Things To Do In Cornwall May 2019
May is bursting with creative, inspiring and unique events this year. Read on for the best events, activities and things to do in Cornwall this month.
Padstow May Day
Where: 40 minute drive from The Alverton
It’s not unusual to see many Padstonians from all over the world return to the seaside town of Padstow. Locals spend the night before decorating the town’s street with flags, flowers and greenery complete with a maypole. Crowds parade dressed in white with their costumes decorated with ribbons and wildflowers, dancing their way down the town to the sound of musicians and drummers.
📷: Padstow May Day
Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival
Where: all across Cornwall
From across the globe, male choirs from all ages descend on Cornwall for what is now the largest event of its kind in the world. Join in on the celebrations by visiting over 50 concerts placed over 40 venues around Cornwall.
📷: Cornwall International Male Choir
The Masked Ball
Where: 40 minute drive from The Alverton
The spectacular themed event in Cornwall is back and bigger than ever. Perched on the cliffs at Beacon Crag, this festival has become renowned for their artistic creativity and imaginative site layouts. Recently, it has been labelled as one of the best festivals in the world by Conde Naste Traveller.
📷: Masked Ball
Helston Flora Day
Where: 35 minute drive from The Alverton
Helston Flora Day is a celebration of summer with a colour celebration that involves the entire town. Decked out with bluebells, gorse and laurel leaves, dancing begins at 7am. The day continues with the children of the town dancing down the streets at 10am wearing flowers and white attire.
The formal dance is at midday with men wearing fine morning dress and women wearing their beautiful ball gowns and hats. Expect many stalls full of local souvenirs, Cornish crafts and food, as well as a big fairground.
📷: Helston Flora Day
St Ives Food and Drink Festival
Where: 50 minute drive from The Alverton
Taking place on Porthminster Beach, this festival promises culinary experts, attractions and a wide variety of local beverages and food. From wine, beer and cider producers, to chocolate and cheese makers, and fruit and vegetable growers thrown in for good measure, the food market is sure to delight all taste buds!
📷: St Ives Food and Drink Festival
Fowey Festival of Art and Literature
Where: 45 minute drive from The Alverton
This literary festival will feature a diverse range of speakers, musicians, authors and artists. Staged in the beautiful riverside town, which was once home to Daphne du Maurier and Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, the event promises an impressive line-up of literary and musical talent. This year folk superstars, Seth Lakeman and Show of Hands will be performing seperate concerts in the Parish Church.
📷: Fowey Festival
Eden Classic Sportive
Where: 30 minute drive from The Alverton
Join in at this non-competitive cycle ride through the incredible scenery of Cornwall. Riders have the unique opportunity to pedal the length of Eden, past the world-famous biomes before they start their challenging journey.
Choose between three distances, depending on the level of experience and fitness. Riders are invited to stop and refuel in iconic locations such as The Lost Gardens of Heligan, where friends and family can gather in support before exploring the renowned visitor attraction for free.
📷: The Eden Project
The Working Boat Mini Beer Festival
Where: 25 minute drive from The Alverton
Sponsored by Harbour Brewing Co., The Working Boat will be bringing you a bank holiday blast full of brews. Head to The Working Boat for their second annual Falmouth beer festival, from midday until late every day. Find your new favourite pint, thanks to barrelfuls of guest ales, local ciders and craft beers from Harbour and other local breweries.
Porthilly Spirit Festival
Where: 35 minute drive from The Alverton
It’s time to celebrate food, wellness, music and adventure in Cornwall. This May will see the inception of a brand new three-day event, which will showcase the finest elements of Cornwall.
With a focus on the great outdoors, food, music and wellbeing, the festival will include talks, workshops, feasts, classes and family activities. Headline acts include Tom Odell, Villagers, Songhoy Blues and Gilles Peterson, with food from Tomos Parry of Michelin-starred restaurant Brat and author and cook Anna Jones.
📷: Porthilly Festival
The Greenbank Fal River Festival
Where: right on our doorstep
A 10 day celebration with over 100 events showcasing creative talent from the worlds of art, food, film, adventure, theatre and more! Embrace the places, people, history and culture that are connected by this beautiful Cornish river. As a not-for-profit community festival, this fun bash encompasses everything from music and drama, to gig racing, swimming, walking and fishing workshops from our sister hotel The Greenbank’s quay.
Huguette Caland
Where: 50 minute drive from The Alverton
The first UK museum solo exhibition for Lebanese artist Huguette Caland offers figuration and abstraction, large colourful canvasses and detailed drawings from the 1970s and 1980s. Explore the delicate balance between the suggestive and the explicit that Caland created in her works. The female physique is a recurrent motif in her work, often painted like landscapes with voids and mountain-like forms.
Great Estate Festival
Where: 15 minute drive from The Alverton
Hosting a medley of national and international musicians, unforgettable comedians, head-turning performers and inspirational speakers, The Great Estate has swiftly become one of Cornwall’s most talked about events. Returning to the prestigious grounds of Scorrier House for three days, expect weird and wonderful happenings at this lively garden fete.