What’s On In Cornwall: September 2017
SEPTEMBER 2017
Summer’s over but it seems Cornwall has not got the memo. There is so much going on this September, from music, beer and yoga festivals to new art exhibitions, feast nights and film tours. Get out and enjoy it!
MUSIC & FESTIVALS
Kudhva Sunday Sessions, Kudhva, Tintagel, Sun 3 Sept
The first Sunday of every month, Kudhva (a unique new camping/glamping spot near Tintagel) curates an afternoon of delicious food, cocktails made with botanicals sourced on site and records played by some of the best local DJs. It’s a great chance to meet people, chat, dance and enjoy this unique place.
Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions, Lusty Glaze Beach, Newquay, Fri 8, 13, 22 & 29 Sept
Lusty Glaze was named by The Times as the UK’s most picturesque place to watch live music and every Friday they host free Sundowner Sessions – book a table and enjoy some great local talent. In Sept, enjoy the city slicking country vibes of A. James Harding; Newquay band The Big Sets; rising star Charlie Bowdery and indie folk singer Frozen Houses.
Find out more at Lustyglaze.co.uk
Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival, Healy’s Cider Farm, Penhallow, Fri 8 – Sun 10 Sept
Back for its fifth year with increased capacity, this Cornish festival has been named BBC Music’s ‘Summer of Music’ Festival in Cornwall. Headliners include Scouting for Girls, Hothouse Flowers, Electric Swing Circus and The Wurzels. And don’t miss the brilliant emerging talent on the BBC introducing stage.
Find tickets at Cornwallciderfestival.co.uk
Fisherman’s Friends, Regal Theatre, Redruth, Sat 9 Sept
The popular Port Isaac band’s last gig of the year in Cornwall. Fisherman’s Friends will be performing as part of the International Pasty & Mining Festival at the newly refurbished Regal Theatre in Redruth. Expect plenty of fruity, bawdy songs of the sea.
Grab tickets at Redruth.merlincinemas.co.uk
Haunt The Woods & Rue, Harbour Sessions, St James Church, Kew, Sat 9 Sept
The second of Harbour Brewery’s Harbour Sessions showcases the Cornish folk/rock band Haunt The Woods and local singer songwriter Rue in the magical setting of St James Church in St Kew. As you might expect, there will be a well-stocked bar with beers from Harbour Brewing Co, Hayward Cider, wine and soft drinks. Tickets cost £10.
Get your tickets at Eventbrite.com
Fowey Valley Music Festival, Church of St. Fimbarrus, Fri 15 & Sat 16 Sept
The third annual Fowey Music Festival brings world-class classical music to one of Cornwall’s prettiest harbour towns. This year’s programme includes performances from Catrin Finch, Benjamin Goldscheider, Callum Smart and Richard Uttley, as well as the young musician’s concert, which is all about promoting new talent.
Book tickets at Brownpapertickets.com
Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, Fri 15 – Sun 17 Sept
Get your banjos at the ready for three days of bluegrass music at Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay. Acts include Jack Lawrence with Richard Plank and Alan Ward, Down County Boys, Bakerfield and The Leon Hunt n-Tet.
See the lineup and find tickets at Cornishbluegrass.co.uk
High Contrast, The Wateringhole, Perranporth, Sat 16 Sept
He curated music for the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony and now DJ High Contrast, one of dance music’s elite remixers, is coming to a beach near you. He’ll be at The Wateringhole on Perranporth Beach this month, so if you like a dance, get down there.
Get your tickets at Thewateringhole.co.uk
Henry’s Little Big Gig, Henry’s Campsite, Lizard Village, Fri 22 – Sat 24 Sept
A fantastic live music and ale festival based at the award-winning Henry’s Campsite, on the Lizard Peninsula. The three-day family festival, celebrates Cornwall’s creative talent, in music, beer making and much more. There will also be creative workshops (yoga, drumming, crafts, pottery and more), authentic street food and a tropical fancy dress competition.
Looe Music Festival, Fri 29 – Sun 30 Sept
Photo by Laura Crouchley
Three days of superb live music in a magical setting. Organisers describe Looe as a ‘grown-up music festival’ where camping is not a prerequisite and the village comes alive, from the beach to the streets with music, entertainment and cultural happenings. This year, catch The Jesus and Mary Chain, Lulu and Happy Mondays.
Buy tickets at Looemusic.co.uk
Electric Swing Circus, The Wateringhole, Fri 29 Sept
If you’ve been to any of Cornwall’s summer festivals, chances are you may have already seen this brilliant and unique swing band this summer and they’re back for more fun on the beach at the end of the month. Fronted by a sassy female double act, their live set includes electric double bass, vintage samples, gypsy-jazz guitar, keys, drums, synths and electro beats.
Book tickets at Thewateringhole.co.uk
Proms at The Minack, Minack Theatre, Sat 30 Sept & Sun 1 Oct
A real treat at the end of the season at The Minack is two days of Proms presented by The Mount Charles Band. This year they also welcome acclaimed Cornish singer Alison Harvey. Bring blankets and picnics, horns and flags for a good dose of traditional British fun.
ART & CULTURE
Kurt Jackson Exhibition, ‘Cot: A Cornish Valley’, Jackson Foundation Gallery, Opens 2 Sept
An exciting and ambitious new collection of paintings and sculpture following this small, most westerly of valleys in Cornwall, from its source to its exposed Penwith heathlands to the Atlantic coast at Port Nanven. Works range from immense canvases to small intimate studies, film, ceramics and sculpture.
Find out more at Jacksonfoundationgallery.com
Eden Arts Festival (including Proud Eden), Eden Project, nr St Austell, Fri 8 – Sun 10 Sept
A long weekend of live performances, visual arts, music and family fun. The first day of Eden Arts Festival is a celebration of LGBTQ culture, including the acclaimed West End show Outings, Lucy Le Brocq’s photos of drag kings and talks, poetry and music from Matthew Todd, Dean Atta, Elani Evangelou, Toby Campion and Zee Gachette.
Find out more at Edenproject.com
Togetherness: Notes on Outrage, Kestle Barton, Helford, opens Sat 9 Sept
Togetherness: Notes on Outrage is the continuation of an ongoing research project first begun at the London project space, South Kiosk. The exhibition celebrates the pioneering work of the architecture critic Ian Nairn whose 1955 edition of Architectural Review, entitled Outrage, revolutionised architectural criticism. At Kestle Barton, there will be new works by artists Felicity Hammond, Polly Tootial and Shaun C Badham as well as temporary works and film screenings.
Find out more at Kestlebarton.co.uk
St Ives September Festival, Sat 9 – Sat 23 Sept
A 15-day festival in one of Cornwall’s most vibrant artistic hubs. St Ives Festival offers a mix of music, art and food, drawing culture-seeking visitors from around the country. Highlights include live music in the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, performances from John McCusker Band, Toploader and Cara Dillon at The Guildhall, Ronnie Scotts in St Ives at The Western Hotel and numerous art workshops and open studios.
Find out more at Stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk
National Trust Heritage Open Days, Trerice, Cotehele and Old Post Office Tintagel, Sat 9 Sept, Tregwainton Garden, Sun 10 Sept
See some of Cornwall’s heritage gardens and stately homes free of charge in this series of open days. Including tranquil wooded garden Tregwainton near Penzance, Elizabethan manor Trerice near Newquay (said to be the inspiration for Poldark’s Trenwith), Tintagel’s medieval Old Post Office and Tudor estate Cotehele.
See all National Trust, Cornwall events at Nationaltrust.org.uk
Wet Auction, Newlyn Art Gallery, 17 Sept
In recognition of Newlyn’s history of ‘plein air’ painting, artists will be invited to leave their studios and spend a day working outdoors in Newlyn, Penzance and further afield in Penwith. At the end of the day at Newlyn Art Gallery, buyers will have the opportunity to bid on the works created that very day, which may, in some cases, still be wet.
Find out more at Newlynartgallery.co.uk
Robyn Denny and Albert Ruess Exhibitions, Newlyn Gallery & The Exchange, opening Sat 23 Sept
A new solo exhibition celebrating the work of the internationally acclaimed painter Robyn Denny opens on 23 Sept and will be presented across both galleries. The Picture Room at Newlyn Gallery will have an exhibition of paintings by Albert Reuss on show from 23 Sept too. (Plus, The Samuel Bassett and Craftschool exhibitions and workshops at Newlyn Gallery and A Certain Kind of Light at The Exchange are running until 16 Sept).
Find out more at Newlynartgallery.co.uk
Jeremy Le Grice: A New Survey – Through The Mill, Tremenheere Gallery, Penzance, opens 31 Sept
Don’t miss this major retrospective exhibition of distinctive Cornish landscape painter Jeremy Le Grice. Working primarily in West Cornwall, Jeremy Le Grice is one of the most prominent landscape painters of his generation. His atmospheric paintings explore the Penwith landscape, its high moors, windswept cliffs and hidden harbours. This retrospective includes many unknown works from the family and private collections.
Find out more at Tremenheere.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
Taste of Scilly Festival, Isles of Scilly, Fri 1 – Sat 30 September
Taste of Scilly, the festival that has foodies flocking to the Isles of Scilly, is back in September with a month-long celebration of the very best in food, drink and produce from the famously unspoilt archipelago. Throughout September, there’s a fresh foodie experience to savour every day, from lobster feasts to Scillonian produce markets, from beach barbecues to evening supper boats.
See the full programme of events at Visitislesofscilly.com
Woodfired at West, Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, every Tues and Thurs
Woodfired Canteen’s pop-up, mid-week suppers on Porthmeor Beach are rolling on into September. As always with Woodfired Canteen, you can expect super tasty food from the grills and a great community feel, with a single menu served to the centre of shared tables. There are two sittings, at 6pm and 8pm and the set menu (a meat or veggie option) costs £25, for nibbles, a hearty main with bread from St Ives bakery and a pud to take away.
Woodfired Sessions, Philleigh Way, Philleigh, Truro, Thurs 7, 14 & 21 Sept
Cookery School Philleigh Way has three special evenings lined up for September. Their Woodfired Sessions combine great food and music and take place in the newly covered outside area (with heating for the late Sept crowd). Choose from the ‘Best’ evenings, starring authentic Argentinian Asado with local beef and lamb or the ‘Pysk’ nights that are a celebration Cornish fish.
Forage & Feast Day, The Gurnard’s Head, Penwith, Fri 8 Sept
One of Muddy’s favourite pubs, in beautiful Penwith, The Gurnard’s Head and Caroline Davey of Fat Hen host a day of foraging, eating and exploring the landscape (the last of the season). Meet for a coffee in the bar followed by a walk in search of the edible delights of West Cornwall, finished off with lunch at The Gurnard’s.
Sri Lankan Feast, Knightor Winery, Trethurgy, Fri 8 Sept
Following the success of their Winter Sun Sri Lankan Feast, the latest Knightor Winery feast is heading back to warmer climes with another menu inspired by the tiny island just off the southern tip of India. Expect spicy curries, sweet onion relishes and palm sugar sweetened desserts.
Gyllyngdune Tea Festival, Princess Pavillion, Falmouth, Sun 17 Sept
A celebration of all things tea and the heritage of the gardens. This eclectic festival offers a mix of pop-up theatre performances, tea tasting, tea dances, live music, ‘craft-tea’ activities, cream teas and afternoon teas, with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party flavour. Circus performers and pop-up dancers will also entertain throughout the tropical gardens of Gyllyngdune, which sweep down to the waters of Falmouth Bay. Free entry!
Find out more on the event’s Facebook page
Japanese Feast and Sake Night with Naoko’s Kitchen, Chantek, Truro 18 Sept
Join Japanese cook and tutor Naoko at Southeast Asian restaurant Chantek for an authentic Japanese feast. Guests to this intimate supper night will enjoy a three course meal served with high quality Sake. Special Asian themed cocktails will also be on the menu.
Find out more on the event’s Facebook page
Great Cornish Food Festival, Lemon Quay, Truro, Fri 22 – Sun 24 Sept
For three days, Truro’s Lemon Quay will play host to the largest event dedicated to Cornwall’s remarkable food and drink. Michelin starred chef Nathan Outlaw, will once again open the festival on Fri 22 Sept and will be doing a demonstration on the main stage of the Chef’s Theatre. Other local chefs on the line-up include Jack Stein, Adam Banks (Fifteen Cornwall), Guy Owen (Idle Rocks) and Phil & Christine Jensen (Peboryon).
Find out more at Greatcornishfood.co.uk
Heligan Harvest, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Sat 23 Sept – Sun 8 Oct
There’s teasingly little information on the Heligan website so far but here’s what we know… This year’s Heligan Harvest has a cornucopia of events lined up and sees the home of the ‘Finest Productive Garden’ in Britain celebrating its gardening year in traditional style, culminating in two incredible feast nights.
Hygge-inspired Autumn Potluck Dinner, Truro, Fri 29 Sept
Held in a beautiful bell tent named Tylda, guests at this autumnal feast will cosy up around low tables for a belly warming 3-course meal, including smoked mackerel or aubergine pate, beef or autumnal veg and barley stew and spiced apple cake. A welcome drink of mulled cider is also included in the £22 ticket price.
Find out more on the event’s Facebook page
Eden Beer Festival, Eden Project, nr St Austell, Sat 30 Sept
Try a huge range of beers and ciders from Cornwall and beyond at Eden Project’s annual beer festival. Join the celebration to try craft ales, specialty ciders and new this year – a collection of boutique Cornish gins at the dedicated gin bar. There will also be live music to entertain and gourmet festival food to keep you on your feet. Tickets cost £12.50 and include 4 drinks and a commemorative pint glass.
Find out more at Edenproject.com
CULTURE, SPORT & COMMUNITY
Camel River Festival, Wadebridge, Sat 2 Sept
A weekend of fun and activities focussed around the River Camel, which runs through the market town of Wadebridge. Watch the popular raft race at 4/4.30pm (weather and tide permitting) and enjoy live music from local bands, food, children’s entertainment, bar and more.
Find out more at Camelriverfestival.co.uk
Boats in the Bay, St Ives, Sat 1 – Sun 2 Sept
See St Ives Bay filled with beautiful traditional sailing boats. This year’s Boats is The Bay is the twelfth annual celebration of the maritime heritage of St Ives. Visitors will see a flotilla of jumbos, luggers, picarooners and crabbers seting sail together in St Ives Bay. There will also be music from Cadgwith Singers and Bamaluz Bootleggers.
Find out more on the event’s Facebook page
Ocean Film Festival World Tour, Hall for Cornwall, Thurs 7 Sept
The annual Ocean Film Festival is coming to Cornwall with a brand new selection of the world’s most amazing ocean films, from both above and below the surface.This collection of short films celebrates divers, paddlers, surfers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray. Be wowed at the mind blowing marine life; exhilarated by the power of the waves, and inspired by the characters who dedicate their lives to answering the call of the ocean. Tickets cost £15.50.
Book tickets at Hallforcornwall.co.uk
Redruth International Mining & Pasty Festival, Redruth, Fri 8 – Sun 10 Sept
This three day family event pays homage to the Cornish pasty and to Cornwall’s mining heritage, including a memorial to miners who lost their lives in the county. The festival is held within the Cornish Mining World Heritage site, which encompasses Redruth and its outlying venues and museums.
Find out more on the event’s Facebook page
Roots Culture Summer Market, Mount Pleasant Eco Park, Sun 10 Sept
The last Summer Market of the year at the Eco Park celebrates all things ‘handmade in Cornwall’. Stalls include a wonderful range of Porthtowan, St Agnes based and Cornish artists from further afield – selling a gorgeous mix of local, ethically produced, artisan crafts, art, food and gifts. Tropical Pressure Sound System will be providing the soundtrack for this uniquely laid-back event and La Cantina Café will be open throughout for coffee, cake and fresh veggie lunches.
Find out more on the event’s Facebook page
Dada Bazaar, Portreath, Sat 16 Sept
A day of curiosity, wonder and wellbeing. This brand new family-friendly, day-time event features live music from The Flaming Infidels and Holiday Ghosts, free workshops, well-being and treatment tents, yoga, pilates, storytelling, poetry, a climbing wall, archery, buskers, vintage stalls and barbers!
Find out more on the event’s Facebook page
My Mountain Life with Simon Yates, Hall for Cornwall, Fri 22 Sept
Mountaineer Simon Yates (of Touching The Void fame) will be at Hall For Cornwall this month to share tales of his incredible adventures. Witness his tireless journey from that famous story of survival in Peru to some of the remotest mountains on the planet. Told with wit, dry humour and lavishly illustrated with images and video, collected on his great climbs.
Get tickets at Hallforcornwall.co.uk
Yoga Hub Fest, Coastal Valley Camp & Crafts Campsite, Porth, Sat 23 – Sun 24 Sept
Yoga Hub Fest is a not for profit event, bringing together a fantastic collection of teachers in yoga, meditation and wisdom. The festival is hosted at Muddy award-winning campsite, Coastal Valley Camp and Crafts and guests can choose from a full timetable of inspiring yoga workshops, talks, music, kirtan and silent disco yoga as well as delicious veggie food and wellbeing stalls.
Book tickets at Yogahubfest.org
