2017 is going to be a fantastic year for music lovers in North Cornwall. Did you know world-famous acts will be taking to local stages over the next few months? From Van Morrison to Rag’n’Bone Man, Lulu to Clean Bandit – there will be something for everyone! There are also some wonderful small-scale festivals for those wanting to save a few pounds. If we’ve missed your favourite local festival, let us know and we’ll add it.
| The Wyldes, Week St. Mary, nr Bude Friday 26th May – Sunday 28th May 2017 Festival fans may recognise the location as the venue for Leopalooza (see below). However, advertised as North Cornwall’s best kept secret, they also host some incredible music acts in a separate three night line-up. This year, Rag’n’Bone Man, Chase and Status, and The Human League will be featuring. Add this to the wonderfully rural field vibe, and a friendly atmosphere, these gigs are not to be missed! http://www.intothewyldes.com/ |  Copyright Abi Dainton |
Bude and Stratton Folk Festival, Bude
Friday 26th May – Monday 29th May 2017
A range of great folk music will be on offer over 7 different venues around Bude. Performers from the national folk circuit, along with talented local acts, will entertain us in a relaxed series of gigs.
Kindred Spirits Festival, North Petherwin, nr Launceston
Saturday 27th May – Sunday 28th May 2017
In just its second year, this mini-festival isn’t well-known yet even amongst locals. However, its family-friendly atmosphere, affordability, and the diverse range of music on offer should mean it’s here to stay. http://www.kindredspiritsfestival.co.uk/
Electric Beach Festival, Great Western Beach, Newquay
Friday 17th June – Saturday 18th June
Another great little festival on a Cornish beach. Boasting a range of music from reggae to hip-hop, this year Badly Drawn Boy, The Cuban Brothers, and The Backbeat Sound System will be playing along with others. There’s no camping at this one, so have a designated driver or find somewhere in Newquay to stay over!
http://electricbeachfestival.co.uk/
The Eden Sessions, The Eden Project, Bodelva
Various dates from mid-June – mid-July 2017
While this isn’t a festival, The Eden Project is gaining its reputation for putting on some world class acts in a truly memorable environment. 2017 sees them offering up Van Morrison, Bastille, Madness (sold out), Royal Blood, The Foals and Bryan Adams. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Tunes in the Dunes, Perranporth, nr Newquay
Friday 30th June – Sunday 1st July 2017
As the name implies, this is another festival making the most of the Cornish coastline. One of the region’s newest festivals, Tunes in the Dunes has only been going for 3 years, yet that hasn’t stopped them putting on 4 stages with a very impressive line-up, including Clean Bandit, Example, Billy Ocean, KT Tunstall, The Levellers, John Newman and more.
https://tunesinthedunes.co.uk/
Leopallooza, Week St. Mary, Bude
Friday 28th July – Sunday 30th July 2017
It’s hard to remember that Leopallooza has been going for over a decade now. One of the region’s most popular independent festivals, it features over 100 acts across numerous stages in a wooded valley. This year, they are hosting The Cribs and Gabrielle Aplin, and will introduce you to new bands you won’t have heard of. With free parking, free camping, workshops, entertainment, a bar and cocktail lounge, this is an all-round great festival experience.
http://www.leopallooza.com
Boardmasters, Newquay
Wednesday 9th August – Sunday 13th August 2017
Boardmasters is arguably Cornwall’s biggest and most commercial music festival, taking place in various locations in Newquay (including the beaches!). Surf and BMX demos and live entertainment will keep you engaged before the music kicks off. This year, the line-up includes Two Door Cinema Club, Jamiroquai, Alt-J, The Flaming Lips, The Vaccines, and Stormzy. Book well in advance – some tickets have sold out already!
Cornwall Folk Festival, Wadebridge
Thursday 24th August – Monday 28th August 2017
The August bank holiday weekend is the annual highlight for Cornish folkies, with the Cornwall Folk Festival taking place in various venues around Wadebridge. Ceilidh dancing, arts and crafts, street entertainment and great local food and drink will be on offer. This year, the line-up includes Dougie Maclean, Cara Dillon, Dosca, and countless talented folk artists from around the country and even the world.
http://www.cornwallfolkfestival.com/
Bude Jazz Festival, Various venues in Bude
Tuesday 29th August – Friday 1st September 2017
Taking place throughout the final week of August, Bude Jazz Festival sees jazz fans coming from near and far to choose from over 75 different gigs in venues across the town. Whether it’s big band band jazz, swing, jive or traditional, you will find some jazz to suit your tastes. The street parades are a real highlight!
http://www.jazzfestivalbude.co.uk/
Looe Music Festival, Looe
Friday 29th September – Sunday 1st October
Right at the end of summer, Looe Music Festival is another that takes place on a brilliant beach stage, as well as seeing events happening across the town. 2017 offers up The Jesus & Mary Chain, Lulu, and The Happy Mondays. There is no camping organised by the festival, so the event appeals to people who are happy to organise a rather more comfortable festival experience.
Tamar Valley Cottages offers luxury boutique accommodation within reach of these fantastic music festivals.
If you’re a musician, did you know that we are situated 1.5 miles away from the excellent Propagation House recording studios. Musicians such as The Levellers and The Fisherman’s Friends have recorded at their facilities, along with bands who have chosen to stay in our boutique cottages, and Seth Lakeman recorded his most recent album ‘Word of Mouth’ in our village church.
