St Columb Major

Situated six miles east of Newquay, the town of St Columb Major is named after the patron saint of its church, St Columba.

St Columb Major is probably most well known for its famous hurling events which take place on a couple of dates each year, typically in February and March. The historic sport of hurling would traditionally take place in many towns but has only survived in a few areas to this day, of which St Columb Major is one.

The event comprises a spirited and lively competition featuring two teams (the townsmen and the countrymen) who compete to carry a silver painted ball through the town in order to reach two goals which are separated at a distance of two miles apart. These popular traditional events are important dates in the community diary and are well attended by locals and visitors alike.

St Columb Major is also home to the Columba Centre, a popular community venue which is regularly used for events, exhibitions and craft markets, as well as providing a useful space for Cornish wrestling classes, tai chi workshops and dance classes.

The parish church is at the heart of the community and is often used to stage performances throughout the year. London-based group HarmonieMusik has hosted a chamber music festival at the church since 1992, playing a wide genre of music which spans the centuries.

Nearby Indian Queens provides an historic amphitheatre for open air music, theatre and community events. Built in 1850 as an outdoor church on top of disused mine workings, Indian Queens Pit is a scheduled monument and a much-loved community venue.