Tag: Music
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!
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival and Classics Regatta
June 05th, 2019
The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival will be back again this year for more boat related singing and festivities. Occurring each year at the same time as the Falmouth Classics Regatta, there will be plenty of ship and sea related activities to get involved with. Here is all you need to know!
The Falmouth Classics Regatta
Between the 14th and 16th June, classic boats will sail to the area for a fun three-day event. Competitors from around the country will arrive across the waves for the biggest classic boating event in the UK, with races and parades. Last year, 192 boats arrived for the event, with over 60,000 people visiting to see it all take place! The classic boats are a sight to behold, with some even dating back as far as 1882!
One of the main highlights of the event is the Parade of Sail and Power, which sees the delightful restored ships and classic boats, accompanied by some larger vessels, sail in a parade out of Falmouth Harbour. For unparalleled views of the parade head to Pendennis Point!
If you would like to get involved in the regatta but aren’t fortunate enough to own a classic boat, bring along a dinghy, or borrow a rowing boat to enter the Saturday afternoon fun rowing and sculling competition!
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival
Making the perfect partner for the regatta is the Sea Shanty Festival, celebrating the history of Tall Ships and promoting the maritime heritage of Falmouth and the surrounding area. In addition, the festival aims to raise money for the RNLI, who play a major role in a coastal county like Cornwall.
The Cornish heritage of storytelling and song comes to life in these sea shanties, with live performances from over 50 groups from Cornwall, France and the UK!
The festival is billed as the biggest free festival of maritime music in the world, and lasts the three days of the Falmouth Classics Regatta, on the 14th to 16th June. Join in the fun and learn about the seafaring history of this impressive harbour town through song.
If you’d like to see all of the boats in action, why not enjoy a luxury family holiday in Falmouth for some seaside fun!?
Image Credit: Tim Green
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.
Music Festivals in Cornwall 2018
March 22nd, 2018
While summer may seem a while away, the sunny days are soon going to be upon us and with them comes the exciting festivals and events taking place throughout Cornwall at this time. With so much coastline in Cornwall, scenic beaches take up much of the county, making it the perfect spot for some fantastic seaside musical performances. We take a look at some of the best festivals on offer this year:
Tunes in the Dunes
Tunes in the Dunes is one of the earlier festival offerings for 2018, running from the 8th to the 10th June on Perranporth Beach. This year is bigger than ever, with four stages spread out across the beach area, bringing a wide range of different atmosphere. With big acts performing on the impressive main stage, and local Cornish artists taking to the St Pirans stage, there are plenty of acts to support. Friday night sees Protoje, The Skints, Auction For The Promise Club and Rosie the Crow take the stage. Headlining Saturday is UB40 originals Ali, Astro and Mickey, as well as Current Swell, Matthew Mole and Echo Town. Taking the stage on Sunday are Pixie Lott, Gypsy Queens, Company B, Fishermans Friends and Backbeat Soundsystem.
As the big names settle down for the night, head to the After Party Stage and dance all night long! Like many places in Cornwall, the surfing spirit is at large here, so bring your board along to catch some waves while you enjoy the exciting mix of tunes!
Leopallooza
Unlike the other big festivals in Cornwall, Leopallooza is hidden away in a valley framed by trees, rather than right on the beachfront. But with three days and nights of incredible performances, free camping and a great atmosphere, Leopallooza is a fantastic deal! This year the family-friendly festival runs from the 27th to the 29th July.
While the Friday night headliner has yet to be announced, Kelis will be taking to the stage on Saturday night, and St Paul & The Broken Bones are set to headline Sunday. Other acts performing over the weekend include Rat Boy, Tom Grennan, Estrons and Idles. With skate ramps, silent discos, karaoke bars, and comedy acts, among other activities, Leopallooza offers up plenty to keep everyone entertained. Already confirmed acts for ‘The Funny Side’ comedy stage are Josh Widdicombe and Russel Kane!
Boardmasters
This is the big one for Cornwall; running from the 8th to 12th August, Boardmasters will be taking over Watergate Bay. Friday sees Catfish and the Bottlemen take the stage, with The Chemical Brothers taking over headlining duties on Saturday, and George Ezra on Sunday. Other big names include Rag’n’Bone Man, Years & Years and Kano, with hundreds of acts performing from a wide variety of music genres. At the end of each nights headlining performances, there is an After Dark party, featuring DJ sets until the sun starts to rise!
Over on neighbouring Fistral Beach Cornwall’s love of surfing is certainly on display, with surfing competitions for all levels, surfing lessons and sessions, and spaces for skating and BMX. If you’re not one for the heart-racing activities, then chill out at the health and wellbeing area with yoga and pilates classes, meditation sessions or a massage and sauna session at the Boardmasters Spa!
Looe
A little later in the year, and therefore, comfortably out of the summer heat, musicians take the stage in Looe. Around 90 acts are said to be performing over five stages between the 21st and 23rd September. The headlining acts take place on the beach so you’ll be right on the coast for all the action, meaning you can surf and sun while listening to the live tunes. Friday night sees Finnish country-metal sensations Steve ‘n’ Seagulls take the stage with some of their specialty barn-rock! They are certainly bound to get the party started for following acts Himalayas, John Otway and Martin Harley and Daniel Kimbro among others! Headlining Saturday night are The Waterboys, and Sunday sees The Stranglers taking the stage!
If you’d like somewhere a little more luxurious than a tent to stay during these festivals or would like to stay on in Cornwall for a proper holiday after the music events, then take a look at our range of luxury Cornish cottages. They are perfect for short breaks, family getaways or just to relax by the coast!
Top Off Summer with a Ticket to Falmouth Week 2017
June 28th, 2017
Falmouth Week, set to begin on Friday 4th August 2017, is a week not to miss this summer. One of the most anticipated events in Cornwall, Falmouth Week brings a host of events that bring the sleepy seaside town to life with energy, fun and a sense of community. If you’re planning on heading to Falmouth this summer, there truly is no better time to visit, and we have some fantastic child-friendly cottages where you can stay.
KerNOW! Music Festival set to rock Cornwall this Bank Holiday Weekend
August 27th, 2015
What’s On, in collaboration with Easy Action Records and the new Mono venue in Falmouth, are running KerNOW! this Bank Holiday weekend, which promises three nights of the best current music in Cornwall.
Running from Friday 28th until Sunday 30th August, the event will be raising funds for the Children’s Hospice South West, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to the charity. (more…)
Authentic Brazilian samba evening live at Falmouth pub this month
May 14th, 2015
If you love Cornwall for the shows and events that frequently occur region-wide, and you’re looking to attend one for yourself while visiting our 5* Cornwall cottages, then look no further, we have just the thing for you!
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.
