The Best Festivals in Cornwall This Year
Your guide to some of the fantastic music festivals taking place across Cornwall this year.
Looe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival
The line-up for this new indoor music festival in mid March is something special. Three headlines acts that are so well known they need little introduction, but just in case; The Animals & Friends, Martin Turner Ex Wishbone Ash, plus The Blockheads. Supported by a mix of contemporary artists that are sure to impress live music lovers, whatever their taste!
This Folk Festival is a friendly mix of folk events held on the weekend 22-25 May 2020. It features music, song, dance, and storytelling, plus a small programme of children’s events. The 2020 guest list includes Penzance's finest Flats & Sharps, Pete Morton, Rob Murch & Geoff Lakeman, Reg Meuross, plus more to be announced.
Welcome to the Great Estate, the most rambunctious Garden Féte! Expect major international headline acts, plus a mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts, all set in the beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate over the late May Bank Holiday weekend. Expect some old skool hip-hop from rap legends the Sugarhill Gang plus many more names to be announced.
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival
Described as the largest free festival of maritime music on the planet, the event kicks off on the 12th June with a Friday evening of singing on Custom House Quay and in Events Square, continuing at many other venues around the town until the late, late hours of Sunday night!
Tropical Pressure Festival, Porthtowan
An exciting and inspiring festival bringing a world of music, food, dance and culture to Porthtowan in mid July. 2020's line up is still to be announced but last years festival featured live acts from Colombia, the Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, and across Europe and you should expect the same or similar this year.
St Endellion Summer Music Festival
Internationally famous festival that takes place near Port Issac in early August. Classical music played by a symphony orchestra with a chorus of 75, plus guest artistes, encompasses the classics from Brahms to Stravinsky, music from Broadway and late-night brass bands.
Boardmasters Festival, Newquay
After the dissapointment of last years cancellation due to unseasonal weather, Boardmasters returns from the 5th August for five days of surfing, skating and music situated across two legendary locations Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay. 2020s line up still to be announced.
Cornwall Folk Festival, Wadebridge
With acts from across the world, this long running festival takes over the town of Wadebridge for the August Bank Holiday, offering music on every corner. Scotish legend Dougie Maclean headlines with O’Hooley and Tidow, Merry Hell, Gatehouse, Granny’s Attic and Winter Wilson amongst others appearing this year.
Focusing on Traditional and New Orleans Jazz and putting a swing in the step of the town each year, the lively four day Bude Jazz Festival features a great bill of both local and national jazz musicians from around the world at the start of September.
The Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival
Following a successful 2019 festival, The Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival will return to the grounds of Cornwall’s very own working cider farm for three days of apple inspired fun in mid September. Welcoming a wave of new artists as well as returning favourites, the event is gearing up to be the best yet.
Started in 1978, the festival lasts for two weeeks from the 12th September, offering a wide range of music, arts and literature events in locations throughout St Ives, attracting visitors from far and wide.
It’s the last of the summer festivals in a dramatic, magical location. Enjoy music on the main stages or just soak up the atmosphere in the many free venues around the town, Visit for the day, or stay all weekend.
We finish our rundown of Cornwall's finest festivals with a large slice of Celtic culture at the end of October. Featuring musicians from all across the Celtic nations who gather in Newquay to play, dance and just chat in whatever languages they speak. There might even be some wrestling and there's sure to be some kilts!
...and this is just a selection of wonderful events taking place this year... Check out our What's On pages for more.