As the buzz of the festive period wears off, we have the chance to plan the year ahead. There is plenty to look forward to this year, so we've collected a few dates worth putting in your diary. If we're missed a great event, let us know in the comments below! Have a great year!
World Pasty Championships – Eden Project
3rd March 2018
The seventh World Pasty Championships in 2018 will be the culmination of Cornish Pasty Week, run by the Cornish Pasty Association. Register and bring your best pasty along to be in with chance of winning the coveted title, or simply come along for a great day of eating and Cornish entertainment.
St Endellion 45th Easter Festival
31st March - 8th April 2018
For lovers of classical music, the next St Endellion Easter Festival will take place from 31 March - 8 April 2018. David Watkin, Professor of Strings at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire and Gramophone Award winner for his definitive recording of the Bach Cello Suites, has agreed to return as Guest Music Director of the 2018 Festival. He will be conducting Handel’s Messiah on Friday 6th and Sunday 8th April. The other two full choral and orchestral concerts will be on Wednesday 4th April and Saturday 7th April. Full programme will be available on the website.
http://endellionfestivals.org.uk/Easter
Cornwall Spring Flower Show, Boconnoc House & Gardens, Lostwithiel
7 -8th April 2018
Not exactly in North Cornwall, but one of the highlights of the calendar in the south-west so worth the journey. A fragrant celebration of Cornish garden mania. Exuberant displays with camellias, daffodils, rhododendrons guaranteeing a colourful spectacle at the Boconnoc Estate. featuring show gardens, horticultural trade stands and competitive classes. Dogfriendly too!
Obby Oss Festival, Padstow
1st May 2018
The sheer volume of people is enough to put many of us off, but it remains one of the most entertaining and popular traditional festivals in the UK. Padstow's narrow streets and ancient harbour are extravagantly decorated with flowers, flags and greenery, the focal point of which is a tall and colourful maypole. A grand procession of dancers, accompanied by musicians, follows two faintly terrifying human beings, dressed as horses, as they journey through town pretending to try to grab young maidens. This bizarre dance culminates with the townsfolk joining together around the maypole to sing Padstow's own unique may song.
Open Studios Cornwall 2018, various locations
19 - 28th May 2018
Cornwall has been a hub of creativity for centuries, and Open Studios is a great initiative that makes the most of the county’s talent. Artists from across the region throw open their doors for a few days, allowing visitors to get a first-hand experience of real art being created. A must for art-lovers, the website shows the closest artists to any location, and includes everything from potters to painters, sculptors to weavers!
https://www.openstudioscornwall.co.uk/
Poldark Series 4 - in your living room!
Early Summer 2018
Yes, we know it's not actually happening, but for all you Poldark fans we thought we'd have to include it in our 2018 preview. Cornwall lovers should be warned that more of the coming series is due to take place in other locations such as London, but we'd wager there will still be plenty of cliff-top galloping to look forward to.
The Royal Cornwall Show – Wadebridge
7th - 9th June 2018
A highlight of our calendars in North Cornwall, this is a cracking 3 day agricultural festival. An excellent mix of animals and entertainment, with local food stalls, fairground rides, and much more. The best agricultural show we’ve ever been to – is it wrong that we’re already looking forward to it?
Leopallooza - Week St. Mary, Bude
27 – 29 July 2018
Leopallooza Festival is a multi award-winning, grass roots music festival that celebrates the very best in new, up-and-coming and established bands, artists and DJs within our bespoke festival site which is nestled in a hidden, tree-filled Cornish valley, just a few miles from the sea. Three days & nights, multiple stages, big names, free camping, family friendly, fairly priced bars.
http://www.leopallooza.com/music/
Boardmasters, Newquay
8th – 12th August 2018
This surf and music festival is the county’s largest, and attracts some of the biggest names in music. Growing year on year, music lovers from across the world descend on Newquay’s beaches. So far, only the Chemical Brothers have been confirmed in the 2018 line-up, but stay tuned to their website as more acts are announced.
https://www.boardmasters.com/
RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show, nr Torrington
17 – 19th August 2018
Rosemoor looks forward to hosting its second Flower Show. The show highlights the very best the South West has to offer in nurseries, atmosphere and local fare, all set against the stunning backdrop of the 26ha (65 acres) garden.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/RHS-Garden-Rosemoor-Flower-Show
Cornwall Folk Festival, Wadebridge
24 – 27th August 2018
Look at the 2018 Festival Line-up — Eddi Reader and her band with the amazing Ninebarrow on Saturday; a night of cajun and blue grass with Penzance's Flats and Sharps and Joli Blon; a family affair with Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, joined by Katriona Gilmore and Kathryn's brother Jamie Roberts; closing out with the amazing voice of Sam Kelly and his Lost Boys, plus our Breton friends Marvailh.
http://www.cornwallfolkfestival.com/
Bude Jazz Festival, Various venues in Bude
28th – 31st August 2018
Bude Jazz has now been going for 3 decades! 75 gigs will be taking place over the 4 days in multiple venues, with traditional and New Orleans Jazz, big band jazz, swing and jive and much more. The street parades are a real treat, and the jazz picnic is always popular.
http://www.jazzfestivalbude.co.uk/
Lobster and Crab Feast, Clovelly nr Bideford
2nd September 2018
Celebrating more than a decade, the annual lobster and crab feast in the picture-perfect fishing village of Clovelly is worth a trip. Seafood dishes are served on the quay while live folk music entertains the foodies. There is beer tasting and cookery demos, while younger visitors are enthralled by walking magic shows, street theatre and more. There’s even the chance to meet some baby lobsters before their release into Clovelly Bay. If lobster and crab aren’t for you, try their herring festival in November.
http://www.clovelly.co.uk/clovelly-events/lobster-and-crab-feast
Looe Music Festival
21 - 23rd September 2018
One of Cornwall's largest and best loved music festivals hits Looe beach at the end of summer. Visit for the day (trains run from Liskeard), or stay for the weekend. Line-up in 2018 to be confirmed.
http://www.looemusic.co.uk
Padstow Christmas Festival
6th – 9th December 2018 (TBC)
Yes – it’s too early to think of Christmas, 2017 – but a yearly calendar isn’t complete without this little cracker! It’s a foodie Christmas festival, offering up some of the best local produce with a festive slant. Round off your Christmas shopping with some artisan gifts and get in that festive spirit.
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