Cornish Summer Festivals in 2023
Festival season is here! This summer has to be the best year ever, with festivals celebrating everything from jazz to dance music, with fish, cider and sea shanties thrown in.
If you are planning a Cornwall holiday this summer, take a look at this season’s packed programme.
St Ives Festival of Food & Drink
Friday, 12 May – Saturday, 14 May. Porthminster beach, St Ives.
This popular event has to be the best-smelling festival ever! Rows of stalls line Porthminster beach, along with beer tents, music and kids’ entertainments. Try to catch a demonstration from visiting chiefs such as Jack Stein and Kathy Slack, as well as Porthminster’s own Mick Smith.
Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature
Friday, 12 May – Saturday, 20 May. Various locations around Fowey
2023 marks the 25th year of this famous literary event. For over a week in May, lovely Fowey celebrates its literary heritage with a series of talks, tours, concerts and displays. This year’s guest speakers include Kate Williams, Fern Britton and Sir Vince Cable. Look out for arts and music events, too.
The Great Estate
Friday, 2 June – Sunday, 4 June 2023. Near Redruth
Described as “the most rambunctious garden fete”, this eccentric festival takes place in the beautiful grounds of Scorrier House near Redruth. It has a laid-back, family-friendly vibe, with music, art, theatre and comedy. Pack a tent, or just come for the day.
Royal Cornwall Show
Thursday, 8 June – Saturday, 10 June. Wadebridge
Not strictly speaking a festival, but as one of the biggest events in Cornwall’s calendar, we absolutely have to include it! Come here for shows, demonstrations and competitions, and some of the best Cornish street food you can imagine.
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival
Saturday, 16 June – Sunday, 18 June. Various locations around Falmouth
Sea shanties may be a recent hit on YouTube, but they have been singing them down Falmouth for years. Singers come from all over the world to join in with this traditional musical treat, accompanied by plenty of food and drink and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere.
Rock Oyster Festival
Saturday, 29 July – Sunday, 30 July. St Minver, near Rock
Where else would you find Nile Rogers and Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall on the same bill? Rock Oyster Festival is a marvellous mix of music and food, and this year’s line up is incredible. There’s plenty for younger festival goers to enjoy too.
Boardmasters
Wednesday, 9 August – Sunday, 13 August. Fistral Beach, Newquay
Cornwall’s most famous festival comes back to Fistral. This year’s headliners are Lorde, Liam Gallagher, and Florence and The Machine, along with a huge list of fabulous support artists. There’ll be a bit of surfing too…
You do not have to sleep in a tent to enjoy a festival…
Book a comfy Cornish holiday cottage instead! Take a look at our selection of warm, dry and mud-free holiday cottages in Cornwall.
Stay in touch
Subscribe to our mailing list for our exclusive offers, new holiday homes and other exciting news throughout Cornwall.