Summer in Cornwall: The Hottest Festivals Along Cornwall’s Coastline

Top Festival Picks from Cornish Keepers Holiday Cottages Cornwall

Each summer, Cornwall transforms into a festival paradise, so if you’re planning a Cornish getaway, you might like to schedule in some time at a few of the county’s popular festivals that celebrate everything from music to surf and food to art and culture.

Our holiday cottages in Cornwall make the perfect home base for your festival adventures and offer that extra level of comfort and luxury which is wonderful to return to after a busy day of festivities!

In this month’s blog we’ve rounded up our all-time favourite summer festivals that you won’t want to miss during your stay!

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival – 14-16th June 2024 – Falmouth

Immerse yourself in the maritime heritage of Cornwall at the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival, one of the largest free nautical music festivals in Europe. With performances from over 70 shanty groups from around the world, the town of Falmouth comes alive with the sound of Cornish songs, sea shanties and songs of the sea. Infact, wherever you wander, you’ll never be far from the fun and atmosphere! Performances take place everywhere from inside cosy pubs and parish churches, to main stages and even street corners!

Looking for accommodation close by? Penty Lowen Holiday Cottages Cornwall in neighbouring St Mawes is a great bet. 

Rock Oyster Festival – 25-28th July 2024 – Dinham House, North Cornwall

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Camel Estuary, Rock Oyster Festival is a delight for the senses featuring live music, seafood, local produce, culture and wellbeing.

The festival’s relaxed, family-friendly vibe makes it ideal for all ages. Besides oyster tasting, there are cooking demonstrations, workshops, and plenty of activities for children. Plus, the option of a VIP area called The Coral Club, should you wish for a little luxury!

Headline music acts this year include The Human League, Sugababes and Bombay Bicycle Club, along with lots of other must-see names. You can find the full line up here

Boardmasters Festival – 7-11th August 2024 – Newquay / Watergate Bay

Boardmasters is the ultimate surf and music festival, which was founded in 1981 and has evolved into one of the UK’s best-known festivals combining world-class surfing competitions and live music from international artists.

Held on Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, the festival offers 5 jam packed days of action and entertainment. Watch professional surfers compete in the Boardmasters Open at Fistral Beach and see some of the music industry’s biggest acts, which include this year: Stormzy, Sam Fender and Chase & Status amongst many others across 11 stages.

Boardmasters offers day tickets and welcomes all ages (under 16s are to be accompanied by an adult,) making this a great event for families as well as party goers!

Fowey Regatta & Carnival – 18-24th August 2024 – Fowey

Fowey Regatta and Carnival is one of the UK’s best known sailing events where you can take part in or watch a wide range of sailing races throughout the week. Plenty of land events are also planned, including live music, a carnival procession, fireworks, and even a giant pasty ceremony! Plus, those who are drawn to the water can get involved in a harbour swim or perhaps some crab catching with the kids!

Tunes in the Park – 22-25th August 2024 – Port Eliot Estate, St Germans

Held in the picturesque grounds of Port Eliot Estate, Tunes in the Park is a festival that blends music and comedy. This year’s music headliners include McFly, Busted, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. And on the comedy stage, Al Murray, Frankie Boyle, and Russell Howard will be bringing the laughs!

To top it off, the festivals offers gourmet food stalls, local craft vendors, and family-friendly activities, promising an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Cider and Music Festival – 13-15th September 2024 – Healy’s Cider Farm

The Cider and Music Festival takes place in the heart of the countryside, at Healy’s Cider Farm, just 15 minutes outside Truro. This is set to be the 11th year of the festival which has a superb line-up of big live bands, a BBC Introducing Stage, as well as several cool and quirky late-night venues including a silent disco and ‘Grandma’s Funky Wardrobe.’

This year’s festival will also include a ‘Shop Small Market,’ skateramps and DJ workshops from Mount Hawke, ‘Little Orchard Outdoor Adventure Club’ forest school for kids, and much more.

Tunes in the Dunes – 6-8th June 2025 – Perranporth Beach

Listen to live music with your toes in the sand and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Tunes in the Dunes is a unique beachside music festival set on Perranporth Beach, just 20 minutes from Truro.

Tunes in the Dunes 2024 took place in May and was a resounding success. Building on that momentum, the 2025 festival, scheduled to take place from the 6th to the 8th of June, is set to be even bigger and Super Early Bird tickets are now on sale.

Expect an impressive line-up of artists and genres, lots of talented emerging artists, and plenty of summer vibes!

Looking for somewhere great to stay nearby – check out Cornish Keepers property Carclew Corner in Truro.

Plan Your Perfect Festival Getaway with Cornish Keepers

Ready to experience the summer festivals of Cornwall? Book your stay with Cornish Keepers and enjoy a cosy retreat after all the festival fun and excitement!

Explore & Book Holiday Cottages in Cornwall