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 25th May, 2024 — Sun 2nd Jun, 2024
Lincoln Kirby-bell, Penzance
Sat 25th May, 2024 — Sun 2nd Jun, 2024
Pottery Studio, Penzance
Sat 25th May, 2024 — Sun 2nd Jun, 2024
Space For You, Penzance
Sat 25th May, 2024 — Sun 2nd Jun, 2024
Betowski Gallery, Penzance
Sat 25th May, 2024 — Sun 2nd Jun, 2024
Sunnyside, Penzance
Sun 2nd Jun, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£15 — £17
Sun 2nd Jun, 2024
Penlee Park Theatre, Penzance
£5 — £42
Sun 26th May, 2024 — Sun 2nd Jun, 2024
Trengwainton Garden, Penzance
£0 — £30
Thu 6th Jun, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£11 — £14
Fri 7th Jun, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£15 — £19
Fri 7th Jun, 2024
Penlee Park Theatre, Penzance
£14 — £14
Thu 6th Jun, 2024 — Sat 8th Jun, 2024
Penzance, Penzance
Sat 8th Jun, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£23 — £25
Sat 8th Jun, 2024
Penlee Park Theatre, Penzance
£5 — £12
Sat 8th Jun, 2024
Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance
Sat 27th Apr, 2024 — Sat 8th Jun, 2024
Newlyn Art Gallery, Penzance
Sun 9th Jun, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£17 — £19
Sun 9th Jun, 2024
Penlee Park Theatre, Penzance
£12 — £12
Mon 1st Apr, 2024 — Mon 10th Jun, 2024
The Old Coastguard, Penzance
£0 — £0
Tue 11th Jun, 2024
Penlee Park Theatre, Penzance
£8 — £20