May

Events

May sees things picking up speed here and it’s a truly fantastic time to visit! Celebrate those artists inspired by Cornwall’s beauty at the Fowey Arts and Literature Festival and immerse yourself in events celebrating everything from wildlife and the great outdoors to the world famous Padstow Obby Oss. 

Padstow

Obby Oss

The biggest day in Padstow’s calendar. It is not unusual to see 30,000 people crammed into this little town on the day when Padstonians from all over the world return to their roots. The origins of the Obby Oss are numerous. Some say the celebration has its roots in pagan times, others that it’s a rain maker, a fertility symbol, a deterrent to a possible landing by the French some centuries ago or perhaps a welcome to the summer.

St Ives

Food & Drink Festival

St Ives Food and Drink Festival returns this May for another huge FREE party down to Porthminster Beach.  
Taking place on the iconic Porthminster Beach, the St Ives Food and Drink Festival is a huge celebration of all things South Cornwall! 
Join is for showcases from culinary experts, attractions and a wide variety of local beverages and food across three days of family fun. A fantastic range of activities, music and entertainment which promise plenty of fun for all the family. 

Helston

Flora Day

The origins of this famous celebration dance are more than likely pre-Christian and connected to ancient spring festivals that take place all over Europe. Nowadays the festival’s original purpose of ushering in a prosperous harvest expresses itself in a lively, colourful celebration that involves the whole town.

Fowey

Festival of Arts & Literature

Taking place in various locations in Fowey, Cornwall’s premier literary festival  features a diverse range of authors, speakers, musicians, and artists. Organised by the du Maurier Festival Society, it is staged in the beautiful riverside town of Fowey, which was home to Daphne du Maurier and Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch and also associated with Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame. 

Open

Studios

more than 200 artists, designers and makers welcome visitors into their studios in a celebration of artistic practice. From Marazion to St Minver, St Ives to Saltash and Penzance to Penwithick, in leafy villages, seaside settlements and wooded valleys, painters, printmakers and potters; textile designers, sculptors and illustrators open there studios.

Bude & Stratton

Folk Festival

This Folk Festival is a friendly mix of folk events. It features music, song, dance, and storytelling, and there is a small programme of children’s events.

Fal

River festival

This 10 day celebration  encompasses over 150 events varying from music & drama, the arts & heritage to gig racing, swimming, walking & lots more. It is a chance to embrace the places, people, history, culture, sport & industry that are connected by this very Cornish river.

Sign up

For Travel News:

© Visit Cornwall (CiC), recognised by Visit England and Visit Britain as Cornwall’s tourist board.
Registered office: Lowin House, Tregolls Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2NA Registered in England and Wales number: 09489236