23rd January 2024
Your Cornish adventure is about to get even better. Why? Because we’re about to reveal the best events in Cornwall to plan your trip around in 2024. Dive into the rich cultural heritage and modern traditions by checking out some of these uniquely Cornish celebrations.
Six exciting events in Cornwall not to be missed
A round up of some of our favourite events in Cornwall across 2024.
Hurling of the Ball in St Columb Major
When: Tuesday 13th and Saturday 24th February
Where: St Columb Major, near Newquay
How much: free
Alongside a unique name, the village of St Columb Major is also the home to an ancient community tradition that has lasted down the ages. The ‘hurling of the silver ball’ is a rough-and-tumble sporting event like no other and while a few ‘Cornish hurls’ still happen, this is probably the biggest of the hurling events in Cornwall. The local parish is split into two teams – the townsmen and the countrymen – and the aim of the game is to get a small silver ball into your opponent’s goal – by pretty much any means necessary. While it sounds rough, rest assured this is a jovial event with a focus on fun and community (and bragging rights of course!)
St Piran’s Day
When: Tuesday 5th March (although most events will happen on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd March)
Where: Across Cornwall
How much: Free (in most cases)
As you’d expect, one of the best events in Cornwall is held for the county’s patron saint, who of course gets a rousing celebration throughout Cornwall. Parades, processions and other traditional festivities will be found in most towns, cities and even villages around 5th March. In 2024, most major St Piran’s Day events will happen on the weekend before – 2nd and 3rd March – but at the time of writing, most festivals have not yet announced dates. Newquay is our favourite place to join in the atmosphere but wherever you are, St Piran’s Day is an important part of Cornwall’s culture and history – truly unmissable.
Cornwall Pride
When: between Saturday 27 April 2024 to Saturday 5 October 2024
Where: across Cornwall
How much: free
Cornwall Pride can now be found in many cities across Cornwall but our favourite, and the first to appear in the county, was in Newquay. A real family-friendly event full of bright colours, charity stalls and delicious food and drink. The theme for 2024 is yet to be announced but last year, Newquay Pride’s was ‘supporting human rights and trans Pride’. That said, wherever you join the celebrations, you’ll be at one of the best events in Cornwall.
Cornwall Open Studios
When: Saturday 27th May – Sunday 4th June
Where: Across Cornwall
How much: free
Cornwall is not short on amazing artists, designers and makers crafting beautiful, handmade and unique work across all disciplines. During just one week of the year, these talented craftspeople throw open their studio doors and invite the public into their workshops and creative spaces. From ceramics to fine art, from kiln-formed glass to felt and textiles, unveil the story behind each beautiful piece. Cornwall’s famous, vibrant landscapes always inspires the makers that call this county home. If you like to fill your home with beauty, this is one of the best suited events in Cornwall for you.
Boardmasters
When: 7th – 11th August
Where: Newquay
How much: Day tickets start at £199, weekend tickets start at £229
Music. Surf. Beach. What more could you want from events in Cornwall? One of the South’s biggest music festivals returns to Newquay this year with Stormzy and Chase & Status set to headline. The stunning Cornish coast is your backdrop to the eleven stages, packed full of good vibes and great tunes.
As we’re talking music festivals, if you’re up for something a little more family-friendly (and super sustainable to boot) try Tropical Pressure. An intimate festival experience filled with positive, dance-inducing and life-affirming live music for all ages. An honourable mention also goes to the Eden Sessions who will be hosting Crowded House, Fatboy Slim and more in 2024.
More information on Boardmasters, Tropical Pressure and Eden Sessions.
Montol Festival
When: 21st December
Where: Penzance
How much: free
In our book, it’s never too early to be thinking about the festive season. One of our favourite Christmas events in Cornwall is the Montol Festival, a celebration of Old Christmas. This uniquely Cornish festival is a revival of midwinter customers that were once common across the county. Bringing back ancient rituals, ‘Obby ‘Osses and guise beasts, this family-friendly event is a six-day arts and community event and definitely not to be missed.
Experience it all from the Pentire Hotel
There’s no shortage of unmissable events in Cornwall, whatever time of year you are here. To take it all in, you’ll need a place that is central to the action but allows you to rest and recuperate after a day of celebrations. Look no further than the Pentire Hotel in Newquay, the ideal base from which to explore the whole of Cornwall.
