Cornish Festivals & Regattas

Common questions

What are the most famous Cornish festivals?

Helston Flora Day and Padstow's Obby Oss Day in May, Penzance's Golowan and Mazey Day in June, Falmouth Week in August, and Padstow's much-loved Christmas Festival in December.

When is the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival?

Each June, when it becomes Europe's largest free nautical music festival. Mevagissey also holds its Shanty Festival in October.

Are there food festivals in Cornwall?

Plenty: the St Ives Food & Drink Festival and Porthleven Food Festival in spring, the Rock Oyster Festival in summer, and the Falmouth Oyster Festival in October.

What happens on St Piran's Day?

On 5 March, Cornwall celebrates its patron saint with parades and a famous re-enactment, with crowds walking across the dunes to St Piran's Oratory near Perranporth carrying a sea of black-and-white flags.

When is regatta season in Cornwall?

Mostly July and August, when harbour towns such as Looe, Fowey, Flushing, Falmouth and Portscatho hold regattas, carnivals and gig-racing championships.

What happens on Padstow 'Obby 'Oss Day?

'Obby 'Oss Day takes place in Padstow every 1 May. The town is dressed with greenery around a maypole, and two hobby horses, the older 'Old 'Oss and the 'Blue Ribbon (or Peace) 'Oss, dance through the streets all day, each led by a costumed 'Teaser' and accompanied by drums, accordions and the traditional May Song. The two 'Osses finally meet at the maypole in the evening. It is one of Britain's oldest surviving May Day customs and draws large crowds, so arrive early.

When is Helston Flora Day and what is the Furry Dance?

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