Festivals in Cornwall: April and May
Festival season in Cornwall is almost here and I can literally taste the cider on my lips (Cornish Orchards, Berry flavour if you’re interested). We are completely spoilt for choice when it comes to festivals in Cornwall; from the pumping music festivals on the beach and food festivals on the pier to wellbeing and outdoor adventure weekends.
I’ve tried to make a little easier for you guys by compiling a list of the very best festivals over the next few months (April and May) in Cornwall.
Porthleven Food Festival, 26th - 28th April 2019
Porthleven Food Festival is always SO much fun. Now in its 11th year, the festival has become a well-established 3 day event in Cornwall’s festival calendar. With national and international chef theatres showing demos, tonnes of food stalls, street food, family entertainment and music sessions through the day and into the night. The vibe at Porthleven Food Fest is always great, especially if the sun is shining. Expect the pubs to be full and the harbour to be buzzing with people day drinking and enjoying street food alongside family friendly entertainment. The music at the Shipyard Sessions tends to heat up into the evening and there is also a firework display on the Saturday night.
http://www.porthlevenfoodfestival.com/
Masked Ball, Porthleven, 4th May 2019*
Well, well, well, there’s no party like a Masked Ball party. The ball is definitely up there as one of my favourite events in Cornwall - if you know, you know.
The guys that organise Masked Ball host three parties throughout the year; one in May, Halloween and on New Year’s Eve. The summer Masked Ball (May) is held on the cliffs at Porthleven and runs across two days. Have you heard about their 24 hour license? Yup, that’s not a lie.
I’ve been to the Masked Ball for the last two years and I ALWAYS have such an incredible time - it goes without saying that my head always feels fuzzy the following morning but it is always worth it. For the full Masked Ball summer experience, pitch up your tent with your fellow ballers in the morning, chill out on the cliffs overlooking the ocean with a bev in hand and listen to the music as the volume gets louder. I have to say, by 4PM the place is pumping with ballers in their best costumes (mine normally includes a hell lot of glitter), partying in the sunshine overlooking the Atlantic - a true party, trust me.
If the Saturday ball isn’t enough for you, then the party carries on through to Monday AM. See you on the flip side ballers * plays Losing it, Fisher *
Book tickets now: https://www.maskedball.net/
St Ives Food and Drink Festival, St Ives, 10-12th May
Taking place on the iconic Porthminster Beach, the St Ives Food and Drink Festival promises culinary experts, attractions and a wide variety of local beverages and food over 3 days. A fantastic range of activities, music and entertainment which promises plenty of fun for all the family. I’ve never actually been to St Ives Food Festival before but I can only imagine that the atmosphere is great with a similar buzz to Porthleven Food Fest. The festival is free to attend but you will need to purchase tickets for the music evening sessions.
https://stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk/
Tunes in the Dunes, Perranporth, 24th - 27th May
From the team at The Watering Hole, Tunes in the Dunes a 3 day family friendly music festival on Perranporth beach. This years lineup includes John Newman, Newton Faulkner, Plain White T’s, Morcheeba, Madness and many more. Camping is available at the top of Perranporth overlooking the beach. I’ve been to this festival a few times (plus worked on the red bull stand a few years ago) and it’s always such a laugh! I can confirm that it is friendly but it’s also good for those looking for a few drinks and a dance on the beach! After parties are held at the Watering Hole after the festival arena has closed.
https://tunesinthedunes.co.uk/
Porthilly Spirit, North Cornwall, 24th -26th May* (cancelled)
BRAND NEW! Porthilly Spirit festival is located on Trefresa Farm in North Cornwall (nr Rock). It’s all about reconnecting with nature. Think wellbeing, feast nights, music, workshops and adventures. Join a surf school, beach yoga, SUP sessions, foraging and other exciting outdoor adventures during the 2 day festival. Championing Cornwall’s lively restaurant scene and natural larder, join other festival goers at a long communal feast table or a quiet picnic on the beach. Dine with Hidden Hut, Prawn on the Lawn and Woodfired Canteen then enjoy music from Tom Odell, Villagers, Mr Jukes and many more.
I am super excited to check this brand new festival out this year! The season is full of dancing and drinking (for me) so I am very much looking forward to a different style of festival weekend.
https://www.porthillyspirit.com/
The Great Estate, Scorrier, 31st May - 2nd June
Described as the most rambunctious Garden Fête, The Great Estate is a super whacky festival located at Scorrier Estate near Redruth.! Expect major international headline acts, a rambunctious mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts, all within the beautiful grounds of the estate. Look out for the different festival areas, such as the vintage fairground, woodland silent disco, secret gin garden, The Whispering Woods, burlesque sessions, Madame Wong's House of Wrong, classical corner, glamping, hot tubs, The Sanctuary and the Swamp Circus and many more. Last year we went to this festival and I was surprised at how awesome it was! My friends and I spent our afternoon drinking pimms at the pimms bus and then found a house and techno tent to have a little dance in! Later in the evening there is a silent disco in the woods - an all round decent little festival!
I have been kindly gifted tickets for all festivals with a * by the title however all opinions are my own. We’ve got an amazing festival calendar here in Cornwall! Keep an eye out for June/July/August edition.