July What’s On!
One of the surest signs that summer has arrived here in Cornwall, isn’t the bright weather we’re currently enjoying. Instead we can tell summer has arrived when we are able to start recommending all the Regattas, Fairs and Festivals that take place across the County and we have some great ones coming up next month!
Penzance Literary Festival: 5thto 8thJuly
Penzance Literary Festival began life in 2010 as a minor gathering on the fringes of a craft fair but has expanded rapidly into a significant and diverse celebration of books, reading and writing, with music, theatre and performance poetry added to the mix.
The event brings you the light and the dark; the past and the present; the local and the exotic – all centred, this year 2018, on the theme of “Taking Flight”.
Stithians Show: 16thJuly
Thousands of people descend on the large showground between Truro and Helston to enjoy musical entertainment, food courts, craft stalls, shopping opportunities around the Showground, a fairground, animals of all sorts including rare breeds, a dog show and dog agility competitions and craft and cookery competitions in the Domestic Marquee. In the Horticultural Marquee, there are splendid flower arrangements and displays of a very high standard.
This is a show with plenty to see and do. The Taste of Cornwall is the marquee to see and, more importantly, to sample and buy truly local food, drink and produce. Kids will love the fur and feather section full of cute rabbits and clucking chickens. Watch the boundless enthusiasm of the dogs in the agility competition as they literally bounce around the courses. In the Countryside Area you can see craftsmen such as blacksmiths, weavers and beekeepers using traditional skills. The ever popular Horse Section features approximately sixty classes catering for most equestrian enthusiasts and throughout the day there’s an assortment of entertainment, such as an accordion band, school jazz orchestra, local choirs and line dancing.
Cambourne Show: 21st July
At the Camborne Show experts in rural activities from all over the area gather together to display their talents, many of which have taken generations of dedication to perfect. Shared knowledge and carefully guarded trade secrets contribute to the day being a showcase of the truly best in their field. Expect show jumping, a heavy horse display, vintage tractors and cars plus a whole host of farm animals to admire. Also, with over 100 trade stalls (including a beer tent) there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Charlestown Regatta Week: 21stto 27thJuly
Regatta week is an annual tradition bringing together the local community, residents and visitors alike, to enjoy a variety of live music, competitions, pasty demonstrations, raft races, water sports and classic favourites such as the Children’s sports, Grand Carnival and flora dance procession.
Charlestown is one of Cornwall’s most photogenic villages due to the magnificent Georgian harbour – which takes centre stage, against the backdrop of the village, in the annual Regatta Week celebrations.
Organised by a team of volunteers, Charlestown Regatta week aims to blend well known traditions with contemporary events – but crucially also serves to fundraise in support of local community projects and charities.
For the full programme of events, go to https://www.visitcornwall.com/whats-on/sports/south-coast/st-austell/charlestown-regatta-week
Boconnoc Steam Fair: 27thto 29thJuly
This old fashioned steam extravaganza is held annually in the magnificent grounds of the Boconnoc Estate by the the Liskeard Steam and Vintage Club. With entertainment for the whole family, in the showground there are vintage vehicles from dozens of full size and miniature steam engines to motorcycles, bicycles, old tractors, sleek classic cars, stationary working engines and evocative commercial and military vehicles.
Travel in old fashioned style and take a popular steam hauled trailer ride around the showground and there’s also tractor and trailer rides to the estate lake with its magnificent weeping willow centrepiece. There are parades of vintage vehicles in the main ring to watch throughout the day as well as displays of heavy haulage by steam and in the marquees you can browse around the craft stalls and take a look at the fascinating model displays. There is also a fully licensed beer tent, fun fair and trade stands.
Port Elliot Festival: 26thto 29thJuly
Located right on the Cornwall Devon border, the four day Port Eliot Festival is a magical combination of books, food, music, art, comedy, fashion, films, flowers, wildlife and water, which defies categorisation. Held in the spectacular grounds of the ancient Port Eliot estate in southeast Cornwall (the oldest continually inhabited dwelling in the UK), the festival provides inspiration and surprises for all ages at every turn. Over the years new areas have been added, broadening the appeal to younger audiences and others who might never have considered coming to a literary festival before – including the immensely popular Cabaret Tent (where you’ll dance late into the night) the Caught by the River stage and The Hullabaloo. Day tickets are available but going fast, for further details visit their website.