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Top Picks

Cornwall 365’s April Top Picks

Plan an amazing April 2018 with our selection of the best events, activities and things to do in Cornwall

Spring has officially sprung in Cornwall, and April is packed full of music, theatrefoodie events, and outdoor adventures. You’ll find feasts, a show on a ship, the UK’s largest garden opening and wild bands on the beach. Plus, if you’re looking for Easter activities, we’ve got a whole bunch of them in our Easter Top Picks.

Make your month count with this fun list that follows – we’ll see you out there!

1. Wild Spring Hare – Rogue Theatre

Fri 30th March, 2018 — Mon 9th April, 2018
Tehidy Woods, near Camborne

Join Rogue Theatre deep in Tehidy Woods for an Easter trail like no other! Wild Spring Hare is an adventure for Spring among the bluebell glades and singing birds. Lose yourselves in the wild wood and find yourselves in even wilder tales, collect the clues and follow the Hare to the Woodland King – he’ll be at the heart of the woods with more stories and a chocolate Easter treat for everyone!

2. Jessica Cooper at Tremenheere

Fri 30th March, 2018 — Sun 29th April, 2018
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Penzance

Inspired in childhood by her father’s passion for plants, Jessica Cooper makes work which explores the vitality of natural forms – their shape, line, colour, and endless potential for seasonal change. In this exhibition, her work responds to the spectacular collection of subtropical plants at the sculpture gardens, which originate from all around the world. Together, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens founder Neil Armstrong and artist Jessica devised an exhibition concept that would bring together strands of this story of international exchange, in which a multitude of beautiful plant species from distant lands are grown in West Cornwall, where they thrive, and in turn inspire artists to make and exhibit new work in the garden’s unique setting.

3. Canvas & Rum on Kayasmoor Tallship

Mon 2nd April, 2018 — Fri 6th April, 2018
Charlestown Inner harbour, Kaysamoor tallship, St Austell

Join North South Theatre aboard the Kaysamoor tallship for an immersive piece of theatre where you will become part of the crew! A maelstrom of shanties, sirens, superstitions and sea-sick sailors, Canvas & Rum is a maritime theatre piece centred on the packet ships that sailed from Falmouth, and the life of an old shell backer who left his home in Kernow after a family dispute. This old sea dog takes on the duty of teaching a new shipmate the ropes on board the ship, but bad luck strikes and the vessel is forced to return to the home that had been avoided for decades.

4. The Railway Children at The Minack Theatre

Tue 3rd April, 2018 — Sat 14th April, 2018
Minack Theatre, Porthcurno

A glorious theatrical experience for all ages, full of warmth, intrigue, adventure and joy, The Railway Children tells the tale of an Edwardian family whose lives are turned upside down following the mysterious disappearance of their father.

Produced by the creative team behind the Minack’s highly acclaimed production of ‘Goodnight Mister Tom’ The Railway Children’s cast includes a host of Cornish acting talent alongside members of the Minack Youth Theatre.

5. Tankus the Henge at The Watering Hole

Thu 5th April, 2018
The Watering Hole, Perranporth

Tankus the Henge live is a sight to behold and a treat for the ears. Describing themselves as ‘a five wheeled, funk fuelled, open top, custom paint job, rock ‘n’ roll jalopy that comes careering round the corner on a tranquil summer’s day’, Tankus the Henge combine piano driven rock, funk, blues, ska and gypsy rhythms performed with wild showmanship. We saw them at The Great Estate last year and cannot wait to catch them again.

6. Steam & Cream at Bodmin & Wenford Railway

Friday 6th April, 2018
Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin

Where better to enjoy a Cornish cream tea than aboard the Cornish Belle? Expect locally baked scones, Trewithen Dairy clotted cream and Boddington’s Berries strawberry jam, served to your table in First Class. Return to an age of luxury travel as the countryside rolls by!

7. CGS Spring Flower Show at Boconnoc

Sat 7th April, 2018 — Sun 8th April, 2018
Boconnoc, near Lostwithiel

Known as ‘the Chelsea of the South West’, the Cornwall Garden Society’s Spring Flower Show is full of spectacular spring flower displays, over 120 trade stands and inspiring show gardens, and a cornucopia of Cornish food and drink. There’s also a dedicated marquee for artisan crafts and children’s activities to keep the small ones busy.

8. Sunset Session with Boundless Brothers

Sat 7th April, 2018
YHA Treyarnon Bay, Padstow

Live music with a magic atmosphere – and if you’re lucky a beautiful sunset! Boundless Brothers are a Cornish band making melodic sounds and bringing an interesting mix of pop rock and folk music with electric and acoustic sounds.

9. Blood Brothers at Hall for Cornwall

Mon 9th April, 2018 — Sat 14th April, 2018
Hall For Cornwall, Truro

The legendary musical Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the track, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

10. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Keay Theatre

Mon 9th April, 2018 — Sat 14th April, 2018
Keay Theatre, St Austell

Lawrence Jameson, a suave and sophisticated English gentleman meets Freddy Benson, a young, quick-witted American. Two men with nothing in common, except one thing… they’re both conning the rich ladies of the French Riviera out of their money. After a chance encounter on the train to Beaumont sur Mer, they attempt to work as a team until they realise that this town isn’t big enough for the two of them. Embarking on an elaborate ‘loser leave town’ con, both with the sole purpose to be the first to extract $50,000 from a young, unsuspecting heiress, it’s each man for himself – and things don’t go as smoothly as they planned!

11. Chat & Eat Night at Canteen Cornwall

Wed 11th April, 2018
Canteen Cornwall, St Agnes

Potluck Cornwall are teaming up with Canteen Cornwall to welcome to you a Mexican fiesta! The menu will be a surprise, but you can expect Mexican mezze, small plates and dessert, at a relaxed evening where you can meet foodie people from all over Cornwall.

12. Sam Carter at Calstock Arts

Fri 13th April, 2018
Calstock Arts, Calstock

Since being named Best Newcomer at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Sam Carter has been stirring audiences from Camden to Canada, and now Calstock! A song-smith with excellent guitar skills, Sam is one not to miss.

13. Late at Tate

Fri 13th April, 2018
Tate St Ives

Enjoy after-hours access at Tate St Ives, where an evening of music and DJs, along with cocktails from the cafe, bring the galleries alive! Unique collaborative performances by artists Jonathan Baldock and Florence Peake will feature sculptures on wheels and dancers for a one-off event that will fill the space with sound and movement.

14. Spring Gathering at Nancarrow Farm

Fri 13th April, 2018 — Sat 14th April, 2018
Nancarrow Farm, Truro

Nancarrow Farm open their gates for two days of family fun and feasting! Come and wander around the farm, visit craft stalls, enjoy delicious food and drink offerings, see the animals and listen to local musicians. Each evening, guests will also be treated to canapes from the Courtyard Kitchen, a refreshing welcome drink and a two course feast in the Barn.

15. Charles Causley Poetry Celebration at Royal Cornwall Museum

Fri 13th April, 2018
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro

Celebrate the life and work of Charles Causley, renowned Cornish poet and writer whose work is noted for its simplicity and directness and for its associations with folklore, especially when linked to his native Cornwall. The line up will feature author Patrick Gale and writer and storyteller Anna-Maria Murphy.

16. Show of Hands Rare Duo at Carnglaze Caverns

Sat 14th April, 2018
Carnglaze Caverns, Liskeard

Steve Knightley and Phil Beer: two extraordinary craftsmen with one unique sound. Dovetailing old songs with new, this is an unmissable celebration of the duo’s enduring impact on roots, acoustic and folk music.

17. A wre’ta kawsel kernewek? at Tintagel Old Post Office

Mon 16th April, 2018 — Sun 29th April, 2018
Tintagel Old Post Office, Tintagel

Can you speak Cornish? This exhibition explores the Cornish language, its history and how people in the Tintagel area would have used it.

18. Wurlitza: A Cottage on Dartmoor at the Tolmen Centre

Fri 20th April, 2018
Tolmen Centre Constantine, Falmouth

Wurlitza are a critically acclaimed five piece band from South East Cornwall who add live soundtracks to silent films in a way that is completely unique. Expect a unique show with a double-edged experience of seeing a classic black and white film with the addition of a unique live musical soundtrack.

19. Porthleven Food Festival

Fri 20th April, 2018 — Sun 22nd April, 2018
Porthleven Harbour, Porthleven

A date in every Cornish foodie’s calendar, Porthleven Food Festival is back with over 100 food stalls, chef demonstrations, street food and street performers, family fun and a full music programme, all situated in and around the stunning harbour of Porthleven. Stick around for After Dark Parties hosted by the Masked Ball!

20. The UK’s largest garden opening at Tregothnan

Sat 21st April, 2018 — Sun 22nd April, 2018
Tregothnan, Truro

For one special weekend, Tregothnan will open its usually private gates to the largest garden in Cornwall, where visitors can experience a huge diversity of trees, historic, botanic and rare collections, sweeping vistas and peaceful secluded groves on the banks of the beautiful river Fal.

Also available will be Cornish cream teas with Tregothnan tea and Kea plum jam, Salcombe Dairy ice creams, estate-reared meat cooked on a barbecue over Tregothnan charcoal, and delicious homemade lunches.

21. A Fantastic Woman at The Poly

Mon 23rd April, 2018 — Tue 24th April, 2018
Poly Falmouth, Falmouth

A Fantastic Woman is the story of Marina, a waitress and singer, and Orlando, an older man, who are in love and planning for the future. After Orlando suddenly falls ill and dies, Marina is forced to confront his family and society, and to fight again to show them who she is: complex, strong, forthright, fantastic. This emotionally and visually powerful drama won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

22. Wildflower Bouquet Workshop at Gwel an Mor Luxury Resort

Tue 24th April, 2018
Gwel an Mor Luxury Resort, Portreath

Create your own wildflower bouquet with Ballooning Buds and Bows – perfect for DIY brides or anyone who wants to learn to create fabulous flower arrangements for their home.

23. Alex Hitchcock Quintet at St Ives Jazz Club

Tue 24th April, 2018
St Ives Jazz Club, St Ives

Led by Alex Hitchock, an exciting young tenor saxophonist who is swiftly gaining a reputation as a skillful and unique player, this quintet have created a fresh and vibrant take on modern jazz, delivered with confidence and flair.

24. Sound of the Sirens at The Acorn

Thu 26th April, 2018
The Acorn, Penzance

Exeter-based Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood are Sound of the Sirens, a duo who connect with audiences to create unforgettable performances based on energy, warmth, humour and conviction. They weave vocal harmonies to create chilled-out Sunday afternoon tracks and foot-tapping, uplifting beats alike. Support comes in the form of folk-influenced duo Ekhohead, the melodic Boundless Brothers, and local poet, musician and singer Peter Crisp.

25. The Water's Edge Gin Club at The Greenbank Hotel

Thu 26th April, 2018
The Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth

Gin lovers unite! Salcombe Gin joins the Greenbank for their second Gin Club evening where you can learn all about the Salcombe distillery on the Devon coast, and try samples of their award-winning products. They will also be shaking and stirring two homemade gin cocktails and serving a selection of nibbles to tuck into with a G&T on arrival. Sign us up!

26. Greek Fire and Feast Night at Bedruthan Hotel & Spa

Fri 27th April, 2018
Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, Newquay

Bedruthan Hotel & Spa invite you to a place at their table for a special Greek Fire and Feast Night. Tuck into a variety of artisan bread, honey feta, sesame filo, olives and tzatziki to whet your appetite before sharing platters of lamb souvlaki, beef stifado, sardines wrapped in bacon with fennel, and – of course – a greek salad. Vegetarians will be treated to stuffed vegetables, rice and vegetable moussaka. End the evening on a sweet note with Baklava and loukoumades (Greek honey soaked doughnuts) before grabbing a blanket and gathering around the fire pit among the dunes where you can toast marshallows, relax around the warm embers, and listen to the sounds of the Atlantic lapping onto the beach below. Heaven.

27. James Wilton Dance - Leviathan at the Crackington Institute

Sat 28th April, 2018
Crackington Institute, Bude

Cornish choreographer Jame Wilton brings home a re-imagining of Herman Melville’s novel Moby Dick in the shape of Leviathan, a performance that blends athletic dance, martial arts, capoeira and partner work which will have you on the edge of your seat.

Leviathan follows Ahab, a ship captain hell-bent on capturing the white whale: Moby Dick, a beast as vast and dangerous as the sea itself, yet serene and beautiful beyond all imagining. Ahab’s crew are drawn into the unhinged charisma of their captain, blindly following him on his perilous adventure towards almost certain destruction.

28. The Grace Notes at Blisland Village Hall

Sat 28th April, 2018
Blisland Village Hall, Bodmin

The soulful lead vocals of Ley Adewole and the cool grooves of pianist Richard Penrose, vocalist Janice Mitchelson, drummer Damian Rodd and bassist Yan Speake together make ‘The Grace Notes’, who play a mixture of disco, soul, funk and Motown.

29. Comedy Cupboard: Matt Price & Luke Honnoraty at Old Bakery Studios

Old Bakery Studios, Truro
Sat 28th April, 2018

Truro’s coolest venue opens the Comedy Cupboard once more for an evening with resident MC Claire Rowley and comedians extraordinaire Matt Price and Luke Honnoraty. A Truro boy himself, headliner Matt Price prides himself in being able to play any room with joke driven stories. Known for telling bizarre tales from the wilder side of life, Matt will have you hanging onto every word. Warming up the crowd will be the infectiously funny Luke Honnoraty.

Arrive hungry – Punk Thai will be in the house serving seriously tasty, authentic Thai Food.

30. Vintage, Jazz & Gin in the Park at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park

Sat 28th April, 2018 — Sun 29th April, 2018
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Torpoint

If you love vintage, gin and jazz, then this is the event not to miss. On offer will be an array of vintage exhibitors, plus a Brocante marketplace where you can rummage for bargains to your hearts content, as well as toe-tapping live jazz, swing dancing, gin bar and masterclasses, and lots yummy food vendors. Count us in!

Imogen Weatherly

Imogen can usually be found in a village community cinema, exploring Cornwall’s great outdoors, at foodie events, or watching live theatre. When she’s not getting stuck into all the lovely cultural stuff in Cornwall, you can find her on the beach.