As we enter another year of this seemingly never-ending pandemic, staycations are more popular than ever, and if you're thinking about visiting our sunny coast this year, then you should continue reading to discover what Cornwall has to offer you throughout the 2022 season. Whether you’re a foodie or music lover, there is something for everyone happening in 2022 in the idyllic location of Cornwall.
World Pasty Championships
Where: The Eden Project
When: 5th of March (St Pirans Day)
There isn’t a more Cornish way to start the 2022 season than the World Pasty Championships. However the day isn't all about your typical cornish pasty, you can also expect unique combinations of any savoury pasty. One of the great things about the day is that anyone can have a go! There are four different categories, company, professional, amateur, and junior. This year marks its 10th anniversary so come check it out and enjoy some sensational pasties, as well as comedy and music performances to keep you entertained throughout the day.
CGS Spring Flower Show
When: 2nd - 3rd April
Where: Royal Cornwall Showground
Everyone knows about the famous Chelsea Flower Show and this cornish event has come to be known as the “Chelsea of the West.” This is a ticketed event where you can see what is truly the best of Cornish horticulture, and if you are a member of the CGS then you can even attend an exclusive preview event on the 1st of April. The event is making its comeback after having to take two years off due to coronavirus restrictions, but this year it is coming back with a bang with plenty of garden inspirations as well as some stunning displays.
Porthleven Food Festival
When: 22nd - 24th April
Where: Porthleven
Here’s one for all you foodies! Although with music sessions and gourmet events, the food festival is a great day out for any families, friends, or just about anyone will be able to find something to enjoy at this event! Throughout this event you will have the chance to taste masses of different cuisines and foods lovingly handmade but some excellent chefs. For those of you who are wanting to learn more about the art of cooking, then you can purchase tickets to the “Chefs Theatre”, where some of Cornwall's greatest chefs will be showing you how to create yummy dishes at home.
Padstow May Day
When: 1st of May
Where: Padstow
This is one of the more traditional events that takes place throughout the season, but it is also one of the most celebrated days in Padstow’s Calendar. To mark the changing of the seasons, a group of huge parades takes place which are known as the Pagen “obby oss” Parades. There are giant puppets as well as dancers, so it is very entertaining, not only for little ones, but also for people who have never experienced anything like these parades before. The streets are decorated with flags and flowers, and the event is very popular with thousands of people attending every year.
Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature
When: 6- 14th May
Where: Fowey
If you like to get lost in your imagination, whether that be through poetry, or books, or music, you will definitely enjoy this festival. Enjoy insightful readings by the sea, or spend some time writing your latest piece and enter one of the competitions. Throughout the event, there are various competitions to enter, and for all age groups. This will help you to get the brain juices flowing as well as to relax in the ocean air and take some time to yourself.
Royal Cornwall Show
When: 9th - 11th June
Where: Wadebridge
If you’re an animal lover then you will have an amazing time at the Royal Cornwall Show. This event is very traditional and great fun for all the family, hundreds of visitors travel from all around the country to visit this exquisite event and the well renowned Wadebridge showground. There are many different animals for you to see, such as sheeps, cows, pigs and much more. One of the most exciting parts of the day is the judging portion where you get to see which animals will go home with the star prizes. Don’t forget that there are also shopping stands where you can purchase fresh local products.
Boardmasters Festival
When: 10th - 14th August
Where: Newquay
A festival on the beach, what more can I say? You can dance and sing along to amazing artists whilst drinking cocktails and soaking up the sun and sea air. This year's lineup is better than ever with headliners including George Ezra, Bastille, Disclosure, and Kings Of Leon. The location of the festival also happens to be a great spot where many surfing competitions take place and you can watch the wave rider whilst listening to the excellent music.
Location- Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall, Porthmeor Beach, TR26 1TG
Date- 8 Feb 2019 to 6 May 2019
Description- The first UK retrospective of the Egyptian-Canadian artist of Armenian origin, Anna Boghiguian. For this exhibition, Anna Boghiguian has created a new work inspired by the industrial history of Cornwall; featuring characters, processes and materials drawn from the mining and fishing industries.
Outlining the South West
Location- West Cornwall > Mousehole
Date- 5 Apr 2019 to 30 Jun 2019
Description- 630 miles of the South West Coast through the eyes of an artist. The artworks include a pictorial record of Anita’s marathon walk along the 630 mile South West Coast Path. The prints and paintings of Devon based artist, Anita Reynolds, are the subject of EATDRINKSLEEP’s upcoming Spring Exhibition at their small coastal hotel in Mousehole, The Old Coastguard.
Sterts Spring 2019
Location- Bodmin Moor + Tamar Valley > Liskeard
Date- 6 Apr 2019 to 1 Jun 2019
Description- A new season at Sterts, the theatre on Bodmin Moor! Cabaret, poetry, singing, brass, theatre and beer!
Sat 4th May 12-11 pm
This year Sterts are hosting their very own beer festival!! The Country Men will be providing excellent live music.
Sterts Singers
Sat 11 |May 7.30 pm Tickets £10
Come and join Sterts Singers for a spring showcase of music and entertainment including previews of Sterts In House Summer Shows.
Sat 25th May 9.30 am Bodmin Moor Poetry Festival More Info here
Rock Meets Brass Tickets
Sun 26 May 5.00 pm Tickets Full £12/Child £6
East Cornwall's premier Brass Band, St Pinnock are very proud to present an evening of Rock and Brass with their very special guest, Rock Choir Cornwall.
Aladdin Jnr - Sterts Junior Theatre Company
Wed 29th, Thurs 30th, Fri 31st May 7.00 pm Sat 1st June 2.00 pm Tickets Full £8/Child £6
Disney’s Aladdin JR. is based on the 1992 Academy-Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway and West End show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment! With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills, this new adaptation of the beloved story opens up “a whole new world” for Sterts’ young performers!
Further details can be found on the Sterts Theatre website or by ringing our Box Office.
www.sterts.co.uk Tel : 01579 362382
Roseland Festival
Location- The Roseland, St Mawes, Cornwall, TR2 5AG
Date- 23 Apr 2019 to 4 May 2019
Description- Folk, jazz and choirs, history and art, films and photography, , walks and talks – they are all going into the melting pot of the Roseland Festival.
Edwina Hayes, one of our guest artists, is an outstanding folk singer, song writer and raconteur. Geoff Lakeman, the West Country folk singer, will be our opening event, Orpheus, a brazilian influences jazz band will perform over the middle weekend and Kit Hill Billies, returning after a resounding success last year will be our closing the event. Tresillian Ladies Choir, joined this year Cornish Connection barber’s shop quartet a male chorus who sing acapella. The FalRiver Company are kindly supplying a boat for our history and bird watching sail along the Fal.
Dan Sefton, script writer of “the Good Karma Hospital” and “Trust Me” among other dramas, will be giving a talk about his work and for young people there will be a drama workshop. Authors. Patrick Gale and Robert Goddard will both have sessions.
There are pottery and candle making workshops. Robin Mason, the artist will be holding a demo.talk alongside a weekend exhibition at the Harbour Gallery. Two classic Films will be shown and a wine and Spirit tasting events. We have a churches tour and a walk around historic St Mawes, talks on Tate St Ives and the Roseland in WW2. These and other events will provide an entertaining and interesting programme.
Tickets can be booked through our website or through the Cornish Riviera Booking Office.The Festival has a scheme by which anyone can become a “Friend”. For a small fee of (£10) a Friend has priority booking . To take advantage of the scheme contact [email protected], or via the website www.roselandfestival.com.
Padstow May Day
Date- 1 May 2019
Location- North Coast > Padstow
Description- The biggest day in Padstow's calendar. It's not unusual for 30,000 people to flock into this little town on the day when Padstonians from all over the world return to their roots. Overnight the locals decorate 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.
Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival
Date- 2 May 2019 to 6 May 2019
Location- Cornwall
From across the globe, male choirs of all ages from boys to senior citizens descend on Cornwall for the 2019 International Male Choral Festival, for what is now the largest event of its kind in the World. More than 50 concerts and celebrations in 40 venues across the county running from May 2nd– May 6th 2019 will take place. Check this website for locations and tickets https://www.cimcf.uk/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=visitcornwall.com&utm_campaign=listing
The Masked Ball
Date- 3 May 2019 to 5 May 2019
Location- Porthleven, Cornwall
Description- The Masked Ball is a spectacular themed event in Cornwall, staged by a group of friends who just love
throwing parties. The three-day spring ball on a cliff takes place on the cliffs at Beacon Crag, Porthleven and is a real launchpad to the Festival season.
St Agnes Bolster Festival
Date- 4 May 2019 to 6 May 2019
Location- Churchtown, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0QW
Description- A celebration of Cornish music and art featuring life size puppets, a drum band and a 28ft giant effigy re-enacting the famous Cornish legend of the giant called Bolster. A great day out for all the family.
Paradise Park’s Red Squirrel Rambles
Date- 4 May 2019 to 6 May 2019
Location- 16 Trelissick Road, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HB
Description- Over the Bank Holiday Weekend, See the Red Squirrels at Paradise Park, learn about what makes them unique, who shares their habitat and the Park’s role in breeding them for reintroduction into the wild.
Polkerris Beach Swim-SUP-Run Triathlon
Date- 4 May 2019
Location- Polkerris Beach, Cornwall, PL24 2TL
Description- Back for its second year is the Polkerris Beach alternative Swim/SUP/Run Triathlon. The traditional bike leg is replaced with a Stand Up Paddle board. On the same day as the we are hosting a single 5km paddle board race alongside the triathlon.
Helston Flora Day
Date- 8 May 2019
Location- Helston Flora Day, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 8ER
Description- The famous Flora Day celebration is believed to be pre-Christian and at one time during the Victorian era was banned as being "a drunken revelry." Dancing begins at 7am. A great family day out.
St Ives Food and Drink Festival
Date- 10 May 2019 to 12 May 2019
Location- Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2DS
Description- A celebration and gathering of some of the finest food & drink producers and chefs in Cornwall which will take place in St Ives on Porthminster Beach – believed to be the UK’s only beach food and drink festival.
Fowey Festival: Music Events
Date- 10 May 2019 to 16 May 2019
Location- The du Maurier Festival Society, 74 Lostwithiel Street, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1BQ
Description- This years Fowey Festival includes concerts by two of the south west's finest folk acts, kicking off with Seth Lakeman on the 10th followed by Show of Hands on the 16th.
The du Maurier Festival Society
Fowey Festival of Art & Literature
Date- 10 May 2019 to 18 May 2019
Location- The du Maurier Festival Society, 74 Lostwithiel Street, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1BQ
Description- Exciting programme includes talks, interviews, creative and practical workshops, exhibitions, presentations, theatre, musical concerts, an Art trail, guided walks and river cruises to enjoy, inform, challenge and inspire the imagination.
Eden Classic Sportive
Date- 12 May 2019
Location-Eden Classic Cycle Ride, Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
Description- Our mass participation cycling event is back for its fifth year! Challenge yourself with the short, mid or long distance courses through spectacular coastal scenery.
Bude & Stratton Folk Festival
Date- 24 May 2019 to 27 May 2019
Location- Bude & Stratton Folk Festival, The Falcon Hotel and various venues in Bude, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8SD
Description- The Folk Festival is a friendly mix of folk concerts, workshops and themed events held annually on the late May Bank Holiday weekend. It features dance displays, music and song all based in and around the North Cornwall coastal town of Bude.
Fal River Festival 2019
Date- 24 May 2019 to 2 Jun 2019
Location- Fal River Festival, Falmouth, and surrounding, areas, Cornwall
Description- This fantastic 10 day celebration offers something for everyone, with over 100 events showcasing creative talent from the worlds of art, music, food, theatre, film, adventure & more.
Huguette Caland at Tate St Ives
Date- 24 May 2019 to 1 Sep 2019
Location- Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1TG
Description- Shifting between figuration and abstraction, large, colourful canvases and detailed drawings from the 1970s and 1980s will explore the delicate balance between the suggestive and the explicit that Huguette Caland created in her work.
Open Studios Cornwall 2019
Date- 25 May 2019 to 2 Jun 2019
Location-Cornwall Open Studios, Creative Skills, Krowji, Cornwall, TR1 1EA
Description- Artists and craftspeople all over Cornwall throw open the doors to their studios for a week at the beginning of the summer.
Dick V Dom at the Eden Project
Date- 25 May 2019 to 1 Jun 2019
Location- The Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
Description- BOGIES!!!! Don’t miss our very exciting May half-term programme, when the wonderful Dick and Dom take up residency at Eden!
Bug and Butterfly Quest at Paradise Park
Date- 25 May 2019 to 2 Jun 2019
Location- 16 Trelissick Road, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HB
Description- A fun way to explore the amazing world of insect life. Search out the questions around Paradise Park to learn about colourful butterflies, barmy bugs and creepy insects in our Whitsun ‘Bug & Butterfly Quest’.
Garden Magic on the Mount
Date- 27 May 2019 to 31 May 2019
Location- St Michael's Mount, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0EF
Description- During May Half Term celebrate the colours that spring brings to the Mount's unique garden. The garden lawn will become a hub of crafty activity as we take inspiration from the colours and patterns of the plants and flowers in the Mount garden.
Great Estate Festival
Date- 31 May 2019 to 2 Jun 2019
Location- Scorrier House, Scorrier, Redruth, TR16 5AU
Description- Great Estate Garden Fete, held within the prestigious and mystical grounds of Scorrier House, minutes away from the beautiful Cornish coastline, you can be sure to expect the unexpected... Get your tickets now!
Stomp and Twang Festival
Date- 31 May 2019 to 2 Jun 2019
Location- South Coast > Falmouth
Description- Sadly this event has been cancelled
Date- 25 May 2019 to 1 Jun 2019
Location- The Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
Description- BOGIES!!!! Don’t miss our very exciting May half-term programme, when the wonderful Dick and Dom take up residency at Eden!
