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Cornwall 365’s July Top Picks

The Summer Season is here! Take a look at our Top Picks of fantastic events, activities and things to do this July.

Summer is in full swing as the festival season continues with comicons, garden fêtes , literature fests and plenty of live music. Delight in the delicacies at the Rock Oyster Festival or liven up the party at Leopallooza – there is something for everyone to celebrate this Summer Season so make the most of the warm weather and go and explore new corners of Cornwall.

1. Rose Wylie Exhibition, Penzance

Sat 9th June — Sat 15th September, 2018
Newlyn Art Gallery, Penzance

Rose Wylie is best known for creating colourful, large-scale, figurative paintings that are smart, funny, and quietly political. These are usually made from memory and draw on a wide range of cultural references from history, fashion and cinema, to mythology, sport and literature. The thread linking these fields is her interest in how images evolve and accumulate meaning – becoming familiar, iconic and part of the narrative of popular culture and wider history.

2. ‘A Cabaret of Mechanical Movement’ Exhibition, Falmouth

Sat 30th June — Sat 8th September, 2018
Falmouth Art Gallery, Falmouth

Turn the handles and be amazed by the astounding automata! This summer Falmouth Art Gallery will be celebrating the tradition of automata making and generally enjoying all things that move. From Peter Markey, Ron Fuller and the original Cabaret Mechanical Theatre to the finest and most recent local and contemporary automata makers.

3. The Trench Fringe Events, Bodmin

As part of The Trench immersive theatre experience, Cornwall Regimental Museum are presenting two short plays in correlation with the WW1 theme.

Short Play: Falling
Mon 2nd — Sat 7th July, 2018

Women of Cornwall tell their First World War stories. One uncovers a family secret… Part of The Trench, Bodmin.

2018. Following her father’s death, Liv undertakes to finish his family research. As she investigates the First World War experiences of her great great-grandfather, Walter Landry, she soon finds that it is the women he left behind in Cornwall who capture her imagination, yet they have largely been silenced by history. Liv turns detective, piecing together fragments and shadows, questioning Landry’s mother, wife, daughter and servant, until these women’s voices clamour to tell their stories – comic, tragic, angry. In the process, Liv uncovers a family secret, and begins to learn about her father, her grief, and herself.

Short Play: The Spy Who Loved D.H. Lawrence
Mon 9th — Sun 15th July, 2018

Suspected of spying for the enemy in 1916, D.H. Lawrence’s story brings him to Bodmin Barracks. Part of The Trench, Bodmin.

1916: war is raging in Europe. So is D. H. Lawrence.
Having moved as far away from London as he can get, Lawrence and his German wife, Frieda, rent a cottage near St. Ives. When Lawrence is suspected of working for the enemy, P. C. Penner of St Ives Constabulary is sent undercover. By day, Penner spies on the writer; by night he patrols through Lawrence’s heartfelt novels, books which seem written for him alone. But it is at Bodmin Barracks where their destinies become even more deeply intertwined.

4. 100: UnEarth, St Austell

Tue 3rd — Sun 22nd July, 2018
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell

War. Love. Loss. Hope. War is over. It has changed the lives of everyone it has touched.

The sequel to 100: The Day Our World Changed, looks at the devastating aftermath of conflict, telling the homecoming stories of those who fight and live through war.  Through 100: UnEarth, WildWorks retell the Greek Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with a new imagining of their critically acclaimed Souterrain. Follow WildWorks into the Underworld, woven through The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the unfolding of a show with a love story at its heart; an exploration of grief and tragedy with a deeply moving ending.

5. Penzance Litfest

Weds 4th – Sat 7th July, 2018
Multiple Venues in Penzance

With a lineup featuring some of the UK’s top writing, acting and musical talent plus a generous helping of home-grown contributors, this year’s Penzance Literary Festival will see the thriving west Cornwall event soaring to new heights.

The festival’s 2018 theme, Taking Flight, has inspired a rich and varied programme of author talks, writing workshops and performance. Highlights include sessions on early aviation pioneers, the secret life of birds, William Heath-Robinson, Humphry Davy’s experiments with psychedelic substances, journeys of exploration and much more.

6. Rock Oyster Festival, Wadebridge

Fri 6th — Sat 7th July, 2018
Roskear Farm, Wadebridge

Set in beautiful Cornwall on the banks of the River Camel you’ll find the Rock Oyster Festival – where for two glorious days and nights each summer, you can be part of the bohemian party scene of North Cornwall. There will be a variety of delicacies on offer including local fare from seafood to wood fired pizza to Argentinian barbeque and crumpets, alongside the convivial highlights of Padstow Brewing ales and cider bar, Mission wines, Igloo cocktails and Voltans Gin Emporium and renowned Porthilly oysters. With plenty of circus workshops, puppet shows and story-telling to keep children entertained, you can enjoy rocking to headliners Caravana Sun and Dr Meaker or dancing the night away in the Igloo bar.

7. Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, Truro

Sat 7th July, 2018
Truro Cathedral, Truro

Here is your chance to hear a full-scale performance of Elgar’s largest and perhaps most deeply felt work – one that is as popular with British choral societies as Messiah or Elijah. Many regard it as Elgar’s masterpiece. Performed by Three Spires Singers and Orchestra, The Dream of Gerontius, is told with epic musical forces, featuring soloists, Mark Padmore, Ross Ramgobin and Marie Elliott.

8. GeekFest 4.0, Camborne

Sat 7th — Sun 8th July, 2018
Heartlands, Camborne

Roaring into town this July is Cornwall’s own family friendly Comic Con – a fun-filled weekend spectacular celebrating the worlds of comics, film, TV, gaming and cosplay. This year’s activities to include live action role play, video and board games, virtual reality, nerf battles, archery, cartoon workshops, bouncy castles, a Dr Who Tardis, stalls and more.

9. Dr Dance: Boogie on the Brain, St Ives

Tue 10th July, 2018
St Ives Guildhall, St Ives

Dr Peter Lovatt (aka Dr Dance) explores why we love to boogie in this quirky evening of psychology, science and dancing. As a former professional dancer and one of the world’s leading Dance Psychologists Peter has spent decades studying the science of human behaviour, and dancing. His portfolio includes giving TEDx talks around the world, featuring in countless international magazines and newspapers and making appearances on TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, the Graham Norton Show, Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, and ITV’s Seven Year Itch.

Taking place in dance halls across the UK, Boogie on the Brain is the ultimate fusion of theory and practice. With no experience in either dance or psychology required, Dr Dance will take you through key ideas in cognitive psychology, and along the way teach you some fun, simple dance routines.

10. Coast with The Story Republicans

Thurs 12th July, 2018
The Writers’ Block, Cornwall College, Camborne

Cornwall’s wit, wonder and idiosyncrasy, shared through short stories, poems and folk song to captivate and caress your imagination. The Story Republicans will charm you with their bright-eyes, charm and glamourous word-sharing performances as they bring literature to life. Through the event theme – Coast – they will be celebrating the work of playwright Nick Darke and his 70th birthday, alongside the work of Cornish poet Charles Causley and contemporary writers such as Annamaria Murphy and Simon Parker. Local poets will be joining the event and sharing their written word inspired by and linked to the beautiful coast that surrounds us.

11. Sunset Session with The Schmoozenbergs, Padstow

Sun 15th July, 2018
YHA Treyarnon Bay, Padstow

Conjuring up the mood of 1930s Paris, fused with the energy of a campfire jam session, The Schmoozenbergs’ uplifting gypsy swing music will put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step. With two guitars, violin and double bass, they bring irresistible rhythms, lyrical melodies and playful improvisation, to create a heart-warming sound.

“Relaxed yet upbeat (and eminently accomplished) swinging gypsy-jazz from this Bristol-based four-piece. A delightful break from the stresses of the day.”

The Schmoozenbergs are also playing at The Acorn in Penzance on Saturday 14th July.

12. Miracle Theatre: The Cherry Orchard, Launceston

Tue 17th July, 2018
The Countryman Inn, Launceston

This Summer, Miracle unpacks Chekhov’s bittersweet comedy about a once-wealthy family, whose idleness and extravagance have brought them to the brink of bankruptcy. Obstinate and self-absorbed, they are deaf to the rumblings of change which surrounds them, and unable to accept help when they need it.Will it take a revolution to destroy their cosy world of privilege and entitlement – or will their own stupidity be enough?

Miracle will be performing throughout Cornwall over the Summer. You can view all of their performance dates here.

13. National Youth Dance Company / Sharon Eyal: Used To Be Blonde, Penryn

Wed 18th July, 2018
The Academy of Music & Theatre Arts, Penryn

Now in its sixth year, National Youth Dance Company has established a reputation for producing high quality performances with a range of dancers who are expressive, brave and shaping the future of dance in this country. NYDC returns to AMATA to present a new work created by the 2017-18 Guest Artistic Director Sharon Eyal.

One of the most exciting female choreographers working today, this new commission will contain Eyal’s signature style, conveying extreme emotions through movement. This unique choreographic approach combined with the young dancers’ energy and talent is set to produce a mesmerising experience that pushes the dancers to their limits.

14. Sika: Cave of Visions, Liskeard

Wed 18th July, 2018
Carnglaze Caverns, Liskeard

This will be a powerful performance weaving sound, music and story. Enter the cave and let Sika’s ancient sounds transport you to a different place and time. Sika composed this shamanic piece especially for this extraordinary venue. Sometimes strong and rhythmic, sometimes haunting and ethereal, didjeridoos, drums and flutes will guide our way. The cave’s huge stage, vast amplified acoustics and atmospheric lighting, will add to the magical ambience. This is the perfect place to experience the ancient sounds of these sacred instruments echoing inside the cavern.

15. Barefoot Ball, Padstow

Sat 21st July, 2018
Trerethern Farm, Padstow

The Barefoot Ball comes to a new, exclusive and stunning destination on the North Cornish Coast – Trerethern Farm, overlooking the Camel Estuary and on the doorstep of Padstow – a sublime blend of harbour, coast and moor. Partnering with some the South West’s finest and most fabulous Food, Drink & Entertainment Creatives, Blue Fizz is proud to present to you a totally cool, stylish and bohemian inspired Party on the Coast.

Relax and unwind on arrival to the Chilled Boho Sessions with a drink in hand from one of the pop up bars, then take your seat at the fabulous and beautifully styled feasting tables ready for a sumptuous 3 Course WoodFired Canteen Feasting experience, all whilst watching the sun set on the horizon. Afterwards join the ultimate dance ‘After Party’ ft. brilliant DJ duo Laird Grooves.

16. The Endelienta Ensemble, Port Isaac

Sat 21st July, 2018
St Endellion Church, Port Isaac

Endelienta are delighted to welcome back The Endelienta Ensemble, a chamber orchestra made up of music students and young professionals from London and Cambridge, conducted by Adam Hickox and Rees Webster. Adam is currently studying for an MA in Orchestral Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music. Rees is studying oboe as a scholar at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Last summer they wowed us with electrifying performances – we can expect an equally thrilling experience this time.

17. Great British Summer Garden Fête, Torpoint

Sun 22nd July, 2018
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Torpoint

Turn back the clock and enjoy English tradition at its best at the Great British Summer Garden Fête, held in the stunning surroundings of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. There will be lots to see and do; browse the extensive array of crafts on display at the many artisan stalls, get creative at one of the workshops or be entertained by jazz artists Becky Brine, singer and guitarist, Harry Quick, as well as students from the Plymouth-based Hartley House Dance Club.  With a bouncy castle, circus workshops and traditional games for the children – as well as a fun charity dog show – there will be something for all the family. Delicious food and drink will be served throughout the day – and it wouldn’t be a summer garden fête without that most British of summer drinks – Pimms, which will be available at the hugely popular Pimms Bar.

18. People’s String Foundation, Penzance

Sun 22nd July, 2018
The Acorn, Penzance

The People’s String Foundation is an army of bohemians and vagabonds who represent the grass roots of British music culture, mixing world, classical and urban styles in anarchic embroilment. This Cornish band is fronted by the virtuoso violinist Ben Sutcliffe (Director Of Music for Rogue Theatre, Kneehigh Theatre and the Minack Youth Theatre) with co-founder and composer Zaid Al-Rikabiat at the core. The Acorn Theatre is host to a rare duo performance which is sure to set your heart racing, get your toes tapping and warm the soul with spirit and grafter’s hearts.

19. Port Eliot Festival, Saltash

Thu 26th — Sun 29th July, 2018
Port Eliot Estate, Saltash

Port Eliot Festival is all about music, food, fashion, comedy, art, wellbeing, wildlife and plenty more; come July, there will be more authors, songwriters, poets, comics, thinkers, wordsmiths and phrase-cobblers of one kind or another on the line-up than ever before.

Port Eliot takes its food seriously. This year, chefs including Anna Jones, Jack Stein and Russell Norman will make the House’s Georgian Big Kitchen their own and set trends, share techniques and reveal the workings of some of the country’s great kitchens. The Ace of Clubs will explode with blues, soul, rock & roll, flamenco shows, classical music and theatre but it will also emerge on to the festival park with midnight flying trapeze shows and workshops every day.

This year, the festival is introducing the Fashion Foundation, a completely new home for fashion and art. Headed by fashion writer and curator, NJ Stevenson, it will wander into all kinds of artistic areas, setting fashion agendas and stimulating creative thinking about the future, particularly around sustainability.

20. Dom Pipkin – Solo and Smokin’ Boogie Show, Penzance

Fri 27th July, 2018
The Acorn, Penzance

A mixture of stories, humour, and unfiltered raw blues piano, Solo and Smokin’ Boogie Show has been an instant success, with hugely enthusiastic and glowing audience responses. Dom Pipkin is an engaging and true performer, with no compromise in his playing, passing on the true folk history of the heart of blues and jazz piano and its colourful practitioners and keeping alive the traditions they themselves learned from – and passed on – in an entertaining and eye-opening style.

Playing the piano since childhood then studying jazz at the Royal Academy of Music , Dom Pipkin started working professionally in his early twenties, pursuing his first love – jazz and blues music. His playing credits include London’s Errol Linton, Paul Weller, Ray Davis from the Kinks, David Byrne, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Paloma Faith and the late Stanley Kubrik.

21. Leopallooza, Bude

Fri 27th — Sun 29th July, 2018
The Wyldes Lower Ex Farm, Bude

“The greatest house party…in a field.”

Leopallooza Festival is a multi award-winning, grass roots music festival that celebrates the very best in new, up-and-coming and established bands, artists and DJs within a bespoke festival site which is nestled in a hidden, tree-filled Cornish valley, just a few miles from the sea.

Three days and nights, multiple stages, big names, free camping, family friendly, fairly priced bars… and they sure know how to throw a party.

Holly Gambles

Holly joined the Cornwall 365 team in May 2018 as a Communications and Events Co-ordinator, after completing her management degree at Falmouth University.