St Agnes

Home to many independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, the quaint town of St Agnes and its popular beach, Chapel Porth, offers one of the most popular surfing spots in Cornwall. Steeped in mining history, visitors to this picturesque town can observe the many remnants from the Cornish mining industry such as the iconic landmark Wheal Coates, a National Trust property nestled on the edge of the cliff.

The town of St Agnes runs a vibrant and lively calendar of events throughout the year. Each May, the locals come together to celebrate Bolster Day, a festival which features an array of dance performances, music entertainment and giant puppets. The festival reenacts the events of Bolster, a legendary Cornish giant who was said to once live near the cliffs, and fell in love with a beautiful young girl called Agnes who stole his heart.

Visitors can also pay a visit to the much-loved St Agnes Carnival in August, an event which has run for over 100 years, and features a procession of fancy dress, floats and dance routines, as well as performances from local bands and artists.

St Agnes is also home to the Miners and Mechanics Institute, a community space which is used for many events and performances, as well as The Driftwood Spars, a pub located in the pretty pocket of Trevaunance Cove which hosts one-off gigs and performances as well as an annual beer festival featuring local ales, good food and live music.

Nearby at Porthtowan, Mount Pleasant Eco Park is a dynamic indoor and outdoor venue for live music and performance. During the summer months it hosts regular markets and the popular Tropical Pressure Music Festival.