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.
Art
Sat 21st Nov, 2020 — Sat 23rd Jan, 2021
Penlee House Gallery and Museum, Penzance
£6 — £6
Live Music
Sun 31st Jan, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£10 — £10
Live Music
Fri 12th Feb, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£7 — £13
Live Music
Sun 14th Feb, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£12 — £14
Live Music
Thu 18th Feb, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£12 — £12
Live Music
Fri 26th Feb, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£8 — £10
Live Music
Sat 27th Feb, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£10 — £10
Comedy, Theatre
Sun 28th Feb, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£10.5 — £14
Cornish & Heritage, Live Music
Fri 5th Mar, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£10 — £10
Live Music
Thu 11th Mar, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£11 — £14
Live Music
Fri 12th Mar, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£18 — £18
Comedy
Thu 18th Mar, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£16 — £16
Live Music
Fri 19th Mar, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£16 — £16
Live Music
Mon 22nd Mar, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£20 — £20
Comedy, Live Music
Thu 25th Mar, 2021
Acorn Penzance, Penzance
£12 — £12
Active, Spiritual
Tue 29th Sep, 2020 — Tue 30th Mar, 2021
Inner space yoga hall, Newlyn, Penzance
£8 — £8
Cornish & Heritage
Wed 25th Nov, 2020 — Wed 28th Jul, 2021
Art, Community
Wed 2nd Sep, 2020 — Wed 1st Sep, 2021
Space for You, Penzance
£3 — £3
Art, Cornish & Heritage
Mon 15th Jun, 2020 — Fri 31st Dec, 2021
Digital & Online Events, Penzance
