FOODIE: Cocktail Club, The Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth, 12, 19 & 26 Nov

Clock off for the weekend and enjoy two cocktails for £10 at The Greenbank’s Cocktail Club in their stylish, harbourside bar and lounge. From local vodkas to hand-made infused gins, The Greenbank’s irresistible menu will help you awaken your senses every Friday from 5pm until late.

NEW! EVENT & EXHIBITION: Meet The Artist Suzy Sharpe, 20 November and exhibition continues, The Language of Birds until 5 Jan 2022

The paintings and prints of Blackrock based artist, Suzy Sharpe form the Winter Exhibition at The Old Coastguard in Mousehole. Suzy’s paintings are informed or inspired by poetry, mythology, folk tales and the experience of wildlife. Suzy’s work features the magical momentary glimpse of a Barn Owl, the barely heard hoot of a Tawny Owl and the distant flock of lapwings whilst passing an estuary, standing under a cloud of 200,000 starlings and trying to ignore the roar of the busy rush hour road close by as well as the hectic human land- scape of wind turbines, power cables, plastic, and roads navigated daily by our wildlife.

EVENT: Heligan Night Garden – An Enchanting Lantern Experience, Lost Gardens of Heligan, 20 Nov – 2 Jan

Enjoy an enchanting lantern experience set amidst the atmospheric Lost Gardens – back again for 2021. This was truly beautiful last year – make sure that you book in advance to explore the gardens as they are beautifully lit by a variety of traditional paraffin lanterns and discover a breath-taking display of flora and fauna lanterns, illuminated within Heligan’s much-loved and iconic locations.

NEW! EVENT: Cotehele Garland, opens 20 Nov, until Jan

Cotehele is celebrating the 65th anniversary of the garland, which is made annually – a beloved Christmas tradition, which began in the 1950s. The first garland was a beautiful and simple affair, made from a bushy evergreen shrub called pittosporum, inspired by the decorative greenery and kissing boughs that the Tudors brought into their homes in the winter.

The Great Hall will be dressed to replicate a photograph of the garland from 1981. Showcasing the beauty of the evergreen foliage and handfuls of dried flowers, celebratory above the festive banquet table.

CHARITY EVENT: Eden Sleep Out, 25 Nov

For the last seven years the Eden Project has hosted an annual Sleep Out outside the Biomes and the events have raised thousands of pounds for two charities, St Petrocs and the Amber Foundation.

Last year people were invited to join in remotely on the night, sleeping outside in your garden, otherwise on the floor at home – and 84 participants raised £10,000. This year, with proof of vaccination and/or a negative PCR or Lateral Flow Test, Eden is once again opening its doors for the real life, Sleep Out experience in 2021 – tickets cost £25.

NEW! XMAS SHOPPING: Festive Late Night Shopping, Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Lostwithiel, 25 & 26 Nov, 5.30pm (and selected Dec dates too)

It’s loyalty cardholders only to the first festive late-night shopping evening at the gorgeous Duchy of Cornwall Nursery on 25th (but they are easy to get and free in store!) Lostwithiel Town Band will be playing seasonal, cheery tunes and there are complimentary mince pies, mulled wine & apple juice on offer, making it a magical evening for one and all. Book supper and make a night of it! Everyone welcome on the 26th, and selected dates in Dec too.

MUSIC: Sundowner Sessions, The Greenbank, Falmouth, 26 Nov

On the last Friday of each month The Greenbank’s popular Water’s Edge bar host local musical talent at their brand new Sundowner Sessions. From 7pm until 10pm on 26th November, Ashley Harding will be taking to the stage, so you can sip your tipples to relaxing acoustic tunes whilst drinking up the incredible harbour views. This event is free and welcome to all.

OPEN STUDIOS: Krowji Christmas Open Studios, Redruth, 26 -28 Nov

This annual event is back again, and a rare opportunity to look inside the studios at Krowji, to meet the makers and buy work direct from artists.

XMAS MARKET: Fowey Christmas Market, 26 – 28 November

Festive activities and shopping opportunities take place throughout town, with fabulous Christmas Markets spread across the stunning Fowey Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and Town Hall venues, where there will be at least 80 quality regional traders

FOODIE: Brimoncourt Champagne supper, The Bottle, Newquay, 28 Nov

The Bottle wine bar and deli in Newquay, Cornwall, is hosting a four course feast in association with Brimoncourt Champagne to kick off the festive season – tickets includes a menu curated by up-and-coming guest chef Ben Green, and each course will be paired with a glass of Champagne from Brimoncourt.

EXHIBITION: Reimagining Reality, Narisa Hall, Priory Park, Bodmin, ends 23 Dec

Reimagining Reality is an innovative exhibition for Cornwall that will turn your world upside down! Explore the weird and wonderful peculiarities of science with interactive exhibits. Be prepared to be left wondering what you really know. If you think science really isn’t your thing, come for the art! Experience an immersive journey along surreal passageways leading to quirky exhibits that are an artwork in their own right. This exhibition is about as environmentally friendly as they come. Everything has been carefully crafted with waste or reclaimed materials. Follow the stories that are entwined in each exhibit; where it’s components came from and how it was transformed.

EVENT: Tunnel of Lights: Arctic Adventure, The Shipwreck Museum, Charlestown, until 31 December

An immersive frozen adventure through the Shipwreck Treasure Museum’s underground tunnels as it’s transformed into a sparkling wonderland of ice. Follow the footsteps of Polar Explorers as you discover glittering waterfalls, giant icebergs, and frozen shipwrecks. Building on the success of the hugely popular Tunnel of Lights in 2020, the event returns for the Autumn season with thousands of lights, atmospheric Arctic soundscapes and a magical journey through a polar world.

EXHIBITION: SEEN, Newlyn Art Gallery, The Exchange, Penzance, until 8 Jan

Seen is co-curated by young LGBTQIA+ people from Cornwall aged between 11 – 19 working in partnership with LGBT+ charity Intercom Trust, and SHARP, Programme Producer. Through workshops and conversation about contemporary art the young people have explored the importance of representation within art and culture and the many sides of what it means to be seen. The expanding subject of Queer art involves an important history of reclamation, resistance, love and freedom and often explores personal experiences as well as depictions of LGBTQIA+ cultures. Includes artwork from LGBTQIA+ artists such as Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Wolfgang Tillmans and more. I would say look out for the giant mural over the façade of The Exchange but having seen the mock up, I don’t think you’ll miss it!

EXHIBITION: Petrit Halilaj’sVery volcanic over this green feather , Tate St Ives, until 16 January

This is Petrit Halilaj’s first UK museum solo exhibition (he usually lives between Germany, Kosovo and Italy) and his work revisits 38 childhood drawings that he made in Kukës II refugee camp in Albania during the Kosovo war (1998–99), when he was thirteen years old.

ICE-SKATING: Eden Project, until Feb 2022

Cornwall’s biggest outdoor ice-rink returns to the grounds of the Eden Project this October – and due to Covid restrictions you’ll have even more space on the ice-rink itself this year, so plenty of space to practice your axels and spins. The cafe is serving up sweet treats too, just don’t forget your face covering to wear rink side. Pre-booking online is essential, and you’ll need a locals pass or to pay to access Eden itself too. Also opening on 23 Oct is Eden’s spooky halloweden activities – see more in our half term guide.

THEATRE: Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, dates throughout November

Find outdoor theatre, music, comedy and opera at the stunning, world-famous Minack Theatre.

THEATRE: Sterts Theatre, dates throughout November

Entertaining shows for all the family from Sterts Theatre

FOOD: Firepit feasts, Lula, Hayle (dates tbc)

Evening feasts on the beach at Lula’s in Hayle sound pretty awesome. Dates still TBC so we will update once we have more details.

FOODIE: Gralefrit Restaurant pop-up supper evening, various dates

Gralefrit Restaurant pop-up suppers are run by Ethan Friskney-Bryer (head chef of Fitzroy & North Street Kitchen restaurants in Fowey), his wife Hazel and brother Joel, who can usually be found at Lovetts in Newlyn. Using produce from their walled garden across the river and locally sourced fish and some meat, these supper evenings will be held both at Fitzroy and its sister restaurant North Street Kitchen (above). Email gralefritrestaurant@gmail.com to book.

EXHIBITION: Discovering Anchor Studio: An artist’s haven in Newlyn, Penlee House Gallery & Museum, until 8 January 2022

Forbes, Stanhope Alexander; Gala Day at Newlyn, Cornwall; Hartlepool Museums and Heritage Service

The Grade II* listed Anchor Studio has been at the heart of cultural life in Newlyn since the 1880s. It was used for over 60 years by Stanhope Forbes, father of the Newlyn School, and then by John Wells, a principal St Ives Modernist. Forbes and his wife Elizabeth ran their school of painting from Anchor, attracting many students who became distinguished artists. Featuring paintings by artists associated with Anchor, this exhibition explores the history of the studio and its recent restoration.

ART EXHIBITION: Kenidjack A Cornish Valley, Kurt Jackson, Jackson Foundation, St Just, until Feb 2022

St Just is the most westerly town in Britain, it is on the edge, faraway, ‘isolated’; archetypically Cornish and distinct in its identity, geography and heritage. It has two valleys, one on either side: Cot and Kenidjack; Cot is the tamer of the two, Kenidjack is the wilder and less accessible. In 2017, Kurt Jackson showed with great acclaim a body of work based on Cot Valley, now it is the turn for Kenidjack – hosted at the Muddy Award winning Art Gallery, The Jackson Foundation.

JUST OVER THE BORDER IN PLYMOUTH

ART: National Portrait Gallery Portraits, The Box, Plymouth, until March 2022

Something fabulous for The Box as six portraits are winging their way from the National Portrait Gallery for display in the 100 Journeys Gallery, highlighting Plymouth as the starting point for some of the world’s most famous expeditions and voyages. Works include depictions of Captain Cook, Charles Darwin, Napoléon Bonaparte, Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh all of whom took part in or led some of history’s most momentous and notorious voyages. Get exploring.

BALLET: Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!, Theatre Royal, Plymouth, Mon 15 – Sat 20 Nov

Missed your fix of Christmassy shows in 2020? Yep, you and zillions of others so don’t miss out this winter by booking your tickets for Matthew Bourne’s iconic production of the Xmas classic, on for just the week in Plymouth and with a promised ‘sprinkling of delicious new surprises for 2021’.

LIGHT FESTIVAL: Illuminate, Plymouth, Thurs 25 – Sun 28 Nov

Prepare to be dazzled! Plymouth’s much loved immersive light festival organised by the brilliant Real Ideas Organisation returns in the form of a two-week program mainly around Ocean Studios in the Royal William Yard and also at the Market Hall in Devonport. Expect light art, installations and immersive experiences as well as a host of workshops with the theme of climate crisis. And all for free!

XMAS MARKET: Christmas on the Barbican, Plymouth, Sat 27 Nov

Swerve the big corps and spend your hard-earned dosh with the talented local traders of The Barbican, always well worth a jaunt for a spot of festive shopping.

COMEDY: Tim Minchin: Back – Encore 2021, Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth, Sat 27 Nov

Billed as “Old Songs, New Songs, F*** You Songs”, Back includes a set list of material from all corners of Minchin’s eclectic – and often iconoclastic – repertoire. First performed in the UK in 2019, this is his Tim’s first UK tour in 8 years – he must have missed us.

& sadly, what’s not on this year

MUSIC: Bude Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival

Sadly the 2021 Bude Blues festival due to take place at Penstowe Manor Resort, in Bude, with three days of music, has been cancelled.

EVENT: City of Lights Parade, Truro (TBC)

Last year would have marked the 25th anniversary of the first event in Truro, so it is even more sad that the team have decided not to continue with plans for the 2021 event. Still, something to look forward to in 2022.

JUST MISSED

FIREWORKS: Drive in Fireworks, Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, 6 Nov

Watch the fireworks from the comfort of your own car. Book online (VIP tickets get you in and out fastest) then find food and drink onsite from various pop up bars. Last year was the first year – conceived as a Covid-safe event, but back this year as it was so popular.

ART COURSE: Teens Art Workshops, (online) St Ives School of Painting, ends 9 Nov

The St Ives School of Painting is running a free art course, with five online sessions of creative fun, culminating in an exhibition in November. Explore five major steps in creating a final outcome that includes drawing, concept, composition, and painting. Once the workshops have been completed, the School of Painting will curate a one day exhibition of all the students’ final outcomes for students that have attended all the workshops. With a Private View, friends, family, and the public will be invited to see your artwork in a St Ives venue. Aimed at 13-16 year olds.

XMAS MARKET: Cornwall Christmas Fair, Eden Project, 10 – 11 November

The annual Cornwall Christmas Fair, hosted in the sparkling surroundings of the Eden Project, is back after a year’s break due to the pandemic. It heralds the start of the season of goodwill in our county, featuring an abundance of gifts and home accessories, clothing and jewellery, and an array of the finest produce in the Food Hall.

COMEDY: Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps, Launceston Town Hall, 11 Nov

Writer, broadcaster and comedian Dom Joly, best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV, is back on the road with his one-man theatre tour, giving fans a rare opportunity to see him live. Dom will be talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotting and seeker of dangerous travel spots when he returns to the road to complete his ‘Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps’ tour, which had to be paused due to Covid.

FILM FESTIVAL: OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL, Regal Redruth, 11 Nov

Dive into a night of mesmerising ocean adventure! The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is back for 2021 with a brand-new collection of the world’s most incredible ocean films!Brought to you by the team behind the Banff Mountain Film Festival UK & Ireland Tour, this carefully curated selection of short films combines epic human endeavour and astounding marine life in a spectacular cinematic celebration of our oceans.

EXHIBITION, Germination, Tremenheere Gallery, 11 – 21 November

GERMINATION is a hopeful exhibition of paintings, ceramics , sculpture and jewellery celebrating growth by nine local artists at the beautiful Tremenheere Gallery near Penzance.

XMAS MARKET: Christmas Craft Fayre, Bedruthan Hotel, 19 – 21 November

Bedruthan’s annual Christmas fair is back this year. Get the free park and ride from Mawgan Porth beach car park and enjoy a host of seasonal workshops and browse stalls from the most talented craftspeople and artisan makers from around the South West. Christmas shopping and self-gifting opportunities galore!

NEW! XMAS MARKET: The Big Festive Cornwall Shop Small Market by Duchy Fairs, online and Truro Lemon Quay, 19-21 Nov

The Cornwall Shop Small Market showcases the very best of locally created and curated wares from some amazing indie traders. Including contemporary craft & design, vintage & salvage finds, home & garden inspo, fashion & lifestyle wares and some artisan food & drink, there is something for everyone! Held every two weeks, this is the big festive edition!

EXHIBITION: Freud, Minton, Ryan: Unholy Trinity, Falmouth Art Gallery, ends 20 Nov 2021

This unique exhibition celebrates the life of Adrian Ryan (1920-1998) and his friends John Minton (1917-57) and Lucian Freud (1922-2011). In the tight community of the art world of pre-war London, the three artists were colleagues and friends. As ambitious figurative painters with – at first – hopeful and promising career trajectories, all three explored a relaxed intimacy behind closed doors, especially during the war years.
After Minton’s suicide Ryan and Freud drifted apart, which may have contributed to the significance of the lonely figure in their work. This theme will be explored in the exhibition alongside the three artists’ developing practise, from some of their earliest paintings up until Minton’s death in 1957.
This exhibition, which will be accompanied by a catalogue and a specially commissioned film, is a collaboration with Victoria Art Gallery, Bath and has been generously supported by the Art Fund and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

MUSIC: St Ives Shanty Shout, 19 & 20 Nov

The annual Shanty Shout has groups performing in venues including the Castle Inn, Golden Lion, Pilchard Press, Beer and Bird, Bier Huis Grand Cafe, The Western Hotel and The Sloop (Saturday only). The name comes from the Cornish tradition of singing sessions in pubs across the town.

XMAS MARKET: Charlestown Christmas Market, 20 & 21 Nov

The annual Charlestown Christmas Market is back at the sports hall again this year so even if snow happens (unlikely!) no need to worry!

What’s on Cornwall in November

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