The Tate have curated an exhibition of Heron’s work from the 1940s to his death at the end of the 20th century, showing the full evolution of his vibrant abstract paintings. Making use of the gallery’s new building, the show will include a number of large-scale paintings offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore this modern master’s sense of scale, colour and composition.
Top Picks
Cornwall 365’s June Top Picks
Festival fever has hit Cornwall this month! Take a look at our Top Picks of fantastic events, activities and things to do this June.
Summer is on the way, and bringing with it a host of fantastic festivities and fun to Cornwall. Sing a shanty by the sea, delight in a pint of proper Cornish ale and the floral scent of secret spaces or bring a blanket and experience the magic of open air theatre. June is jam-packed with fantastic events, so come and enjoy the sunshine and celebrate all that Cornwall has to offer.
1. Patrick Heron Exhibition, St Ives
Sat 19th May — Sun 30th September, 2018
The Tate, St Ives
Come and celebrate the work of one of Britain’s most acclaimed artists, Patrick Heron.
2. Sound Installation at Richmond Chapel, Penzance
Fri 25th May, 2018 — Mon 27th August, 2018
Richmond Chapel, Penzance
For the first time in almost a decade, Richmond Chapel in Penzance opens its doors to the community to present a mesmerising sound installation by the internationally acclaimed artist Janet Cardiff. The exhibition is part of Groundwork, a project bringing internationally celebrated art and artists to Cornwall this summer.
3. Fal River Festival 2018, Falmouth
Fri 25th May — Sun 3rd June, 2018
Fal River, Falmouth
This fantastic 10 day celebration offers something for everyone, with over 100 events showcasing creative talent from the worlds of art, music, food, theatre, film, adventure and more. It’s a chance to embrace the places, people, history, culture and industry that are connected by this beautiful Cornish river. With its diverse mix of events taking place at dozens of locations around the Fal River, the festival is the perfect opportunity to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty and discover its best bits!
4. Kurt Jackson: Seacrows, St Just
Sat 26th May — Sat 23rd June, 2018
Jackson Foundation Gallery, St Just
A new body of work by contemporary artist, Kurt Jackson will be on display in St Just this June.
Developed over the last few years, this new collection draws inspiration from observing shags and cormorants along the Cornish coast and rivers and includes paintings, drawings and two large new carborundum prints made with master printmaker, Simon Marsh. You can get your hands on a catalogue of the Seacrows works which will be published for the exhibition, with a written piece by ‘top birder and naturalist’ Mark Cocker.
5. The Charles Causley Festival, Launceston
Thu 31st May — Sun 3rd June, 2018
Various venues across Launceston
The Charles Causley Festival began in 2010 to celebrate the work of this well-loved Cornish poet, whilst providing a platform for new contemporary writers and artists. The festival will feature art exhibitions, writing masterclasses, printmaking and linocut workshops, children’s theatre, history walks, a comedy evening and insights into the life and work of Charles Causley. The diverse 2018 festival will also star Roger McGough, supported by LiTTLe MaCHiNe, Miriam Darlington (Owl Sense), Martyn Oates (BBC SW Political Editor) and artist Lisa Takahashi.
6. Craig Campbell: Easy Tiger 2018 World Tour, Redruth
Fri 1st June 2018
The Regal, Redruth
The majestic mountain moose in a tiger striped onesie brings his thrilling new show ‘Easy Tiger’ out of the Fringe jungle and onto the world stage for his 3rd solo tour.
Settle in for an evening of hilarity as Canada’s furriest friend disgorges all your favourite spittle impregnated cultural furballs- retching his own: (why the hell do your coffee shops close at 6pm!!!?? You don’t even like coffee!?? This isn’t your call to make!!) onto your favourite comfy tea-sipping slippers.
You can also catch Craig Campbell at Una Kitchen in St Ives for a pizza and comedy night on June 2nd!
7. The Winter’s Tale, St Austell
Fri 1st June, 2018
Tregrehan Gardens, St Austell
Written by Shakespeare in his later years, The Winter’s Tale is an intriguing mix of drama and comedy. Sparked by an obsessive envy of a perceived relationship between his Queen and his oldest friend, Leontes, King of Sicilia, sets in motion a train of events which affect two kingdoms and two generations; there is jealousy and joy, revenge and romance, loss and discovery, remorse and revelry, and an amazing revelation.
Tremendous entertainment for a Summer evening from this premier professional all-male company.
The Festival Players will be performing a second time in August at Penlee Park Open Air Theatre.
8. Steam Gala & Real Ale Festival, Bodmin
Fri 1st June — Sun 3rd June, 2018
Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin
To mark the anniversary of the end of steam and celebrate industrial heritage, Bodmin’s annual Steam Gala will feature an intensive timetable with 17 departures to choose from over the Friday and Saturday. A saddle tank / freight train theme is planned for the event and a host of trains will be on the locomotive lineup, including a visiting locomotive from Bristol Harbour Railway so come and enjoy a ride in the Cornish countryside. To complement the Gala, Steamers Real Ale Bar will also be open offering a selection of real ales from across Cornwall and further afield, as well as ciders, juices and real lemonade.
9. The Great Estate Festival, Redruth
Fri 1st June — Sun 3rd June, 2018
The Great Estate, Redruth
Come and enjoy the most rambunctious Garden Féte within the beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate. Expect major international headline acts, and a mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts.
Look out for a vintage fairground, woodland silent disco, secret gin garden, burlesque sessions, Madame Wong’s House of Wrong, classical corner, Billy Bob’s Hidden Moonshine Bar, glamping, hot tubs, Captain Inkus Tattoo Parlour and the Swamp Circus and much more.
“What we have here is sacred, desired by many who seek it, but owned by the few. Those who know, those who love, those who are.”
10. The Merry Wives of Windsor, Bude
Sat 2nd June, 2018
Parkhouse Centre, Bude
This wonderful opera has charmed audiences since its premiere in 1849. Based on Shakespeare, its larger-than-life central figure is the absurd Sir John Falstaff, roundly humiliated by the cunning wives of the title. It abounds in lyrical melodies (which you will probably recognise) and in fairy magic not so far from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
If you can’t make the 2nd of June, you can catch another performance at Princess Pavillion, Falmouth on the 7th!
11. The Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge
Thu 7th June — Sat 9th June, 2018
The Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge
Come and celebrate the Royal Cornwall Show’s 225th anniversary! Brim-full of exhibits and activities, the county’s biggest annual event offers entertainment, competitions, information, shopping and all that’s best in food and farming.
It’s a time and place to meet old friends, conduct business, enjoy Cornwall in all its glory and to welcome thousands of visitors. It’s good for agriculture, good for tourism, good for the economy, the environment and good for the soul!
You will catch Cornwall 365 at the show again this year so pop in and say hi to the team. Come and grab some free goodies and enter a competition to win some fantastic prizes including tickets to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Miracle Theatre’s Cherry Orchard or a family pass to the Royal Cornwall Show 2019!
12. Great Expectations, Truro
Sat 9th June, 2018
Old Bakery Studios, Truro
Based on Dickens’ original text, David Mynne takes you on a journey that brings you a ‘cast of thousands’ in a skilful, one-man adaptation of this epic story.
Some of Dickens’ most memorable characters – the terrifying Magwitch; Joe Gargery, the kind and generous blacksmith; the eccentric Miss Havisham; the cold and beautiful Estella; Mr Jaggers the pompous lawyer and Pip’s wise friend, Herbert Pocket – are vividly brought to life in this anarchic and joyful telling of this glorious tale.
You can also find other showings of Great Expectations here.
13. Saltash Regatta & Waterside Festival
Sat 9th June — Sun 10th June, 2018
Saltash Waterside
Come and experience one of the most colourful events in Cornwall this Summer. Saltash’s free waterside festival features Saturday gig racing, hosted by Saltash based Caradon Pilot Gig Club and a Sunday Flash Boat Regatta run by Saltash Rowing Club.
On the river you’ll also find sailing, canoeing, swimming and even a cardboard boat race! Aside from water sports, the festival will also offer more activities ashore to keep everyone in the family entertained!
14. ‘Clay Walks’ Immersive Performance, St Austell
Thu 14th June — Fri 15th June, 2018
Wheal Martyn, St Austell
SpinDrift return to St Austell this June with a community performance project inspired by people and places. This year they are collaborating with Wheal Martyn and Cornwall College to celebrate the rich tapestry of Clay Country. ‘Clay Walks’ will immerse the audience into the wild and powerful world of mica, might and matriarchy, community, clay pits and ‘chalk’ men.
The promenade performance will unearth history, stories and perspective through dance, music, poetry and theatre.
15. Miracle Theatre's The Cherry Orchard, Hayle
Friday 15th June, 2018
The Old Vicarage, Hayle
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?
Audiences of all ages can enjoy the full ‘open air theatre experience’, by bringing along cushions and blankets along with a well-stocked picnic or sample the delicious food and drinks provided onsite. Prepare for all weathers and arrive early for a special night of theatre performed under the stars!
Miracle will be performing throughout Cornwall over the Summer. You can view all of their performance dates here.
16. 3 Wishes Fairy Festival, Torpoint
Fri 15th June — Sun 17th June, 2018
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Torpoint
Come and celebrate the 12th year of 3 Wishes Faery Fest at Mount Edgecumbe Country Park. Get creative with costumes and join in the daily themes including Unicorn Day and Fairy Circus Sunday while you enjoy over 100 free workshops and talks and live music from Prima Nocta, Cornish favourites, 3 Daft Monkeys and more. Escape to fairyland for the weekend and enjoy a new luxury glamping experience, in addition to standard camping. Bring your own barbeque or enjoy the delicious vegetarian and vegan food on offer.
17. Golowan Festival, Penzance
Fri 15th June — Sun 24th June, 2018
Multiple venues across Penzance
This revived ancient festival celebrates midsummer and the Feast of St John with a torch lit procession, parades, an incredible firework display, stalls and street entertainment in Penzance town.
Thursday night will kick off with an anarchic display of democracy with the mock mayor elections and music from El Niño, Hanterhir and The Oddfolk, followed by a performance on Mazey Eve Friday by jazz hip hop legends, The Herbaliser and plenty more.
Come and join national and international artists, and local performers and take part in one of the British Isles best loved community festivals.
18. Big Beach Clean, Newquay
Sat 16th June, 2018
Porth Beach, Newquay
Newquay, famously known for its beaches, is in need of a clean up to protect our local wildlife and beautiful coastlines. With litter being brought in by the tide and visitors to the beaches it has never been more important to help clean up the sands and learn a little on the way.
Come and help the environment, learn more about local species, biodiversity and the shores around us – and by helping with this coastal cleanup you could also be in with a chance of winning a penguin experience for two at Newquay Zoo!
19. Secret Gardens of St Ives
Sat 16th June — Sun 17th June, 2018
Throughout St Ives
Ten private gardens, in hidden corners of St Ives, will be opening their gates in June for the public to explore and enjoy. These secret spaces range from pocket-sized to more substantial plots, from the traditional to the quirky. They may be hidden down narrow lanes or command stunning views over the coast. Each one reflects the style and horticultural interests of its owners. Pick up a ticket and a map guide from the St Ives Visitor Information Centre and go and explore these hidden treasures.
20. The Pirates of Penzance, Penzance
Sun 17th June, 2018
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
An unfortunate case of mishearing, resulting in a dramatic change of direction for Frederic who sets course to become a pirate rather than a ‘pilot’! The twists and turns of this classic operetta unfold with ingenious characters, sublime lyrics and some of the best-known songs in opera!
Come and enjoy this Gilbert and Sullivan classic in a unique outdoor theatre space.
21. An Evening with Kate Mosse, Penzance
Mon 18th June, 2018
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
Come and enjoy an evening with renowned author, Kate Mosse, at The Acorn as she celebrates the publication of The Burning Chambers – the first novel in a major new trilogy.
Bringing sixteenth-century France vividly to life, The Burning Chambers is a gripping story of love and betrayal, mysteries and secrets; of war and adventure, conspiracies and divided loyalties.
22. The Trench, Bodmin
Mon 18th June — Sun 15th July, 2018
Cornwall’s Regimental Museum, Bodmin
Come and be immersed in the history of WW1 as you take on the identity of a real soldier – will you survive the chaos of battle?
The Trench Bodmin tells the true and personal stories of local Cornishmen who fought in the First World War – brothers, fathers, sons, a motorcycling clergyman, a talented composer, a heroic bandsman…Follow in their footsteps, enlist at Bodmin Keep and take on a real soldier’s identity. March off to board a steam train at Bodmin & Wenford Railway and head to a replica WW1 trench to experience the chaos of battle. Return and discover your fate, before entering the Trench Exhibition at Cornwall’s Regimental Museum.
This experience is not for the faint of heart!
23. Mr Tea and the Minions, Penzance
Thu 21st June, 2018
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
Mr Tea and the Minions are on a mission to ignite crazy dancing by audiences everywhere, with their brand of Gypsy flavoured party music to get their audience stirred into a big bouncing frenzy of fun! A hugely popular festival band, they have played raucous gigs at festivals including Glastonbury, Boomtown, WOMAD, Nozstock, Goulash Disko (Croatia), among many others. September 2016 saw the release of their debut album, ‘Tea Your Mind’.
The Minions play their own unique take on high energy Balkan party music – combining Gypsy flavoured Ska, Dub and Swing with an infusion of soulful melodies, cheeky Eastern riffs and booming beats and bass to put a smile on your face and your knees up past your ears!
24. The Merchant of Venice, Falmouth
Fri 22nd June, 2018
Amphitheatre at Trebah, Falmouth
The Merchant of Venice is a funny play that deals with serious issues – in particular the keeping of promises.
Shakespeare’s great courtroom drama is by turns gripping, funny, romantic and thought-provoking. International award-winning Illyria promise a production to keep you on the edge of your seat!
You can catch another performance of Illyria’s The Merchant of Venice at Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance in July.
25. The Dante Quartet, Port Isaac
Fri 22nd June, 2018
St Endellion Church, Port Isaac
As part of the Endelienta year-round program of classical folk, this year welcomes The Dante Quartet, one of the UK’s finest ensembles known for their imaginative programming and impassioned performances. The wide age-range of the Quartet’s members creates an exciting blend of youthful enthusiasm with richness of experience and consummate technical skill. The Quartet has been honoured with the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Chamber Music and has received international awards for its recordings.
26. Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival
Fri 22nd June — Thu 24th June, 2018
Multiple venues across Falmouth
Falmouth’s Sea Shanty Festival is one of the largest free nautical music and song festivals anywhere!
This year 64 groups from all over the UK as well as from Brittany, Holland and Ireland will each perform their unique take on sea songs and shanties in over 20 very different venues throughout the town. From cosy pubs to professionally engineered main stages, street corners to parish churches Falmouth has it all!
With the now famous Breton Bash starting at 2pm on the Friday on The Skinners Stage, to the fabulous massed singers closing finale on Sunday afternoon, the festival promises to be a memorable weekend.
27. Ale & Anchor, Mousehole
Fri 29th June — Sun 1st July, 2018
The Old Coastguard, Penzance
The annual family friendly music and ale festival, Ale & Anchor will return to the gardens of The Old Coastguard in Mousehole, overlooking the glistening Cornish inland waters with views to St Michael’s Mount and The Lizard. The event will open on the Friday evening at 7pm with the Mousehole Male Voice Choir after which there will be a showcase of Cornish bands and musicians including The Extraordinarily Ordinary Gents, Biere de Luxe, The Odd Folk, and The Oggy Men.
Alongside non-stop music there will be traditional garden games, face painting, story telling, and mask and hat making each day. The weekend will also feature a puppet making workshop, children’s yoga class and a performance from Kernow King.
With approximately 30 ales from Cornish breweries ranging from St Austell and Skinners, to smaller craft beers including biodynamic Cornish Crown and Harbour Brewing and a barbecue catering for all, this promises to be a fantastic event!
28. Little Women – The Broadway Musical, Helston
Saturday 30th June, 2018
Epworth Hall, Helston
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s critically acclaimed book, this glorious musical, brought to life with a beautiful score by Jason Howland , follows the adventures of the four March sisters. Filled with adventure, heartbreak, and hope, the struggle of these “little women” to find their own voices mirrors the growing pains of a young America.
View all of the listings for this touring production here.
