gift stalls, as well as mulled wine and mince pies in the Castle Keep…and guess who will be making a guest appearance to see if you’ve been naughty or nice?
