The hedgerows are flowering, the sea is warming up and it’s the meteorological start of summer… you’ll be wanting an eclectic mash-up of events that will up the fun factor this month.

EVENT: Golowan & Mazey Day, Penzance (18-27 June)

Penzance really knows how to throw a street party and Golowan is the traditional celebration of midsummer, marked with music, serpent dances, fairs, greenery and banners. Expect fireworks on Mazey Eve or bring the family to Mazey Day to see the parade of incredible, giant sculptures.

EXHIBITION: Newlyn Society of Artists, Looking Forward, Tremenheere Gallery, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Gulval, Penzance (19 June – 11 July)

This annual exhibition from nearby artists, the Newlyn Society of Artists, features a wide variety of media, including painting, sculpture, film and installation. Tremenheere Gallery is set in a stunning location, has free parking, plenty of space, gardens to visit and a cafe. (Free)

EVENT: Midsummers’ Garden Party, Lost Gardens of Heligan, (25 June)

Marking the midpoint in the growing season, halfway between planting and harvest and celebrating all that nature has to offer, Heligan are hosting a Midsummers’ Garden Party. Listen (or dance) to Cornwall’s 1950’s Jump Jive 7-piece band, Company B, enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the walled garden and then feast on a seasonal Heligan meal mostly grown and raised on the estate.

EVENT: Cornwall Pride Tour (25 & 26 June) {POSTPONED TO JULY}

To bring Pride Month to a close, Cornwall Pride are going on tour, visiting 20 different Cornish towns across two days, including St Austell, Bodmin and Bude.

RACE: Gecko Gathering, Sibblyback Lake (26 June)

Socially distanced trail running across 3 distances with no cut off time – choose from 2.5k, 5k and 10km, with all entrants receiving a Gecko medal.

SHOP: Market at Fowey Hall Hotel (27 June)

The first of these beautiful fortnightly community market launched in glorious sunshine in the grounds of Fowey Hall Hotel at the end of May and it was the hottest shopping location in the Duchy, attracting a host of famous faces enjoying possibly the nicest coastal view for a spot of feel good purchasing. Following the success of the pop up shop at the hotel last summer, journalist Fiona Golfar joined forces with former Port Eliot festival founder Cathy St Germans (remember her Farms to Feed Us enterprise in lockdown 1.0) and Harriet Baylis, founder of Marazul clothing, to set up a new community focused shopping experience. Top tip: park in the town car park at the top of the town, peruse the market and then head down into Fowey for lunch and a swim.

EXHIBITION: Looking Up, North Coast Asylum, Newquay

North Coast Asylum is delighted to present “Looking up”, an exhibition featuring artists Jack Davis and Aimee Willcock.

EXHIBITION: Seaside : Photographed, The Exchange, Newlyn (until 3 July)

Anna Fox, Hayling Island 1986 © Anna Fox, courtesy James Hyman Gallery, London

This touring exhibition by Turner Contemporary looks at the relationship between photography and the British seaside from the 1850s to the present. Images of the beach, hotel life, the holiday camp, dressing up and dressing down, wild waves and coastlines all combine to create a rich picture of British resorts, featuring photographers including Jane Bown, Henri Cartier Bresson, Vanley Burke, Anna Fox, Susan Hiller, Paul Nash, Martin Parr, and Ingrid Pollard.

EXHIBITION: Wheat – From Plough to Plate, Jackson Foundation Gallery, St Just (until Aug 14)

The building that now houses the gallery in St Just was once an integral part of Warrens Bakery, the oldest pasty-maker in Cornwall. From here, forklift trucks darted back and forth taking their loads to the bakery up the road, where the sweet aromas of baking bread and cakes, sausage rolls and pasties emanated, perfuming the town, filling the streets. In this exhibition, contemporary artist Kurt Jackson traces the journey of a staple crop – wheat – from ‘field to fork’, exploring how it has shaped the landscape (and our lives) in a range of media spanning paint, sculpture and poetry.

EXHIBITION: Robin Hanbury-Tenison: Echoes of a Vanished World, Jackson Foundation Gallery, St Just (until Aug 14)

Bodmin based explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison is a natural born storyteller. A founder of Survival International, his images speak directly to us in a voice that is fresh and clear.

Echoes of a Vanished World, an exhibition of some of his best work from time spent in Africa, South America and the Pacific during the 1950’s – 1970’s.
There is nothing self-conscious or patronising here. Instead, there is a deep admiration, a sense of wonder, respect and desire to share what he sees with a world that has grown increasingly out of touch with the things that really matter.

Echoes of a Vanished World is presented in partnership with Survival International, the global movement for tribal peoples’ rights.

EXHIBITION: Laura Knight, Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance (until 15 September)

This major new exhibition celebrates the career of one of Britain’s best-loved artists. Dame Laura Knight (1877-1970) was one of the twentieth century’s most prolific British artists. Her career spanned nearly eighty years and the extraordinary breadth of her talent encompassed a huge variety of subjects, techniques and styles. Her achievements included being the second ever female Royal Academician, a highly acclaimed War Artist and being made a Dame of the British Empire.

The exhibition is an overview of Knight’s entire career and focuses on several different genres; beginning with her early years, the flowering of her work in Cornwall before the First World War, through her portraiture and on to her later years painting the Gypsy dynasties in Malvern.

EXHIBITION: Haegue Yang Strange Attractors, Tate St Ives (until 26 Sept 2021)

Berlin-based South Korean artist Haegue Yang has been taking the art world by storm and her largest exhibition to date in the UK opened at the Tate St Ives last October. Gloriously fun and chaotic, Haegue Yang’s exploration of the domestic, cultural and spiritual responses to the natural world is a definite conversation starter. Check out our review here.

Just missed these, next time!

TICKETS: Geothermal Pool, Jubilee Pool, Penzance (1 June)

The celebrated and first geo-thermally heated saltwater lido in the UK opened in Penzance last September and it sells out within minutes of tickets being released, so here’s a heads up that more tickets are available on 1 June at 10am. The main sea water pool has tickets available online, plus you can book for the cafe to watch the action if that’s more up your street.

THEATRE: And Then Come the Nightjars, Minack Theatre (until 3 Jun) and Lost Gardens of Heligan (21-23 June)

It’s a dark night in 2001. Farmer, Michael, and local vet, Jeffrey, are huddled in the cow shed playing general knowledge games as they await the birth of a calf to join his herd. Outside the warm lamplight of the barn, the terrible shadow of Foot and Mouth disease is growing darker but Michael and Jeffrey both have troubles nearer to home.

Bea Robert’s compassionate portrait of country life is about more than an unstoppable epidemic. She traces the profound changes in society overtaking rural communities as Michael and Jeffrey face a new world of Grand Designs, Tesco Metros and rural tourism.

Leavened with gentle humour, this award-winning play is a both a requiem for a vanishing world and a hymn to the survival of friendship even when everything else falls apart. (Strong language and ideas mean this is only suitable for 14+).

{SOLD OUT} Corona Sand Bar, Porthminster Beach, St Ives (3-7 June)

The Corona 100% Natural Bar made entirely from natural materials including sand, clay and reclaimed wood, will be open to visitors from 1pm to 9pm each day. Following the event every element will be reused, recycled or returned to nature so that it leaves no trace on the beach.

KIDS: Dino Week, Camel Creek (until 4 June)

Go back 150 million years for Dino Week at Camel Creek – release your inner dinosaur and run wild to unearth some hidden secrets.

Get up close to the real-life dinosaurs in the daily shows, find clues and follow the trail around the park using the brand-new app or learn all the fun facts in the educational stands.

MUSIC: Helen Porter, Unexpected Song, St Endellion (4 June)

Unexpected Song is the new solo show from singer/pianist Helen Porter. Written and composed during the pandemic, it reflects on a variety of themes, from the seemingly insignificant details of daily life to some of the more troubling questions in the world today. Tickets available here.

SHOPPING: Houseplant Extravaganza, Open, St Agnes (4-6 June)

Join Emily Anderson and People Plants for their first plant extravaganza of the summer back at Open in St Agnes. They’ll be throwing open the doors and junglefying Open at Wheal Kitty for a weekend of coffee, houseplants and surfboards. The factory will be fit to burst with 1000s of beautiful houseplants; from 12ft Fiddle Leaf Figs to rare Alocasias right down to tiny airplants.

EVENT: Young Trader Of The Year, Truro Farmer’s Market, Lemon Quay, Truro & Truro Farmers Market (5 June)

Alongside the regular and popular farmers market in Truro runs one of the heats for the prestigious Young Trader of the Year competition, an annual event run by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) which aims to identify and support the next generation of market traders.

EXHIBITION: Jethro Jackson, ‘Autumn, Winter, Spring’, Jackson Gallery, Rock (until 6 June)

British contemporary artist Jethro Jackson’s solo show Autumn Winter Spring begins on 10 May at this delightful gallery in Rock. Based nearby, Jethro’s paintings are based on his daily walks around Rock, Daymer and Porthilly and bring a moment of calm and tranquility to an otherwise quite busy and touristy part of Rock. You’ll find the gallery towards the quarry carpark near to the ferry slipway with a huge sculpture outside.

EVENT: Big Summer Market (9-13 June) Truro

The Big Summer Market will take place from 9^th – 13^th June, featuring over 50 stalls of food and drink, crafts, homewares and gifts alongside entertainment, street food stalls, live music and vintage tractors. Food lovers are invited to shop for fresh, sustainably-caught fish and shellfish, grass-fed and free range meat from local farmers, artisan dairy products and Cornish store cupboard staples. Drinks aficionados can expect a huge swathe of locally made craft beers, small-batch ciders, award-winning wines and artisan spirits.

EVENT: Finisterre’s Sea7, St Agnes and online (10 June)

Streamed live from their cliff-top Workshop in St Agnes, this online event brings together leading activists, scientists and change makers to equip the community with the tools and knowledge to stand up and protect our ocean.

EVENT: G7 Summit, Carbis Bay (11 – 13 June)

The Big One! Depending on who you talk to, either the best or worst thing that will happen to Cornwall this year. Sadly not one that you can attend in person (Carbis Bay Hotel which hosts most of the meetings is closed to the public to host Boris and chums) but it is worth noting for no other reason than it is going to cause a fair amount of disruption if you live or are holidaying in St Ives, Falmouth or anywhere near Newquay airport during the week of 7 – 16 June. With naval warships parked in St Ives Bay, what seems like the entire country’s police force descending and a palpable sense of excitement for largely unspecified reasons, expect road closures (inc the A30), footpath closures, delays on the diversions and probably no sightings whatsoever of Joe Biden.

EVENT: G7 Fringe, CSpace, Newquay and online (11- 13 June)

While the Presidents and Prime Ministers meet down the road, join the People’s Assembly in Newquay and online for the G7 Fringe – a programme of events both online and in person that will tackle the big questions of our time and come up with actions we can all take. Include’s Botelet’s Tia Tamblyn hosting Breakfast and Beyond Live – Does my Breakfast really count? – a live online version of her new podcast on 13 June.

ONLINE EVENT: Bait Q&A with Mark Jenkin and Mark Kermode (12 June)

Join Mark Jenkin, the writer and director of BAFTA winning film Bait, and Mark Kermode the leading UK film critic on Zoom to hear what is set to be a fascinating discussion.

EVENT: LostFest, Lostwithiel, (13 June)

LostFest is a quirky one day free festival in Lostwithiel with something for everyone! LostFest is an eclectic mix – there will be music and dance live streamed from St Bart’s Church, Lostwithiel.

ART: Penzance Arts Festival (4 – 20 June)

Celebrate Penzance as one of the most vibrant and innovative artistic towns in the country with exhibitions and events relating to 1000 of its local artists – check out our highlights here.

EVENT: Heligan Wildlife Evenings, Lost Gardens of Heligan (11 and 19 June)

Join the Heligan Wildlife Team and Three Bays Wildlife Group for an informative evening learning all about the incredible world of bats. Help complete the bat count that aides the conservation survey of one of the Heligan colonies. Come dressed for all weathers and bring a torch, as the count will take place outside. Pre-booking essential (quiet, accompanied children only!)

MUSIC: Summer Sessions, The Alverton, Truro (17 June)

Cornwall based indie duo Our Atlantic Roots bring an uplifting blend of American and British alternative folk, with harmonies that are rich and dynamic. Listen to live music in the private gardens of The Alverton Hotel with a cocktail – pre-booked tickets only.

MUSIC: Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival (6pm, 19 June)

This one is definitely going ahead, as it’s moved online to a virtual festival! Usually shanty groups perform from across the UK, Brittany and beyond including Cornwall’s own groups including The Fishermen’s Friends, filling up pubs and stages across the town with often free performances.

ONLINE EVENT: Andy Warhol Talk (19 June)

Marilyn Diptych 1962; Andy Warhol’ – Estate of Andy Warhol Photo © Tate

Join The Newlyn School of Art and Tate Gallery curator Fiontan Moran to discuss the Andy Warhol Exhibition. Fiontan was co-curator of the 2020 Andy Warhol Tate Modern exhibition. The talk will offer an overview of Warhol’s career using the work from the 2020 Tate Modern exhibition as a way to talk about the variety of techniques and varied subject matter that he used. Tickets here.

MUSIC: Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, St Endellion (19 June)

One of the UK Folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships, “folk music for the modern age” according to The Telegraph, play in North Cornwall to celebrate 25 years of making music together. Tickets are available here.

SHOPPING: House Plant Extravaganza People.Plants x Origin, Porthleven (19 & 20 June)

An experience unlike any other – this monthly event is moving to Porthleven for the weekend where you can expect 1000’s of plants (all in one space in Origin’s new roastery/cafe in Porthleven), speciality coffee and woodfired food from Blower’s Place to fuel you whilst you browse. Booking a slot per household/ group of six is essential, redeemable against plant purchases.

SHOPPING: Cornwall Shop Small Market, Truro Lemon Quays (19 and 20 June)

The Cornwall Shop Small Market is a new monthly destination market showcasing the very best of locally created and curated wares from amazing indie traders and small businesses. With visitors able to peruse and shop from a line up of contemporary craft & design, vintage & salvage finds, home & garden inspo, fashion & lifestyle wares and some artisan food & drink, there is something for everyone.

SHOPPING: Roots Culture Summer Market, Mount Pleasant Eco Park (20 June)

The Tropical Pressure Sound System will be in attendance playing some choice tunes whilst you support local with fresh produce, unique garments, sustainable living, handmade treasures, delicious coffee and tasty vegan and veggie food trucks.

What’s on in June

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