Over the next couple of months, everything in the Duchy comes alive; flowers are blooming along the coastal paths, fiery sunsets fill the skies and arts, and music and food festivals start to pop up all over the county.
Cornwall is home to many quirky, unique experiences that you just won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here’s our pick of the top ‘must-do’ events here in the Duchy this summer.
Mevagissey Feast Week: 23rd-29th June
Just a short drive from Caerhays, Mevagissey is a quaint, seaside harbour town that’s home to Cornwall’s longest running community festival. With over 250 years of celebrations, the town comes alive with festivities during Mevagissey Feast Week! Live music and various demonstrations create a real party atmosphere, culminating in a multi-cultural parade through the streets whilst a firework display lights up the harbour! It’s truly spectacular.
Most of the entertainment is provided free of charge, with charitable donations from visitors over the years helping to keep the festival alive. After a tiring day of treating your senses to the quintessential sights, sounds and tastes of Cornwall (make sure you try the seafood – there’s nothing better than fresh Cornish fish straight off the boat!), you’ll be more than ready to retreat to your Caerhays cottage; you’ve earned that glass of wine!
Caerhays Beach Café: July-August
For those wanting to keep it a little closer to your home-away-from-home, the Caerhays Beach Café at Porthluney has lots of unique, summer events lined up. Listen to the sounds of talented, local musicians echoing across the bay with a full summer schedule of live music, or grab some popcorn and a space at one of our drive-in movie events! Here’s a list of cinema nights for your diary:
Thursday 1st August – Grease
Channel your inner 70’s and get ready to sing along – Grease is the word after all!
Thursday 8th August – Aquaman
Imagine it’s all taking place in the ocean just behind you and you’ll be transported to a whole other world…
Thursday 15th August – Bohemian Rhapsody
Iconic anthems and the story of a true rock legacy, this foot-stomping celebration of Queen’s music and electrifying front man Freddy Mercury will have you all bouncing along in your cars!
Thursday 22nd August – The Greatest Showman
Let’s face it, we all know every word to the soundtrack – so come and get lost in the magic of the circus all over again!
Thursday 29th August – Dumbo
Perfect for families of all ages, this classic Disney remake will fill your heart with joy!
You can find more info and book tickets to your favourites here. Top the evening off by enjoying a traditional Cornish cider and delicious, wood fired pizza from the Caerhays Beach Café as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean and you’ll have magical memories to last a lifetime.
Falmouth Week: 9th-18th August
Dating back to 1837, the 10-day festivities of Falmouth Week take over the stunning seaside town every year with heaps of sensational sea and shore-based activities. Originating from a local sailing regatta which still runs to this day, various yacht and day-boat fleet races flood Falmouth Bay with day and series length competitions, as well as various entertainment acts and activities around the harbour.
Starting with the famous pink wig night, where the streets of Falmouth are invaded by wig-wearing women raising money and awareness for breast cancer, everything from parades and musical tribute acts to stunning air shows run each evening.
Avoid the parking issues and arrive in style by sailing in through the Fal estuary; both our Percuil View and Parc an Bounder properties are right on the doorstep of the King Harry Ferry port, which runs with a direct line to Falmouth! You’ll be able to simply step off the dock and dive straight into the action.
Kneehigh’s UBU! Karaoke: 15th August-1st September
Wonderfully weird and fantastically fun, a Kneehigh show is outdoor theatre at its absolute finest. Their latest creation, UBU! Karaoke, is a satirical, singalong mash up of acting, singing, dancing and riotous laughs.
The house band play some of the most iconic anthems of our time whilst the Kneehigh crew act out the story tells the story of a crazed dictator who is hell bent on making the country great again (sound familiar?!)
Described as “world-class buffoonery” in a “deliriously unhinged improvised promenade musical,” the performance is a rocking, rollicking riot of ridiculousness that you won’t forget and truly has to be seen to be believed. This summer, it’s taking place in Carlyon Bay – just a short drive up the coast from Caerhays.
Cornwall Motorfest: 30th August-1st September
Three days of motoring bliss set in 30-acres of gorgeous Cornish countryside, Cornwall Motorfest is a quirky, family-friendly event with motorbike stunts, live music, and the county’s biggest soapbox race! You’re likely to spot some famous wheels amongst the displays, with the likes of the Mystery Machine and Dukes of Hazzard vehicles proudly on show, as well as a collection of retro and more modern vehicles to browse.
If you’re looking for accommodation that’s just as unique as these events, you’ll find it at Caerhays. With properties ranging from the wing of a castle to a contemporary barn conversion, whether in rural seclusion or with the sea crashing at your bedroom window, there’s a home-away-from-home to suit everyone. For more inspiration, take a look here.