It might not feel like it with the seemingly endless rain, but the summer holidays are finally here for Cornwall. Six weeks of trying to please the whole family and make lasting memories with your loved ones - and with better weather ahead.
And while Cornwall is not short of famous attractions and wonderful farms, soft plays, and family fun days out - some annual events take place every year during the summer holidays and are not to be missed.
If you are looking for an ideal way to spend the school holidays, and something a bit different, here are five ideas for upcoming events this summer as schools have officially broken up. Be sure to let us know your favourite thing to do as a family in Cornwall in the comment section.
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Rock Oyster Festival
Happening in late July to kick off the summer is Cornwall's Rock Oyster, dubbed a voyage of culinary discovery and musical mischief. Rock Oyster is a blend of food and music festival along the Camel estuary near Rock and Padstow, where cooking demos from some of Cornwall's top chefs take place alongside music bands at what is known as one of the most intimate festivals in the county.
A spokesperson for Rock Oyster, taking place from July 25 to 28, said: "Known and loved for our unmissable lineups of world-class culinary stars, Rock Oyster will again welcome back Michelin-starred seafood chef Nathan Outlaw, of Outlaw’s New Road and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac." For more information and last minute tickets, visit the website.
Cornwall Pride
This year's annual pride celebrations of the summer kicked off with Newquay Pride on July 20 but if you missed out you'll have your chance to celebrate yet. Bude Pride takes place on Saturday, July 27, at Castle Green followed by the main event of Cornwall Pride in Truro on August 31 across Lemon Quay.
Pride will march through Truro with the world’s largest Pride flag. The march will begin at Hendra Park and finish at Lemon Quay. Members of the public are welcome to join the march on the day on foot but if you would like to take part in the march with a vehicle (such as a fire engine or a police car) please contact them here in advance to arrange this. More information on the Cornwall Pride website.
St Agnes Carnival
This year will mark the 60th year of the iconic St Agnes Carnival, one of the most creative processions in Cornwall. Taking place on Saturday, August 3, it's fun for all the family with an amalgamation of colour and creativity taking to the village's streets.
The procession’s tradition dates back many years, to the time when the village streets would have been lined with miners and fishermen, bal-maidens and fishwives. What makes St Agnes Carnival such fun? It’s about the local community spirit. Join in from 5pm on the day.
Falmouth Week
A jam-packed week encompassing all your favourite occasions from Falmouth Carnival to fireworks over Trefusis Headland and a hectic sailing calendar, Falmouth Week is a staple summer event for Cornwall. With its origins as a local sailing regatta dating back at least as far as 1837, the week is an opportunity for sailors and landlubbers to enjoy the many daytime and evening events in the picturesque seaside town of Falmouth in Cornwall.
You can expect family-friendly activities in the heart of Falmouth town on The Moor, with everything from a traditional hand-turned carousel, alongside an eclectic market and buzzing atmosphere. Combined with evening entertainment, ranging from the famous 80s and 00s night to the RNLI Fun Day, there is a night-time schedule put together by Southwest Bars and Events. For more information check out the Falmouth week website.
Portscatho Regatta
For sailing enthusiasts, families and those who want a fun day by a stunning piece of coastline the Portscatho Regatta is set to take place on Saturday, August 24. It's a traditional historic regatta with a raft of other entertainment including a sandcastle competition. Portscatho Regatta is a self-financing community event organised by the villagers of Portscatho and held annually since 1874. The event is free and all are welcome to attend the festivities.
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