Originally a small fishing village, the most westerly town of Cornwall, Penzance, has grown over the centuries into a large, vibrant town and an exceedingly popular tourist destination.
The annual Golowan Festival takes place in Penzance in mid June, offering an eclectic programme of open-air theatre, musical performances and a vibrant fun fair. The event runs for a full week and encompasses the quirky Mazey Day Parades where locals and tourists can witness colourfully decorated floats and be entertained by a host of street performers including musicians, storytellers and choirs.
Many visitors pay a special visit for the Newlyn Fish Festival held on the late-August bank holiday weekend. Celebrating Cornwall’s rich fishing heritage and associated culture, the event features produce stalls, RNLI demonstrations and plenty of live musical entertainment.
In December, Penzance’s Montol Festival comprises six days of events celebrating Cornish traditions and the midwinter solstice. Visitors will be treated to a collection of carol concerts, mummers’ plays (traditional English folk performances), lantern and mask-making workshops, and strolling bands.
All year round, Penzance’s charming Acorn Theatre plays host to a range of creative performances including theatre, dance, music, films and choirs. Occupying a beautiful former Wesleyan Methodist chapel, the venue holds a special place in the hearts of locals and regular visitors alike.
Fans of digging up historical curiosities about Cornwall should pay a visit to Penlee House Gallery and Museum, where fascinating exhibits tell stories of Cornish heritage as well as offering talented artists a platform to showcase their work.
Sun 29th May, 2022
Chapel Street Methodist Church, Penzance
Sun 29th May, 2022
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£10 — £12
Wed 1st Jun, 2022
Bosulval Studios, Penzance
£10 — £10
Fri 3rd Jun, 2022
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£12 — £12
Fri 3rd Jun, 2022
Methodist Church, Penzance
£5 — £5
Sat 19th Feb, 2022 — Sat 4th Jun, 2022
The Exchange Penzance, Penzance
£4 — £4.50
Wed 1st Jun, 2022 — Sat 4th Jun, 2022
2 DARLINGTON ROAD, Penzance
£45 — £45
Sat 4th Jun, 2022
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£17 — £20
Sat 4th Jun, 2022
Praa Sands Community Centre, Penzance
Sat 4th Jun, 2022
The Promenade, Penzance
Sat 4th Jun, 2022
Methodist Church, Penzance
£0 — £0
Sat 4th Jun, 2022
Methodist Church, Penzance
£10 — £10
Sat 28th May, 2022 — Sun 5th Jun, 2022
Mirva Craftspace, Penzance
Sat 28th May, 2022 — Sun 5th Jun, 2022
The Studio, Long Rock, Penzance
Sat 28th May, 2022 — Sun 5th Jun, 2022
The Beehive, Penzance
Sat 28th May, 2022 — Sun 5th Jun, 2022
Edwina Broadbent, Penzance
Sat 28th May, 2022 — Sun 5th Jun, 2022
Penny Rumble Art, Penzance
Sat 28th May, 2022 — Sun 5th Jun, 2022
Lynda James, Penzance
Sat 28th May, 2022 — Sun 5th Jun, 2022
Trungle Farm, Penzance
Sat 28th May, 2022 — Sun 5th Jun, 2022
Studio 6, Trewarveneth Studios, Penzance