Tag: Fowey
8 Ways to Enjoy Culture and Arts in Cornwall
September 24th, 2020
Cornwall never ceases to disappoint. Not only does it provide some of the most incredible natural locations in the UK, including some of the most spectacular beaches in the country, it also flourishes with incredible arts venues, theatres, galleries and gardens!
We explore some of the county’s top locations for arts and culture, which are sure to spark inspiration for creative minds! If you’re eager to experience all that Cornwall has to offer, ensure you have the perfect base for your adventures and discover our luxury cottages in Cornwall!
COVID-19 and Social Distancing
During times of social distancing, each location featured in our blog should be checked for their current policies regarding the coronavirus and visiting arrangements.
Explore the Minack Theatre
In times of social distancing, an outdoor theatre is a big bonus!
The Minack Theatre is a spectacular open-air theatre nestled in the granite cliffs of Porthcurno. The theatre was created around 80 years ago, taking the shape of an ancient Greek style amphitheatre complete with a breath-taking backdrop overlooking the stunning Cornish coast.
Exploring the fascinating site is an unforgettable visit and feels magical without watching a performance! There is also a beautiful garden included in the entrance fee.
All visits to the Minnack Theatre, whether to explore the grounds or to see a show, must be booked in advance. The theatre is open to day visitors from the beginning of April to the end of October, excluding any matinee performances.
Watch a Show at Sterts Theatre
Based in Liskeard, Sterts Theatre is another outdoor venue set in the atmospheric grassland of Bodmin Moor.
Rain isn’t an issue, as the charming 400 seat amphitheatre is covered by a canopy, keeping the audience shower free during performances in wetter weather.
Check out the Stert Theatre website for the latest information about their shows.
See a Band at Carnglaze Caverns
Not far from Sterts Theatre, near the village of St Neot, are the incredible Carnglaze Caverns.
The site was a former slate mine and is now one of the county’s most favoured tourist spots.
The underground cavern is not only great for those who love to explore, but it also hosts live music events and concerts in its truly unique location. The Rum Store is one of the three Caverns at the site and was attributed as one of the safest storage locations of the Second World War.
It has since been transformed into a 400 capacity music venue providing remarkable evenings full of great music.
Check out their website for their future music events and policy on coronavirus.
Immerse Yourself in the Many Art Galleries of St Ives
St Ives is synonymous with arts, and it has a diverse range of galleries to prove it.
Of course, the biggest and most famous one is The Tate which regularly presents changing exhibitions of artists. However, this quirky seaside town has plenty of other, lesser-known galleries to feast your eyes on.
Simply strolling around the town and exploring the area is one of the most charming ways to find them.
Some that we would recommend include:
• The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
• Leach Pottery
• Back Road Artworks
Explore the Sculptures at the Eden Project
For the perfect combination of nature and art, the Eden Project is the perfect outing.
Featuring a broad spectrum of artists and installations, you will find unique art across the site, immersing yourself in magnificent sculptures and exhibitions while absorbing the beauty of its many gardens.
Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature
The Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature is a celebration of literature throughout the captivating riverside town of Fowey, the home of Daphne du Maurier and Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch. The festival celebrates and features the talent and work of artists, musicians, authors and speakers.
The du Maurier Festival Society provides the event, and the next festival is currently scheduled for 7th to 15th May 2021.
Falmouth Art Gallery
Falmouth Art Gallery has a range of changing exhibitions throughout the year, as well as permit art displays. Work from Cornish artists varies in style, from surrealist to abstract, as well as featuring female artists from the county. The gallery also holds a 280 piece collection by the legendary local artist, Henry Scott Tuke RA RWS.
Store tours and group visits are currently on hold during the coronavirus situation as well as any workshops usually held at the gallery.
Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange
Newlyn Art Gallery specialises in contemporary art, offering visitors a selection of work from local, national and international artists. The gallery has existed for over 120 years and also has another art space called The Exchange, which was Penzance’s old telephone exchange. The industrial style site has a wonderful glass façade throughout the building.
Which art venues and events have you visited while in Cornwall? Why not share your favourite with us on our social media channels!
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.
Dates confirmed for Fowey Festival of Words and Music
February 06th, 2015
The dates have been announced for this year’s much-awaited Fowey Festival of Words and Music, one of the highlights of the Cornish calendar.
