Six reasons to visit the St Ives September Festival

St Ives is a beautiful place for a break all year round, from long hot beach holidays in the summer to cosy nights by the log burner for Christmas or New Year’s.

In September, the town comes together for the two-week St Ives September Festival. It’s a long-standing tradition and a festival that celebrates art, music and culture, bringing local artists and musicians together with internationally renowned acts in venues across the town. There’s so much going on, with live music in pubs and hotels, plus art in hosting galleries throughout St Ives.

Here’s six reasons to come and visit St Ives and the September Festival.

1. Artistic Heritage

Our hometown is known for its amazing light, something that has helped St Ives to become a hub for creative artists for many, many years. From the Tate Gallery to Barbara Hepworth, from Bernerd Leach to Peter Lanyon, art is a huge part of the community. Come and celebrate this with the festival and hosting galleries.

2. A Myriad of Music

St Ives September Festival offers a truly diverse music line-up. From Folk and Jazz to Rock and Classical, there is something for every taste. Enjoy more intimate sets from local artists in pubs like The Sloop or The Union, or book tickets to see headline acts in places like St Ives Arts Club or St Ia Parish Church.

3. Get Hands On

There’s plenty of opportunities to try your hand at something new in many of the creative workshops. From picking up a paintbrush, sketching the harbourside or throwing your very first pot. You’ll have the chance to take your own crafted piece home to remind yourself of the memories made during the Festival in St Ives.

4. Literature and Theatre

There will be spoken word and theatre performances throughout the fortnight long Festival. Enjoy performances inspired by Cornwall’s rich cultural history, bringing local stories to life.

5. The Best Setting

As festivals go, being based in St Ives takes some beating. If you are between events, you can explore the beaches and coast paths surrounding the town. Get outside and soak up the views on the coast path, find a cafe with amazing views or stoll along the beaches of Porthminster or Porthmeor.

6. A Unique Experience

It’s a really charming and quintessentially St Ives experience The September Festival is quirky and fun, not like a large-scale summer festival of music. It is of the place, where art, culture and music can be celebrated together in a sympathetic manner, providing a perfect getaway outside the school holidays.

If you want a last-minute getaway to enjoy the festival, then head over to the St Ives Destination page and find your perfect bolthole.