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.
Sat 15th Feb, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£9 — £12
Sun 16th Feb, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£17 — £20
Tue 18th Feb, 2025
The Salvation Army Hall , Penzance
Wed 19th Feb, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£7.50 — £30
Thu 20th Feb, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£19 — £19
Thu 20th Feb, 2025
The Artist Residence Hotel, Penzance
£20 — £20
Fri 21st Feb, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£16 — £16
Sat 22nd Feb, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£18 — £20
Sun 23rd Feb, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£10 — £17.50
Sun 23rd Feb, 2025
Methodist Church, Penzance
Book NowWed 26th Feb, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£5 — £18
Thu 27th Feb, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£17 — £20
Mon 24th Feb, 2025 — Thu 27th Feb, 2025
Newlyn School of Art, Penzance
£595 — £595
Fri 28th Feb, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£20 — £23
Sat 1st Mar, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£12 — £15
Sat 1st Mar, 2025
Mudita House, Penzance
£30 — £30
Sun 2nd Mar, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£6 — £12
Wed 5th Mar, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£14 — £14
Thu 6th Mar, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£15 — £17
Fri 7th Mar, 2025
The Acorn, Penzance
£12 — £15