Local visitor attractions always put on their own events for the school holidays, but May half-term promises to be fantastic this year, with over a dozen events due to take place in the region. Two food festivals, two steam rallies, choir concerts, flowers and fayres – there’ll be something for everyone! If we’ve missed something, let us know in the comments below.
Open Studios Cornwall 2017
Various dates and venues over the bank holiday weekend
Now in its thirteenth year, Open Studios Cornwall 2017 will be the largest ever with 293 artists, craftsmen and designers opening their studios and workshops to the public from Saturday 27th May to Sunday 4th June. Local artists throwing open their doors include Sophie Fordham’s Printmaking Studio, Tregirls Pottery, Penelope O’Connor textiles, John May sculptures, and many more.
www.openstudioscornwall.co.uk
Bude & Stratton Folk Festival
Friday 26th May– Monday 29th May 2017
This Folk Festival is a friendly mix of folk events held on the late May Bank Holiday weekend. It features music, song, dance, and storytelling, and there is a small programme of children’s events. The 2017 guest list includes Ange Hardy, Lukas Drinkwater, Jim Causley, Si Barron, Reg Meuross, Geoff Lakeman, Sam Kelly Trio, The Dambuskers, Thorn and Roses, Hamish Currie, Moe Keast.
http://www.budefolkfest.com/
Bodmin Moor Poetry Festival
Sterts Art Centre, Upton Cross
Friday 26th May to Sunday 28th May 2017
A long week-end of readings, talks, workshops, music, film, theatre and visual art, featuring the best contemporary poets and artists from Cornwall and beyond. Events for all the family.
http://www.bodminmoorpoetryfestival.co.uk
Cornish Traction Preservation Club Steam & Vintage Rally
Tredinnick Farm, St Issey, Wadebridge PL27 7QZ
Friday 26th May to Sunday 28th May, 2017
In aid of Penhaligons Friends (registered charity 1053968) CTPC Steam & Vintage Rally will once again be held in Tredinnick over the May bank holiday weekend. With steam engines, Coz the Clown, face painting, craft tent, trade stands, vintage cars, commercials, tractors, motorbikes and full working section there’s something for all the family! Gates open 10am Saturday!
St Andrew’s Flower Festival – Faces and Places
St. Andrews Church, Stratton
Friday 26th May to Monday 29th May, 2017
Weekdays 10 am ’til 5 pm and Sunday from Noon.
Another small flower festival, celebrating Stratton’s history, and its ‘faces and places’. Refreshments including coffee, light lunches and cream teas.
Launceston Steam & Vintage Rally
Showground, Fivelanes – Near Altarnun
Saturday 27th May, 2017
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tractor Rides – Traction Engine Rides – Miniature Train Rides, a fantastic FOOD TENT full of local produce! Admire the amazing full size steam engines, marvel at the miniature Steam Engines. Let the kids go wild on the bouncy castles. Amazing artists in the collectables, models and craft tent. Cars, Bikes, Lorries and Stationary Engines from bygone years. Try some local ales in the beer tent.
Fantastic Tractor Pulling Competition. Live music all weekend, dog Show, motorbike display team and much more!
www.launcestonsteamrally.com
Bodmin May Fayre
Priory Park, Bodmin
Saturday 27th May, 2017
10:00am to 3:00pm
In aid of RNLI, WI, Scouts and Guides, Inner Wheel, Pre schools. This event had to be postponed on May 6th and is rescheduled for May 27th. The day runs from 10.00am to 3.00pm and includes a variety of charity stalls, entertainment, barbecue and refreshments, animal experience and bouncy castle. Entry is free.
Launceston Steam Railway Half-Term
Launceston
Sunday 28th May – Friday 2nd June
This enchanting little narrow-gauge steam railway
will be reopening for runs throughout half-term week. It chugs through the Cornish countryside for 2.5 miles and ends at the small, family friendly New Mills Farm park (separate charges apply). Alternatively, take a walk in the valley, or have a look around the museum. Tickets are valid all day.
http://www.launcestonsr.co.uk/
Wadebridge Good Food & Craft Day
Molesworth Street, Wadebridge
Monday 29th May 2017
It’s Wadebridge Good Food Day again on Spring Bank Holiday Monday! This colourful, bustling all-day food market will once again be lining the whole of pedestrianised Molesworth Street in the centre of town, with artisan food producers offering some of the tastiest food from around our region. Plus an arts and crafts market in the town’s adjacent Piazza shopping area. And there’ll be an array of talented local musicians and street performers providing plenty of entertainment throughout the day.
https://www.facebook.com/Cornishgoodfood/
Flower Festival
St Mary Magdalene Church, Launceston
Thursday 1st June – Sunday 4th June
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
A small and friendly collection of flower displays marking 100 years since the birth of Charles Causley, including the ‘Words in Bloom’.
Charles Causley Festival
Thursday 1st June to Monday 5th June 2017
The Charles Causley Festival celebrates the very best in the fields of literature and the performing arts. There are guided town walks, poetry tents, readings, book signings, music, workshops appealing to all ages and all tastes Most events are held within the town centre, an easy walk between venues We hope you enjoy the festival and help to establish its growing reputation. For full programme details please visit the Festival website.
http://www.charlescausleyfestival.co.uk/
The Fishermans Friends in Concert
Launceston Town Hall
Thursday 1st June 2017
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The much acclaimed Cornish choir will be performing to kick start this year’s Charles Causley Festival. Don’t forget to get your tickets in advance!
http://www.crbo.co.uk/eventDetail.php?evGrp=135&evId=14054
Launceston Food and Drink Festival
Saturday 3rd June 2017
10am – late
Launceston Food and Drink Festival will see the town square filled with quality pop up restaurants and a beer, cider and wine tent as part of The Charles Causley Festival. The Launceston Food and Drink Festival takes place alongside the monthly market in the middle of Launceston’s historic town centre, and will include performances by musicians and poets as part of the wider Charles Causley Festival. There will be plenty of Cornish produce on many stalls – including locally-made beers and ciders!
http://www.facebook.com/LauncestonFoodandDrinkFestival
The Mevagissey Male Voice Choir
St. Swithins Church, Launcells, nr Bude
Saturday 3rd June 2017
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
A concert by the World famous Mevagissey Male Voice Choir. £10 entry to include raffle, refreshments and glass of wine.
https://www.visitbude.info/event/concert-mevagissey-male-voice-choir/
