Top 5 festivals in Cornwall
13 July 2023
The festival scene in Cornwall has been getting bigger and better over the last decade, as the county hosts brilliant beach parties, themed events and the very best in emerging and established bands, artists and DJs. Take a look at our top five festivals in Cornwall…
1. Boardmasters
The big one – a celebration of sun (sometimes), surf, music and beach life on the cliffs at Watergate Bay, near Newquay, where a pop-up town emerges to accommodate a five-day festival of indoor raves and open-air parties. Boardmasters is home to the UK’s biggest silent disco and boasts headliners this year including Lorde, Little Simz, Liam Gallagher and Florence & The Machine.
2. The Masked Ball
Enter a dystopian horror land for the Halloween Masked Ball at Los Flambardos theme park in Helston, where you’ll find no end of mischief and mayhem to revel in. Expect acts ranging from 80s pop to drum ‘n’ bass (and everything in between), fire eating and fairground rides, spectacular stage sets and incredible costumes at this all-night party. Book early to bag your place on the bus.
3. Tunes in the Park
If you like the idea of wild swimming, wellbeing sessions and unmissable sounds in a woodland setting that evoke an Ibiza vibe, this August long weekender at Port Eliot could be for you. It’s not short on big names – you’ll find The Kooks, The Kaiser Chiefs, Sam Ryder and Sister Sledge, as well as a stack of entertainment including poetry, lakeside yoga and ice bath resilience workshops.
4. Leopallooza
Dubbed the greatest house party… in a field, Leopallooza has been described as the funkiest, friendliest festival ever. Previous years have seen the likes of Rag’n’Bone Man, Feeder and Gabrielle Aplin at this three-day bash in July, which features multiple stages, free camping, a comedy tent, food trucks and more. Based near Bude, so you might need a car (or a friend with one).
5. Sea Shanty Festival
@falmouthinternationalseashantyfestival
Here’s one you won’t find elsewhere! As this free nautical knees-up takes over our university town in June, the streets fill with the sounds of more than 70 shanty groups – recalling the days when Falmouth was the first safe port of call for deep-water sailing ships. Look out for the Barnacle Buoys, local favourites The Oggymen and the world-famous Fisherman’s Friends.
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