An annual processional play to celebrate St Piran, patron saint of tinners and now accepted by many as Cornwall's premier saint.

What happens?

Held on the nearest Sunday to St Piran's Day, March 5th, the play produced by the St Piran Trust, takes place in Perranporth, where according to legend the revered saint was washed up on millstone from Ireland in the 5th century AD. Crossing the dunes to St Piran's Cross, hundreds of people gather, generally dressed in black, white and gold, the colours of Cornwall, carrying the Cornish Flag.

How can you take part?

You can take part in this celebration of Cornwall’s distinct identity by joining the spectators who walk over the dunes and watch the play acted out in three parts. Dozens of actors and musicians portray the stages of St Piran’s life from his birth in Ireland, his arrival in Cornwall and his miraculous discovery of tin. Meet at Perran Sands Holiday Park. The play starts at 2pm.

Did you know?

Excavations to reveal St Piran’s Oratory at Perranporth are now underway thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Oratory, or chapel, is thought to be the oldest Christian building on mainland Britain, and marks the site where Cornwall’s national saint built his first place of worship around 1,400 year ago.

Info: www.st-piran.com
 

The Falmouth Spring Flower Show (now part of the Falmouth Spring Festival) has marked the start of spring in Falmouth for over a century with wonderful displays of shrubs, daffodils and cacti. The show was first staged in 1910 and apart from some temporary suspension during World Wars I & II, has been held annually.

What happens?

Exhibitors and trade stalls pack into the Princess Pavilion in Falmouth with displays of locally grown flowers, floral arrangements, specimen plants and photographic displays.

How can you take part?

The two day festival is held at the Princess Pavilion where you can enjoy the array of spring flowers heralding the end of the dreary months of winter. On show are tender and rare plants, Bonsais, Orchids and stunning flower arrangements with experts on hand to answer your queries, specialist plants for sale and refreshments. Exhibitors include anyone with a love of flora and fauna from big nurseries and public gardens to local residents with private gardens.

Did you know?

Years ago, at the close of the show, the main exhibits were packed and shipped to major cities like Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool and displayed in large department stores. This meant their customers were able to see spring flowers very early in the season giving an extra boost to Falmouth's tourist trade.

Info: www.falmouthshow.co.uk

Flower power is something you can’t miss in Cornwall. Almost everyone has a garden and it’s usually crammed with a profusion of colourful plants. Even in winter the climate is so mild that buds start to appear in the hedgerows in January so by the time spring comes that passion for gardening has awakened into a spate of flower festivals. This is one of the first, held in the magnificent grounds of Boconnoc House, an 18th mansion owned by the Fortescue family, where the two-day event features show gardens, horticultural trade stands and competitive classes.

What happens?

A fragrant celebration of Cornish garden mania that welcomes spring with exuberant displays in the competitive classes with camellias, daffodils, rhododendrons and ornamental shrubs and trees guaranteeing a brilliantly colourful spectacle. Gardeners’ question time, live music, plenty of local food on offer and there’s even a plant crèche that will look after your purchases while you enjoy the rest of the show.  This year is extra special as it marks the 100th anniversary of the first Cornwall Spring Flower Show.

How can you take part?

The two day festival attracts around 8,000 visitors who come to see what Cornwall’s green fingers have on offer. A great place to pick up plants, marvel at the professional garden displays and ask the experts what would grow best in your garden. Easily accessible off the A390 Liskeard to St Austell road.

Did you know?

The Boconnoc estate is home to around 100 deer and the house and grounds have been used as a location for the BBC 'Poldark' series and scenes from the 1993 film 'The Three Musketeers'.  It was also home to two former British Prime Ministers.

Info: Saturday 31st March 10.00am – 5.00pm, Sunday 1st April 10.00am – 4.00pm Admission: Adults £7.00 (£6.00 in advance), under 16s FREE. Dogs on leads welcome. Regret no credit / debit cards can be accepted at the gate. Free parking for all visitors/ Coach parking available by prior arrangement.

Tel: 01209 714488 

www.cornwallflowershow.co.uk/

St Endellion Easter Festival, founded by the late Richard Hickox and his then wife Frances, who remains the director almost four decades on.  Like its elder summer sibling, the festival is unusual in that the musicians and singers are a mix of amateur and professional – all of whom pay to participate in just over a week of very high quality music making.

What happens?

Regularly falling in either Holy Week or Easter week this spring festival has made a speciality of English language performances of the Bach Passions whose intensity in the church’s intimate setting is a musical experience not to be missed. The Festival also includes chamber, orchestral and choral concerts with some of the leading soloists in the country and there is a daily Thought for the Day given by a cross section of eminent speakers.

How can you take part?

The programme of music takes place in the 15th centruy Collegiate Church of St. Endelienta, St. Endellion, North Cornwall and recent years have seen such works as Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Bach’s St Matthew Passion, Ravel’s G Major Piano Concerto and Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana being programmed in the main concerts. Early booking is advisable due to the festival’s international reputation, and tickets go on sale in January.

Did you know?

There is a year long programme of fundraising events in the church featuring an eclectic mix of styles from brass bands to jazz.

Info: www.endellionfestivals.org.uk

A one day festival attracting in excess of 12,000 people who converge on the fishing village to enjoy over eighty food stalls showcasing Cornish food producers along with music and entertainment. The festival’s ethos is to fight the war against food wastefulness and rediscover a world of eating and the resulting pleasures we've forgotten.

What happens?

The festival not only hosts the very best of Cornish food producers but also has a full program of entertainment including live bands, buskers, dancers, performance artists, art auctions, fancy-dress, a skate jam, a roller derby, a circus Big Top with tuition in circus skills, a Hog Roast, a Beef Barbecue and local history exhibitions, all of which make up a fantastic, free family day out!

How can you take part?

During the festival you can sample some great local food, learn how to create wonderful dishes demonstrated by local chefs, see fishmongers expertly filleting and preparing freshly caught fish and join in the multitude of activities taking place around Porthleven’s picturesque harbour. On the Sunday you’re invited to a "Leftover Lunch" in the main marquee. Bring a plate of food and a knife and fork and sit down at a long table for a gigantic picnic.

Did you know?

Napoleonic prisoners of war were used to help construct the first stages of the harbour which took 14 years to complete in in the early 1800s.

Info: www.porthlevenfoodfestival.co.uk/  
 

Open the diary and make sure the weekend of April 28 & 29 is kept free! Round one of the Red Bull Pro Nationals Motocross series is coming to Landrake Moto Parc is a must for anyone looking for an action packed weekend. This event isn’t just for race fans; it has evolved in to a full blown family attraction with something for all ages, a festival atmosphere and everyone in the area needs to know about it!

Landrake, just 3 miles from Plymouth, is the 2nd round of a 7 stop UK series tour that covers all aspects of motocross. Here’s a taster of what is on offer:

4 events in one - 3 championships and a Live Freestyle Motocross Show

The 3 championships are:

• Red Bull Pro Nationals - the best Motocross riders in Europe come and battle it out for podium finishes
• The Red Bull Elite Youth Cup with children racing from the age of 7 upwards!
• The Fuchs Silkolene 2 Stroke British Championship – geared for the amateur racers

FMX Live Tour -There are 2 or 3 Freestyle Motocross shows where riders jump huge distances performing some amazing mid-air tricks including back flips… this really has to be seen to be believed!

Other attractions include:
The Suzuki Motocross experience where youngsters and adults alike can try out their skills on a motocross bike in a safe and informed environment
Kids’ zone – let the kids loose on bungee bouncers and zorb balls!
Trade stands and shops, food and drinks, bars, rider autograph signing sessions, a Red Bull party with DJ’s on the Saturday night and all weekend camping on site…. it’s like a music festival but the rock stars are the racers!

Information
Tickets: book online or pay at the gate
Venue: Landrake Moto Parc, Cornwall, PL12 5EP
Gates Open: 8:30 am
Racing starts at 10am until 5pm
AA Signposted from all surrounding areas

To buy tickets:
Visit www.redbullpronationals.com and click on SHOP

May Day (or 'Obby 'Oss Day as it is known outside of Padstow) is the biggest day in Padstow's calendar.  It is not unusual to see 30,000 people crammed into this little town on the day when Padstonians from all over the world return to their roots. The origins of the 'Obby 'Oss are numerous. Some say the celebration has its roots in pagan times, others that it's a rain maker, a fertility symbol, a deterrent to a possible landing by the French some centuries ago or perhaps a welcome to the summer.

What happens?

Locals spend the night decorating the town’s streets with flags, flowers and greenery complete with a maypole and the following morning two "osses", one red and one blue, emerge from their stables. The “osses”, swirling and dancing, proceed through Padstow's streets taunted by a Teazer, who leads the dance with theatrical movements. The accompanying retinue are dressed all in white with their costumes decorated with ribbons and sprays of cowslips and bluebells. As the procession moves around the town, dancers perform a traditional gyrating dance to the sound of musicians and drummers. Last, but not least, are the followers, young and old, who join the procession every year singing of the traditional May Song.

How can you take part?

It gets very busy and car parks and streets in the old town are closed to traffic. Advice is to get there early. There is a field at the top of the town near the Tesco supermarket where a park and ride service is available. You can also park in the village of Rock across the estuary and take the regular ferry across to Padstow.

Did you know?

• The ‘Obby ‘Oss is the inspiration for the song "Padstow" by folk group Steeleye Span
• Cowslips, bluebells, sycamore twigs and forget-me-nots are used to decorate the streets

Info:

May Day takes place annually on 1st May (2nd May if the 1st falls on a Sunday). 

www.padstowlive.com
 
Location: Padstow. Sat nav: PL28 8AY 

Falmouth will host the JP Morgan Asset Management Finn Festival from 4th May to 18th May 2012. The two-week regatta will include the Finn British Open Championships (4th-8th May) and the Finn Gold Cup (13th-18th May)

The Gold Cup is the annual Finn World Championship and Falmouth has been selected to host the event in 2012. The Gold Cup will see the UK's finest Olympic sailor, Ben Ainslie, return to Falmouth and the sailing waters where he learned to sail and made his competitive debut in 1987 during Falmouth Week.

What happens?

Ainslie is seeking his 3rd Olympic Gold Medal in the Finn class to add to the Gold and Silver Medals he won in the Laser class and any Medal he may win at the forthcoming Olympics will underline his status as one of the UK greatest sailors.

How can you take part? 

The UK has an exceptional group of Finn sailors who should all be in Falmouth competing in the Festival and the organisers would like spectators and supporters to come and visit Falmouth to cheer on our home sailors amongst the 200 national and international competitors expected to attend the event.

A comprehensive shoreside programme is planned to include spectator ferries to watch the action, a competitors parade, live entertainment, large TV screen and firework display with the aim of celebrating London 2012.

The JP Morgan Asset Management Finn Festival intends to start the party in the West Country!!

Info:  http://www.falmouthfinnfestival.com
 

Internationally famous for its artistic connections, St Ives hosts a full program of literary events featuring writers and poets who descend on the town to share their love of words with locals and visitors alike.

What happens?

Nine days of literature in St Ives, featuring book launches, poetry readings, workshops and open air events including poetry and prose readings, live music, comedy acts, creative writing workshops.

How can you take part?

With events taking place in venues close to the town centre, you can listen to poetry and music In Norway Square for free every day and for nominal admission fees listen to some of the UK’s established and upcoming authors and poets reading extracts form their work. There are also drop-in workshops where you can learn more about how to kick-start your own writing ambitions.

Did you know?

Virginia Woolf spent her childhood holidays in St Ives in the late 1800's. Godrevy Lighthouse across the bay is said to be the inspiration for her famous novel To the Lighthouse published in 1927.

Info:

www.stiveslitfest.co.uk/

Location: St Ives, west Cornwall 

What happens?

How can you take part?

Did you know?

Info:

Ten days of entertainment featuring star names, talks, walks, theatre and concerts celebrating the town’s most famous literary resident, the author Daphne Du Maurier.

What happens?

One of Cornwall’s most famous events, the Du Maurier Festival attracts the great and the good from the world of literature and entertainment. Over the years it has sparkled with star names such as Ann Widdecombe, Jo Brand, Tim Rice and Russell Howard. The festival marquee is the main venue for book talks, stand-up comedy and live music, while other venues around the town host lots of events including theatre and classical concerts. The countryside around the town’s magnificent harbour is the setting for guided walks and river cruises that take in many locations that have been inspiration for other famous novelists like Arthur Quiller-Couch, Leo Walmsley and Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame.

How can you take part?

The festival is an opportunity for visitors to explore the historic town and the stunning scenery that surrounds it and why the area has been a rich source of material for so many writers. Join the intimate gatherings when novelists bring their works to life, find out more about popular TV programmes with the people who make them, hear politicians talk about life at Westminster, enjoy famous comedians as they punctuate the festival with lots of laughter and there’s plenty of music to keep you entertained too.

Did you know?

Daphne du Maurier’s short story The Birds, penned in 1952, is based in Cornwall and features a farming community terrorised by a flock of seagulls. Ten years later Alfred Hitchcock turned his film of the same name, based on the story, into an international hit at the cinema.

Info:

www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk

The torch will stop off in Penzance, Helston and Truro, as well as Cornish villages including Bugle and Stenalees, near St Austell. Malcolm Bell, from Visit Cornwall, said: "The great thing about the route is that we have the iconic start at Land's End, and the opportunity to showcase places like St Michael's Mount. But I am equally delighted for villages like Bugle and Stenalees. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for villagers to celebrate such a worldwide event."

Cornish destinations

Land's End
Sennen
Newlyn
Penzance
Marazion
Rosudgeon
Ashton
Breage
Helston
Falmouth
Truro
Newquay
St Stephen
Trewoon
St Austell
Stenalees
Bugle
Lanivet
Bodmin
Liskeard
Saltash

As part of the celebrations visitors will be able to see Kernocopia - a Cultural Olympiad project and Cornwall’s contribution to the Opening Ceremony at Weymouth and Portland, venue for the 2012 Olympic sailing events. Titled ‘Battle for the Winds’ Cornwall’s sporting treasures will be celebrated with a striking performance piece of live outdoor theatre, created from working with the sports community in Cornwall through a residency programme including rowing inspired physical theatre, surfing inspired songs, wrestling inspired films, hurling inspired poetry and sailing inspired dances.

The Battle for the Winds will be performed to a local, regional, national and international audience as part of the Olypmic Torch Relay route in Cornwall, at the Weymouth & Portland Olympic Opening Ceremony and at cultural and sporting events in Cornwall throughout 2012 .

Council leader Alec Robertson said: "Millions of people already visit Cornwall every year, attracted by the opportunity to learn about our ancient past, with its industrial heritage, at the same time as enjoying our wonderful beaches, gardens and coastal walks, a marvellous array of festivals, arts and cultural events and our restaurants offering the fresh Cornish produce. The decision to choose Cornwall as the starting point for the 2012 celebrations offers us a wonderful opportunity to showcase the very best we have to offer and it is an opportunity that we will grasp with both hands."

St Ives Food & Drink Festival       

What’s it all about?

Taste, try, meet, buy, and enjoy the finest flavours and tastes that Cornwall has to offer and see some of the best chefs in the county giving cooking demonstrations in one of the best food and drink destinations anywhere in the UK.

What happens?

The festival is a celebration of local produce and talent with events hosted across St Ives throughout the festival showcasing local chefs, culinary experts and a wide variety of local beverages and food. A Producers Market on West Pier features some of Cornwall's leading food and drink producers displaying and selling their produce.

How can you take part?

With everything from wine and cider producers, to chocolate and cheese makers, fruit and vegetable growers and meat, chutneys, curry and bread all produced in Cornwall you’ll find plenty to delight your taste buds. During the festival some of the town's nationally renowned bars, restaurants and cafés host events such as wine and cheese tastings, fish barbeques and prepare special menus inspired by local produce. You can also take part in coastal walks foraging for edible plants on the way, learn more about the history of St Ives’ fishing industry and find out about old Cornish recipes on guided walks around the town and you can test your culinary knowledge at the food quiz.

Did you know?

In the mid-1800s the exports of pilchards from Cornwall amounted to over 122 million fish while the greatest number ever taken in one catch was an unbelievable 16 million fish at St Ives in 1868.

Location:

St Ives, west Cornwall    - www.stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

The festival was established in 2006 and embraces the places, people, history, culture and industry connected to this very Cornish river. With its diverse mix of events taking place at dozens of locations around the water, the festival gives a real chance to engage with life on the river and discover some of its fascinating history.

What happens?

The ten day festival is a not-for-profit community festival which encompasses over 150 events ranging from music and drama, arts and heritage to gig racing, swimming and wildlife walks. Throughout the festival you’ll find a range of diverse entertainment, including jazz bands playing on the harbour in St Mawes, film screenings on ferries moored offshore and, of course, plenty of seafood to sample.

How can you take part?

All the action takes place in Falmouth, Truro and around the Roseland Peninsula and thousands of people flock to the area where there are simply loads of events to take part in. Pick up tips from celebrity chefs demonstrating seafood recipes, watch a street theatre performance, listen to a traditional male voice choir, dance the night away to Celtic music or you could even take part in the Castle to Castle swim across the Fal Estuary.

Did you know?

In 2011 the festival raised over £75,000 for charity.  Falmouth harbour is the third largest natural harbour in the world and its strategic location led to the town being established as one of the most important packet ship ports in the UK. From 1689 up until the late 1800s ships from Falmouth carried mail packets to and from British embassies and outposts around the world.

Info:

www.falriverfestival.co.uk  Location: Around the Fal River.

During this event artists and crafts people all over Cornwall throw open the doors to their studios for a week at the beginning of the summer. The event showcases the best art the county has to offer, breaking the mould of traditional Cornish art with visitors able to see a range of contemporary work from the diverse pool of resident artists in the county.

What happens?

The unique event – the brainchild of Creative Skills, a professional development organisation for all creative industries practitioners in Cornwall - takes art lovers on a tour of the unseen Cornwall, visiting working artists in remote cottages and chapels, beachside studios and historic buildings, quite often far from the tourist trail.

How can you take part?

This is an opportunity to meet the artists behind the work, discuss their influences and inspirations and buy their work directly. And whether you’re an art lover or just a curious beginner, the event is an enriching experience for both you and the artists.

Did you know?

In 2011 a record 205 artists and crafts people took part in the event, showcasing the huge range of talent living and working in Cornwall.  Outside London, there are more working artists in Cornwall than anywhere else in the country. For an extensive reference log on to www.cornwallartists.org

Info:

Programme details are available from Tourist Information Centres throughout Cornwall, or visit the Open Studios website to download a programme. - www.creativeskills.org.uk  

Location: Venues all over Cornwall 

For three days each year the dedicated showground at Wadebridge is transformed into a living town, bustling with life, energy, agriculture, entertainment and trade. It is a significant event on the Cornish calendar with around 130,000 people attending.

What happens?

This has been Cornwall’s showcase since it was first held back in 1793 and as you’d expect from a county show, a fascinating glimpse into rural life in the county. Apart from the livestock judging, there is the famous flower tent decked out with wonderful displays from individuals and local nurseries. The main ring offers a full three days of entertainment featuring different headline acts each year, plus show jumping and a fast and furious inter-hunt relay.

There is also a full programme of entertainment and demonstrations in the countryside area, alongside Cornish heritage and Cornish wrestling. You’ll find busy marquees dedicated to goats and rare breeds, cage birds and poultry, bees and rabbits, there’s a major dog show, a traditional steam fair, the Cornwall Festival of Dance, forestry and if that’s not enough then there’s the motor fair, agricultural machinery, crafts, health and beauty, a big funfair ... in fact, something for all the family.

How can you take part?

The show is well attended and there can be traffic queues entering the main car parks, which are plentiful, to the showground. The advice is to get there early. There are simply loads of stalls selling fantastic local food and drink for you to sample straight from the suppliers, a chance to see some sheep shearing close at hand, you can browse the many trade stands (over 1,000 of them), listen to live music and during the three days the show often gets a visit from a member of the royal family.

Did you know?

The Royal Cornwall Show is regarded as one of the last true major agricultural shows in the UK.  The first show held near the Red Lion Inn in Truro over 200 years ago was just a ploughing match between local farmers.

Info:

Opening times/admission www.royalcornwallshow.org/

Location: Wadebridge. Sat nav: PL27 7JE PL27 7JEPL27 7JE PLPLPLPLPLPL27 7JE

A festival celebrating the life of the Launceston poet, Charles Causley (1917-2003), who was born and brought up in the town, and lived there for most of his life.

What happens?

The festival not only recognises the life and work of Launceston’s most prized writer Charles Causley, but also celebrates and promote the best of literature and arts from across the region. The festival hosts a varied programme of events including visiting authors, guided walks, a traditional market, exhibitions, music, talks, poetry readings and book signings.

How can you take part?

During the festival you can visit the Lawrence House museum housed in a glorious Georgian building and home to an extensive Causley exhibition or see works from the Launceston Arts for Fun group in the parish church. There are talks in the town hall and cafes – where you can also enjoy some live music sessions- photography exhibitions in venues around the town, poetry readings in local pubs, theatre performances along with guided walks around the area’s historical landmarks and film screenings. You can even take part in the Wine, Wisdom and Words literary quiz.

Did you know?

Charles Causley was highly regarded by his fellow poets. Ted Hughes wrote: “Before I was made Poet Laureate, I was asked to name my choice of the best poet for the job. Without hesitation I named Charles Causley … a poet for whom the title might have been invented afresh.”

Info:

www.charlescausleyfestival.co.uk

Location: Launceston, North Cornwall 

 

The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival was founded in 2003 by Falmouth Shout, a group of singers whose mission is to keep alive the history of Tall Ships and the days of sail by performing sea shanties, songs of the sea and Cornish songs. The Festival’s aims are to raise money for the RNLI and to preserve and promote the maritime heritage of the area.

What happens?

In common with other Celtic nations, Cornish people love singing and music and song has always been an important part of the county’s culture. Whether it be miner, fishermen or farmer, after the work was done, there were always stories to tell, songs to sing and a few pints to drink. The Sea Shanty Festival provides a platform where that heritage of storytelling through song comes alive with live performances by dozens of groups from all over Cornwall, the UK, Holland and France.

How can you take part?

Described as the largest free festival of maritime music on the planet, the three day event kicks off on the Friday evening with singing on Custom House Quay and in Events Square, continuing at several other venues in town until late! It’s a great way to soak up the true atmosphere of Falmouth’s seafaring past and you’ll find it hard to stop your feet tapping along to the infectious rhythms.

Did you know?

The word Shanty probably derived from the French verb to sing “chanter”. With the rhythmic beat keeping the teamwork synchronized, singing shanties helped sailors go about their tasks on board like hauling ropes or raising the anchor.

Info:

www.falmouthshout.com/

Location: Falmouth 

In the late 1800s, Golowan was one of the last surviving midsummer festivals practiced in Cornwall. Traditionally, blazing tar barrels were paraded around the town’s streets and bonfires were lit on the surrounding hills which could be seen all around Mounts Bay and beyond. In the 1890s the authorities in Penzance outlawed the festival due to the increasing fire risk and the centuries’ old festival died out. Revived in 1991, The Golowan Festival has today become the most colourful community festival in the South West, blending Cornish tradition with contemporary imagery and ritual.

What happens?

The festival brings the past and present together in a community celebration of the traditional midsummer Feast of St. John. The ten day festival attracts hundreds of local, national and international artists in a celebration of music and the performing arts along with plenty of entertaining events for the whole family.

How can you take part?

The festival is one big spectacle and to say there is a lot to see and do is probably an understatement. Listen to traditional music played by the Golowan Band, don’t miss Penglaz, the Penzance ‘Obby ‘Oss that makes an appearance on St John’s Eve and you can take part in the Serpent Dances when everyone joins hands and snakes through the streets. There’s also the Quay Fair where you’ll find stalls selling local food, arts and crafts, the fun Mock Mayor Elections and the Summer Fire celebrations featuring a spectacular firework display. One of the highlights of the festival is Mazey Day when the streets of Penzance are decorated with greenery and locals and school children dressed in colourful costumes parade around the town carrying spectacular sculptures based on local themes including giant fish, ships and pirates.

Did you know?

In 2011 the festival broke the record for the largest number of pirates in one place at the same time, as recognised by the Guinness Book of Records. 8, 734 people arrived on Penzance seafront dressed as Pirates smashing the previous record of 6,166.

For the 2012 Olympic year, Penzance will be hosting the very first Golowan Games. On 24th June, the GOLympics will be held in its very own state-of-the-art stadium, the Penzance Prom.  The organisers are looking for suggestions for the daftest, whackiest games that you would like to see, or, better still, take part in. Look out for Cornish wrestling, the pasty eating race, tossing the hay bale, crazy raft racing, three-legged racing, welly wanging, and much, much more.

Info:

www.golowan.org

Location: Penzance

 

The West of England Bandsmen's festival was established in 1912 when the gramophone was in its infancy and the wireless had not been invented. Back then, live performances were the only opportunity of enjoying music and it was against this backdrop that the idea of a band contest was greeted with such enthusiasm. Now this annual event attracts over 20 bands from all over Cornwall and beyond.

What happens?

For one day, silver bands, brass bands and youth bands descend on the aptly named village of Bugle right in the middle of Cornwall’s clay mining area to compete for the festival’s prestigious awards. Bands are not only judged on their test pieces but also on their standard of marching and overall appearance and bearing.

How can you take part?

The morning of the contest day you can watch the march to the contest ground, initially introduced at the inaugural Festival in 1912 and retained as a popular feature ever since. Throughout the day the open air festival rings out to the stirring sounds of marches, hymns and overtures making it a perfect day out for music lovers. Take a picnic and enjoy the unique atmosphere of one of the most famous brass band contests in the world.

Did you know?

The Royal Trophy, which is awarded to the Championship Section winners, was presented to the Festival in 1913, by the late Duke of Windsor, then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, and to this day is the only trophy with a royal connection in the brass band world.

Info:

www.webf.co.uk/ 

Location: Bugle, St Austell  

First J-Class Regatta in the UK since the rebirth of the class hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in Falmouth. This will be the first time in history that more than four of these imposing yachts will race together in a fleet.

What happens?

Races will be held in Falmouth bay and along the coastline. Around eight J Class yachts, each 140 feet in length, weighing around 200 tons and with a crew of up to thirty are expecting to be ready and prepared to race in June. Enthusiasts from around the world will be coming to Falmouth to view the yachts and watch the racing, which will be reported live around the world. This will be a yachting event not to be missed.

How can you take part?

The restoration of the original old J’s and the construction in Europe of new full sized sailing replicas, is the rebirth of a once largely forgotten class and spectators will be the first in the UK to view this wonderful fleet. The waters around the bay offer exciting courses for the competitors and spectators will have a grandstand view from the many headlands surrounding the course.

Did you know?

In their heyday during the 1930s, the beautiful J Class yachts were the ultimate sailing vessels, reserved for the wealthy elite and idolised by the general public. King George V owned one and was a regular competitor in his yacht Britannia.

Info:

www.jclassfalmouthregatta.com/  

Location: Falmouth bay

2012 will see the return of the prestigious Pendennis Cup, run by local superyacht yard Pendennis every 2 years. There is 4 days of competitive racing for magnificent superyachts out on the waters of Falmouth Bay.

What happens?

Each morning, up to 14 yachts get ready to race in Falmouth Bay.  The 2012 fleet classic and modern sailing yachts totalling a remarkable 450m + in length overall. The largest yacht is Athos which, at 62m, will be an exciting challenger to last year's Cup winner Adela (55.5m). 

The four days of racing are organised by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, with the daily battles taking place against the beautiful backdrop of the coastline surrounding the area running from Gull Rock situated off the Roseland Peninsula in the North to the Manacles which are located by the Lizard Peninsula further south. The entrance to the harbour overlooked by the castles of Pendennis and St Mawes will provide a striking finish line for each race. 

How can you take part?

The best vantage points to see the racing is from Pendennis Point and St Anthony Head across the water. The yachts will be moored at Port Pendennis Marina throughout the week and are easily seen from Events Square or from the viewing gallery at the Maritime Museum. The race office on Events Square can give you an overview of the participating yachts, a daily update on the performance of the yachts and the race conditions and they will be screening footage from the previous days' racing.     

Did you know?

• The largest yacht is Athos which, at 62m, an exciting challenger to last year's Cup winner Adela (55.5m) and Mariquita is one of the oldest participants, built in 1911.  You can also expect to see more modern yachts from the Dubois fleet. 
• Pendennis is one of the world’s leading superyacht builders, with a heritage spanning 23 years including over 100 major refit projects and 30 custom new build yachts. 

Info:

www.thependenniscup.com 

Location: Falmouth 

Mousehole’s biennial Sea Salts and Sail Festival revives old traditions and celebrates the heritage of West Cornwall's most famous fishing village, providing a day out for all the family.         

What happens?

The Festival includes traditional maritime craft displays, sea-food cookery demonstrations, heritage walks, tin smelting, historic maritime photo exhibitions and traditional Cornish music. The highlight of the festival (weather permitting) is that on both Saturday and Sunday traditional fishing vessels sail around the bay, unfurling their colourful sails, bringing a poetic insight into what the bay looked like a century ago when all fishing boats relied on the power of the wind to get them out to their fishing grounds.

How can you take part?

This festival really does highlight some fascinating aspects of Cornish heritage and visitors get an insight into many local crafts and traditions. Local chefs from the popular restaurants in Mousehole show off their skills cooking various fish dishes, there are demonstrations in the art of making crab pots in the old traditional way with willow and an evocative exhibition of photographs and memorabilia of Mousehole from 1800’s to present day are on display at the Sunday School. And after you’ve watched the woodturning and kipper smoking get your feet into walking mode by taking a guided tour around the historic village. During the festival live music including male voice choirs, folk bands and sea shanties adds the authentic soundtrack.

Did you know?

It’s believed that Mousehole was the inspiration for Dylan Thomas’s play Under Milk Wood. The author spent his honeymoon in the village in 1938.

Info:

www.seasalts.co.uk             

Location: Mousehole, Penzance           

Lafrowda Festival is an annual event celebrating community arts and first took place in 1996 developing from a music festival into what is now a two week community arts festival. Lafrowda is the ancient name for the church lands where the village of St Just in Penwith stands today. More recently, it has come to stand for community co-operation, a celebration of  local heritage, and a showcase for some of the finest artistic, theatrical and musical talent in the area.

What happens?

A wide range of organisations take part in the festival and there is something happening every day, from music and comedy to drama and dance. One of the highlights of the fortnight is Lafrowda Day takes place on the third Saturday in July. The roads are closed and decorations go up. From hip hop to harmony, from folk to funk, there are twelve hours of free entertainment to suit every taste along with street performers, stalls, refreshments, bouncy castles and, of course, three spectacular processions.

How can you take part?

St just in Penwith is a village full of tradition and Cornish character and with its great family-friendly atmosphere you’ll find lots of events to attend during the festival. There are quizzes, themed workshops, a talent show, dance competitions and live theatre as well as performances by local brass bands, groups and choirs plus an open mike night for comics and singers in the local pub.

Did you know?

At the centre of the village is a Plain-an-Gwarry, an outdoor amphitheatre used in medieval times for performing mystery plays, which now revived, are staged at certain times of the year.

Info:

www.lafrowda-festival.co.uk/

Location: St. Just in Penwith, West Cornwall 

Cornwall’s biggest one day agricultural show has been held annually since the early 1800s on the Feast Day of St Stythians Church, the nearest Monday following the 10th July. The show originally started as a competition between local parishioners to see who could grow the best vegetables, raise the finest cattle and breed the greatest horses. Today the purpose built showground provides a full day out for the whole family.

What happens?

Thousands of people descend on the large showground between Truro and Helston to enjoy musical entertainment, food courts, craft stalls, shopping opportunities around the Showground, a fairground, animals of all sorts including rare breeds, a dog show and dog agility competitions and craft and cookery competitions in the Domestic Marquee. In the Horticultural Marquee, there are splendid flower arrangements and displays of a very high standard.

How can you take part?

This is a show with plenty to see and do. The Taste of Cornwall is the marquee to see and, more importantly, to sample and buy truly local food, drink and produce. Kids will love the fur and feather section full of cute rabbits and clucking chickens. Watch the boundless enthusiasm of the dogs in the agility competition as they literally bounce around the courses. In the Countryside Area you can see craftsmen such as blacksmiths, weavers and beekeepers using traditional skills.  The ever popular Horse Section features approximately sixty classes catering for most equestrian enthusiasts and throughout the day there’s an assortment of entertainment, such as an accordion band, school jazz orchestra, local choirs and line dancing.

Did you know? 

The earliest record of the show comes from a report on the West Briton newspaper of the period which writes “The fair was abundantly supplied with cattle of the best quality and breed, better than we ever witnessed at any former exhibition. There was great competition in horses and especially in colts many of which would have done honour to the first exhibition in the kingdom”

Info:

www.stithiansshow.org.uk 

Location: Stithians