Guide to Cornwall’s best annual events
1. Boardmasters
Where: Newquay
When: August
Surfing and music combine brilliantly to produce this unique five-day event in Newquay.
Boardmasters has become one of the best festivals in country in the last few years, attracting some big stars to headline each year. Previous stars have included Razorlight, Giggs, Florence and The Machine, Dizzee Rascal, Franz Ferdinand, Plan B and many more.
The festival is situated across two stunning locations in Cornwall. By day you can choose whether to hang out at the surfing and skating competitions at Fistral beach in Newquay or alternatively there’s plenty going on at the festival site near Watergate Bay, with live music, wellbeing activities, the family field and arts and crafts.
Day tickets are available and there is a regular bus service from Newquay to the Watergate site.
If you’re interested in learning to surf, then staff at our holiday park near Newquay can put you touch with local surfing schools. Find out more about activity holidays in Cornwall here.
2. The Royal Cornwall Show
Where: Wadebridge
When: June
This country show, now the biggest annual event in Cornwall, is a family-friendly event that dates back to 1793.
For three days each year the dedicated showground at Wadebridge showcases all that’s best in food and farming. The big pull for the crowds are the events in the main ring, which include live music, show jumping and a fast and furious inter-hunt relay.
Plus there’s the dog show, traditional livestock judging, a traditional steam fair, sheep shearing, flower show, marquees showcasing crafts, health and beauty and of course lots of stalls allowing you to sample the best local food and drink.
The show is hugely popular so advice is to get there early to avoid the traffic queues.
What a super busy day here at @RCornwallEvents on Sunday for Wadebridge Wheels.
There was a record 3700 visitors and more than 1,000 classic, vintage and rare vehicles on display. A record-breaking £28,000 was raised for local charities, including @CFWBloodBikes #Cornwall pic.twitter.com/KIDjcnloRA
— Royal Cornwall Show (@RoyalCornwall) July 16, 2019
3. Cornwall Folk Festival
Place: Wadebridge
Month: August
The whole town of Wadebridge comes alive to the sound of music during the Cornwall Folk Festival, which runs over three days in early August.
Acts from all over the UK descend on this Cornish town to revel in the unique Cornish and Celtic musical heritage and dance culture. You’ll find singers and instrument workshops, street entertainment, tune sharing sessions and children’s games and face painting. Plus there are concerts, ceilidh sessions and workshops.
Perhaps the best part is the opportunity to sample local Cornish food and enjoy the wide choice of Cornish real ales and ciders on offer…
4. Falmouth Week
Where: Falmouth
When: August
Falmouth Week is a major sailing competition that features up to seven days of fleet racing for yachts and day boats in and around Falmouth Bay and the Carrick Roads (lower Fal estuary).
For visitors to this event in Cornwall, there is plenty happening on the land too. Make your way to Events Square which hosts daytime family activities including a party Carnival and live music into the night, the Moor Piazza which offers street food, market stalls and live acoustic music, plus head down to Customer House Quay and watch live action water polo or take a tour on the Falmouth Lifeboat.
5. Cornwall Pride
Where: Newquay
When: August
All are invited to celebrate diversity with this LGTB (lesbian, gay, trans or bisexual) event in Newquay. There is generally a parade through the town and then the Rainbow Fest held on Newquay’s Killacourt, overlooking Towan Beach. Here you will find live music, food, stalls, and activities for children.
6. Cornwall Motorfest
Where: Crantock near Newquay
When: August / September
A great event in Cornwall if you’re into your cars. And even if you’re not, then Cornwall’s biggest motoring event still offers a great day out for all the family. Set in 30 acres and over three days, Cornwall MotorFest features live music, stunt shows, food and refreshments, classic cars, the Saturday Soapbox Race and much more.
Combine your holiday to Cornwall with an event
So as you can see there are plenty of annual events in Cornwall that will appeal to all the family. If you’re looking for great value accommodation options then check out our touring caravan site in Cornwall for camping and touring options and our fantastically equipped static caravans if you need a little more home from home comfort on your caravan holiday in Cornwall.
