Tag: Festivals
What’s on August 2021| Cornwall Guide
August 02nd, 2021
With dozens of fabulous events taking place across the county, this August may just be the best time to go on your family-friendly holiday in Cornwall.
From live music festivals to spectacular displays of modern art and dance, we take a look at some of the best events taking place in Cornwall this August, so you don’t miss out!
Falmouth Week
6 – 15 Aug
What started as a local sailing regatta in 1837 has since evolved into an amazing week full of events for all the family to enjoy!
Falmouth Week has been drawing in visitors from across the UK thanks to its fantastic activities right in the heart of Falmouth. With live music, sailing races, an eclectic market and even a carnival complete with a demonstration by the iconic Red Arrows, there’s truly something for everyone at Falmouth Week!
Drive-in Summer Cinema
16 Jul – 5 Sep
If you’re looking for a fun attraction that all the family can enjoy, then look no further than the Drive-In Summer Cinema at Watergate Bay in Newquay. With giant LED screens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you can experience some of your favourite films such as The Goonies, Moana, Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean (to name a few) in a whole new light!
Showings take place every Thursday through Sunday at 12 pm and 6.45 pm. Plus, there’s the special Sunday Summer Singalongs where you and the family can rock out in the comfort of your own car to hits from The Greatest Showman, Grease and Mamma Mia.
Spectacular Summer Season at Flambards
4 Aug – 25 Aug
Make the most of your family holiday in Cornwall by coming along to one of the wonderful events hosted at Flambards Theme Park in Helston.
The park itself is open throughout the day for hours worth of family fun, but everything changes when the sun goes down. Every Monday and Wednesday this August, Flambards is offering guests an evening they’ll never forget. With after-dark rides, spectacular firework displays and live music from local Cornish artists – a visit to Flambards is a must this August.
Summer of Celebration at the Eden Project
Various
This summer, the Eden Project becomes the backdrop for a whole range of performances from parkour to storytelling to dancing, all inspired by Eden’s unique setting.
With carnivals, jazz performances and a whole host of other performances on offer, there’s never been a better time to visit the Eden Project. Some of the most notable performances are:
- Emergent Ensemble (9th – 13th August)
- Mandinga Arts’ Carnival (16th – 20th August)
- UPG’s Beyond The Strandline (23rd – 27th August)
The summer celebration has been running since March of this year and doesn’t wrap up until early September. This means there’s plenty of time for you to catch one of these fantastic performances during your trip to Cornwall.
We hope you make the most of your Cornish holiday this August by visiting one or more of these fantastic events! It’s not too late to book! Browse our range of family-friendly cottages available in Cornwall.
Image Credit: Visit Cornwall
How to Celebrate St Piran’s Day
February 25th, 2020
St Piran’s Day is almost upon us, so we’re here to tell you all about the history of the celebrations and to take a look at some of the events taking place throughout Cornwall!
What is St Piran’s Day?
St Piran’s Day is the national day for Cornwall and is celebrated on the 5th March each year. Named after Saint Piran, one of the patron saints of Cornwall and of tin miners, the day began as a holiday for, and observed by, Cornish tin miners.
The day became a national day in the late 19th Century as a way to celebrate the county in a similar way that other nations do. Since the 1950’s, St Piran’s Day as a celebration has taken-off increasingly, with almost every community in Cornwall hosting events, such as parades, to mark the occasion.
Several towns and cities in Cornwall, including Truro, Bodmin and St Ives, allow their staff a day off for the day so that they can properly celebrate! It is also widely believed that St Piran’s Day marks the beginning of spring.
Who was Saint Piran?
As the story goes, Saint Piran was originally an Irish abbot in the 5th century, who was tied to a millstone and thrown into the sea, possibly under orders of the King, who had become wary of his powers.
Miraculously, Piran made it to Perranporth on the Northern coast of Cornwall, where he built an oratory to promote Christianity. Local legend says that his first disciples were a badger, bear and fox (so some Cornish children often dress as such animals for the parades).
Piran became the Saint of tin-miners, as well as of Cornwall, when he noticed some black rocks smelting by his fire, and discovered white tin pouring out from it. This is where the St Piran’s flag comes from, with the black background as the rock, and the white cross as the tin.
So how do you celebrate the day?
Perrantide
While St Piran’s Day is celebrated on the 5th March, the festivities actually commence around a week before, usually on the 28th February, as ‘Perrantide’.
This week is indulgently filled with everything Cornish, from an abundance of pasties to a glass too many of Cornish cider – it’s bound to be a good time! Activities and events leading up to the big day will be hosted in many towns at this time.
Clothing
To celebrate the day, you may want to dress up in the colours of St Piran; black, white and gold. The black and white parts of this are the most important aspects, as this mirrors the Saint Piran’s flag; black background with a large white cross. There is also a traditional Cornish tartan that many people wear on this day.
Parades
Parades are a big part of the St Piran’s festivities, with one taking place in many of the towns throughout the county. Here, local children, choirs and community members will join the parade led by the Cornish flag (also known as the St Piran’s flag!), as a way of celebrating the day, and all that is Cornish!
Three of the biggest parades will be taking part in Perranporth, Redruth, and Truro:
Perranporth Parade
As St Piran’s Day falls on a Thursday this year, there will be two celebrations in Perranporth – an event on St Piran’s Day, featuring St Piran on the beach with a range of performances and festivities, as well as the main parade on Sunday 8th March.
The Perranporth Parade will journey across the dunes of
Perranporth beach to the old church and oratory. The parade is led by ‘St Piran
and his animals’, who will reenact the story of St Piran as the parade progresses.
There will also be music, entertainment and the opportunity to have a drink or
two!
Truro Parade
On St Piran’s Day, Thursday 5th March, the parade in Truro will be leaving at 1pm from St George’s Road. You are welcome to join the parade, or simply to observe – St Piran himself may even be spotted!
The parade is filled with singing, dancing and musical performance that will fill the Truro streets with vibrant energy. At 2.30pm, head to the White Hart for a traditional Cornish music session and enjoy a sing-a-long with your pint!
Redruth Parade
The Redruth parade will be held on Saturday 7th March, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities before the working week starts again! The parade will commence at noon; however, there will be activities going on throughout the day from 10am until 3pm.
As well as street entertainment there will be a Cornish market where you can find some delightful local crafts and produce, among other items. There will also be a display of classic cars, making this a great way to spend the day while celebrating Cornish heritage.
Plays
As a way to commemorate the day, many communities will be putting on a play on the 5th March about the life of Saint Piran. While many towns will be hosting such a play, one of the biggest will be performed in Perranporth, the town in which St Piran was said to have first arrived in Cornwall.
Trelawny Shout
At 9pm on St Piran’s Day, those taking part in the celebrations will participate in the ‘Trelawny Shout’, especially if they are enjoying the festivities in a pub!
The Trelawny Shout is a sing-along in bars all throughout Cornwall, that includes a number of popular Cornish bar songs. Most notably, the Cornish Anthem, ‘The Song of the Western Men’, will be sung.
This tradition is actually quite recent, only having started a few years ago, but it has taken on as a great way to both honour St Piran and celebrate all that Cornish culture and community has to offer.
If you would like to take part in these festivities, then it’s not too late to book a luxury Cornish cottages holiday with us here at The Valley!
Falmouth Spring Festival 2020
February 06th, 2020
The Falmouth Spring Festival will be taking place this year from the 19th to the 29th March. Celebrating the beauty of the spring season, as beautiful blooms emerge across the gorgeous Cornish countryside, the Falmouth Spring Festival will be offering a whole host of wonderful activities. We take a look at some of the things you can do during the festival!
Paint the Town Yellow Day
Thursday 19th March 2020
To kickstart the festival, the 19th March will see the town of Falmouth come to life in vibrant colours during the ‘Paint the Town Yellow Day’. Daffodils will take over the town as local schoolchildren distribute thousands of these fantastic spring flowers to passers-by. Many shops will also be decorated with these bright and cheerful blooms.
Falmouth Spring Flower Show
Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th March 2020
You’ll be sure that spring is here when you spot the fine flowers on display at the Falmouth Spring Flower Show. As Cornwall’s oldest flower show, you can expect a lot from this delightful display of flora hosted at the Princess Pavillion at Gyllyngdune Gardens.
While the main focus will be on new and heritage daffodils, which Cornwall is renowned for, there will also be plenty of exotic and rare blooms, as well as a variety of art and photography inspired by nature.
Through Falmouth Town Walk
Monday 23rd, Friday 27th and Sunday 29th March 2020
This entertaining and informative walk leads you on a journey through Falmouth’s fascinating 350-year history! Discover secret stories of the past, including a few spooky tales of ghosts, murders and cannibals! The tour leaves at 4pm from the Maritime Museum. Tickets cost £5 for adults and booking is essential.
Science in the Pub
Monday 23rd – Friday 27th March 2020
Experts and scientists from the University of Exeter will be heading to the pub during the Festival to present a fun discussion on various topics! On Monday 23rd the event will be held at Pennycomequick pub with a talk on ‘Peatlands, Primates and Pyromania’. Tuesday 24th at 5 Degrees West explores how we can reduce our carbon footprint in ‘Cutting Carbon with Local Actions’.
Wednesday 25th at The Working Boat will cover ‘Seagrass Ecosystems of Cornwall’, while Thursday 26th at Beerwolf offers ‘War of the Worlds: Bacterial Edition’. Finally, at Jacobs Ladder on Friday 27th, you will be able to hear about ‘Making Space for Nature in Cornish Towns’! All events will commence at 6pm.
Poldark’s Falmouth Walk
Saturday 28th March 2020
If you’re a fan of Poldark, then you won’t want to miss this event! A walking tour will follow the route of characters in Winston Graham’s novels, exploring Cornish life in the early 19th century. Discover more about the history of smuggling, shipwrecks and riots as you wander through impressive sites throughout Falmouth. The tours start at 4pm, meeting at the Maritime Museum, and cost £5 for adults.
Rockpooling Session
Sunday 22nd March 2020
Embark on a fun family activity with this rockpooling session led by scientists from the University of Exeter. You’ll learn how to identify a variety of different marine life, as well as discover more about how these creatures have adapted to survive in this environment.
The session starts at 10am at Castle Beach Café. Admission is free, although you are requested to email l.misselbrook@exeter.ac.uk before attending to state your interest.
If you would like to experience any of these fun activities and join in with the Falmouth Spring Festival celebrations, then our luxury holiday cottages in Falmouth will be the perfect base for you to rest and relax after a busy day exploring all that Falmouth has to offer!
The River Fal Festival 2019
April 26th, 2019
Next month, the renowned Fal River Festival will return to one of Cornwall’s most popular holiday destinations. The charming harbour town of Falmouth will host the fantastic ten-day event, which will run from Friday 24thMay to Sunday 2ndJune. The celebration, which is now in its 13thyear, will hold over 150 events, from music and drama shows to sporting events and everything in between. For anyone staying in our luxury Cornish cottages during this time, we’ve created a guide to each area of events and when they’re happening so that you can plan your holiday in Cornwall accordingly!
Music and Drama
For those with a love for all things show business, the River Fal festival won’t disappoint, with a diverse range of performances scheduled over the ten days. Head out on the 24thMay to celebrate opening night with Betty Stoggs and the Beer Fleet revellers at the Greenbank Quay, enjoying Cornwall’s best Ceilidh and Barndance Band SPLANN. A Jazz night will take place on the Quay on the 27thMay or check out the talented solo violinist Thomas Bowes on the 30thMay. Whichever event you choose, the atmosphere is sure to be second to none as you enjoy some of Cornwall’s best talents.
Arts and Crafts
Numerous exhibitions will pop-up for the festival, including sightings of Morgawr, meaning sea giant in Cornish, at the Fish Factory Art Space. St Ives artist Kate Nicholson will also exhibit a wide range of her work, demonstrating the breadth of her creativity at the Art Gallery. The picturesque village of Flushing, which faces Falmouth from across the river will also get involved, with houses and businesses displaying their favourite works of art in windows for all to admire. From jewellery-making to political postcards, there’s any number of workshops over the ten-day festival, so be sure to browse their website to see if there are any that you and your family would like to get involved with.
Water-inspired Activities
Given the purpose is to celebrate the river, there is no shortage of water-inspired activities to take part in over the festival. Watch the beer fleet, which opens the festival, with boats of all shapes and sizes entering the harbour. Those looking for more adrenaline-fuelled activities can enjoy 50% off watersports at Swan Pool Beach on 29thMay, while those looking to relax on their holiday can buy tickets for either a Gin cruise (31stMay) or a Fizz and Chips cruise (1stJune). Do your bit for keeping Cornwall such a lovely place to visit and opt for cleaning the creek by canoe on 2ndJune.
Gardens and Walks
There are any number of fascinating walking tours or visits to local gardens that are sure to provide you with interesting information about the area. Take a history tour of Flushing, forage for wild food and seaweed and learn how to prepare it, keep your eyes on the skies during a bird-watching trail or release your inner child with a night-time rock-pooling session. The ancient Enys Garden will host a fun-filled fair on 1stJune, aptly named, Truly, Madly, Cornish, which is the perfect place to pick up some local souvenirs.
Food and Drink
The fantastic food and drink that is available in this beautiful part of the world has not been forgotten in the Fal Festival celebrations. Children with an interest in cooking can head to famous chef Rick Steins restaurant on the 28thMay for a very fishy workshop where they’ll learn all about the fish in our local seas and how to cook them. A mini beer fest on a working boat will take place over the bank holiday weekend whilst those looking to experiment with cuisine are welcome to attend the wood-fired goat festival on 26thMay. Tarquin’s Gin will be hosting a club evening on the 29thMay that is perfect for adults with a taste for gin.
Literature
Book-worms are not forgotten during the River Fal celebrations and can hear all about shipwreck survivors at the NMMC from 27thMay – 1stJune. A short film cruise will depart from the harbour on the evening of the 29thMay where you can enjoy a fantastic independent film, asking the director any questions you may have about the feature immediately after. The 30thMay sees a Words Out event hosted by Fish Factory Arts where you can enjoy an evening of supper and storytelling.
That concludes our guide to just some of what is happening during the River Fal Festival at the end of May. As any who have attended can attest, the family-friendly event hosts a range of celebrations, each as delightful as the next, with some of which you may only find in Cornwall.
Cornwall Gin Festival
June 18th, 2018
What better way to spend the day than in the summer sun, relaxing with a refreshing gin and tonic in hand!? Luckily, the Cornwall Gin Festival is returning to Truro for another year, allowing you to do just that with fellow gin enthusiasts! Here’s all you need to know about the festival.
The ever-popular festival will be setting up on Lemon Quay on the 23rdJune for one day only. As well as having plenty of Cornish gin and tonic to sample, the festival will also see some great musical performances from Cornish acts and educational demonstrations to teach you all about this much-loved beverage! Of course, no festival would be complete without a few nibbles, and the Cornwall Gin Festival is no exception, with plenty of food stalls from local Cornish eateries and businesses.
The day is split into two sessions; the first runs from 12pm to 5pm, and the second from 6pm until 11pm. Each session costs £12 to attend, and those with a ticket will receive a free festival gin glass to take home with them. The daytime session will focus more on learning about gin, with exciting demonstrations to help you get the best tastes out of your favourite drink! The night sessions are more about the music, with live performances to tap your feet along to (your hands will be preoccupied with holding glasses of gin!). The informative sessions will teach you all about the science of botanicals, how to make the perfect gin sling, and which garnishes work best with your favourite gin!
The event is strictly over-18’s only and is a ticketed event, so if you want to go and experience some of the gin-based fun, then be sure to get hold of a ticket quick! Use the festival as an excuse to enjoy Cornwall short breaks and turn your love of gin into a fun weekend getaway!
May is Festival Month down in Cornwall
May 01st, 2017
After what has been a glorious April, here at The Valley (so much for all the April showers!) we’re really looking forward to a fun packed May and the start of the Festival season.
While the weather may not have been perfect for today’s May Day celebrations we are sure the rest of this month is going to treat us better with a great range of festivals happening across the county. Here’s a pick of some of our favourites.
Fowey Literary Festival
Celebrating their 21st year Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature have a wide range of events to suit all tastes. See bestselling author Michael Morpurgo, musician and composer Sir Karl Jenkins and former war correspondent and politician Martin Bell, plus an array of talks and discussions, film, and even Gardeners Question Time!
Fowey is a beautiful town well worth a visit anyway, and the festival give you no excuse not to make it down this way!
While we’re still recovering from all the chocolate we consumed over the Easter period here, it might be time to loosen that belt once again as St Ives hosts their annual Food and Drink festival from the 13th – 14th May.
You can expect a star-studded array of chefs showcasing the best Cornwall has to offer all happening right on the Porthminster beach in St. Ives. There will also be over 60 traders showing off their culinary delights for you to try.
A full music line up will also take place alongside the festival, continuing into the evening with an extended session on Saturday night with performances from Kernow King and Sandy Acre 7. Other acts performing during the weekend include Emily Howard, The Grenaways and many local bands and choirs.
As well as great food and live music, the festival boasts an abundance of activities and entertainment, promising a fun-filled day out for all the family, with a bouncy castle, beach games and cooking workshops with Little Kitchen Magicians also on offer.
Fal River Festival
To finish off the month and lead us into June Falmouth will be hosting their Fal River Festival. Running from the 26th May until the 4th June it promises 10 days of over 150 events varying from music & drama, the arts & heritage to gig racing, swimming, walking & lots more.
The festival was established in 2006 and will be running for its 12th year in 2017. It’s a chance to embrace the places, people, history, culture, sport & industry that are connected by this very Cornish river.
With its diverse mix of events taking place at dozens of locations around the Fal River, the festival offers something for everyone and is the perfect opportunity to engage with life on the river and discover some of its fascinating history.
Each year more than 100,000 people attend a range of different events helping raise a whopping £75,000 for charity while enjoying 3,000 pints of ale, lager and cider!
With all of this going on whilst still dodging the crowds of the summer holidays, there really is no better time to visit Cornwall and The Valley makes the perfect base for heading out on your adventures.
Fundraiser announced to raise money for the renowned Sea Shanty Festival
January 19th, 2017
January is the time of New Year resolutions, from booking holiday get-aways for the rest of the year and allowing yourself to experience new things. So, if any of these things ring a bell it may be time to book your Falmouth get-away. If you’re looking to experience authentic sea-side life there is no better time to visit Falmouth than in June, when the renowned Sea Shanty Festival brings cheer and liveliness to the quaint, sea-side town. This festival is one of the biggest maritime music concerts to be held anywhere in Europe, and should not be missed!
The Fal River Festival is still in full flow, don’t miss a second more!
May 27th, 2015
The Fal River Festival near our 5 star luxury cottages in Cornwall kicked off in style on 22 May, but there’s still another four days of fun and festivities to be had, so don’t miss out!
Don’t miss out on the unmistakable Truro Festival celebrations!
March 28th, 2015
Easter is upon us and we’re pleased to announce that while you’re visiting us here at our dog-friendly holiday cottages there’s a simply fantastic festival you don’t want to miss out on with the return of Truro’s very own art, culture and music festival.
