Cornwall 365 What's On
Clear dates

Top Picks

June Top Picks

Here are 19 events you can enjoy this June...

Summer is here and with it brings a host of fantastic events to Cornwall.  Head on down to the Royal Cornwall Show this month for some family fun or experience a promenade performance around Trebah Garden. Sing a shanty by the sea in Falmouth and kick up your heels for a ceilidh dance in Bodmin.

Make sure to pick up a copy of our latest print guide which is packed with inspiration on things to do over June, July and August. You can also read it online here. If you’d like to see your event in our top picks, on the website and in our guide, head over to the submission page and tell us about it!

1. Jim Carey & The Saboteurs: Riots & Lobsters

Sat 1st – Weds 12th June, 2019
Various locations in Cornwall

Come and enjoy an enthralling evening of music first created for plays toured nationally by Kneehigh in the 1990s, including Ting Tang Mine, The Bogus, The King of Prussia, and The Riot. Re-imagined and arranged by the original composer Jim Carey, the music will be played by his 8-piece multi-instrumentalist band, The Saboteurs who will take you on a musically diverse, story-rich journey from America to Cornwall. Hear tales of riots and lobsters, fishermen and miners, corrupt officials and power-driven politicians, pioneers, saboteurs, love and redemption, of course not forgetting the classic yarn about the stomach of a horse that lands on someone’s head!

Sometimes through folk songs, sometimes ska or swing, lyrical laments, ballads and brass will all tell the stories and bring to life the worlds created by Darke and Carey.

See event listings

2. The Royal Cornwall Show

Thurs 6th – Sat 8th June, 2019
Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge

Cornwall’s biggest annual event is brim-full of exhibits and activities which offer so much in the way of entertainment, competition, information, shopping and all that’s best in food and farming.

It’s a time and place to meet old friends, conduct business, enjoy Cornwall in all its glory and to welcome thousands of visitors from outside our county. There’s something for every member of the family at the Royal Cornwall Show.

The What’s On team will be heading to the show this year so pop into the culture tent and say hi!

3. The Big Tent Festival

Fri 7th — Sat 8th June, 2019
Holifield Farm, Gweek

Get set for a weekend of creativity, music, dance and relaxation at the 19th Big Tent Festival this summer. Set in the beautiful hamlet of Gweek, Holifield Farm is proud to host another year of this inclusive and accessible weekend for people with special needs, their families, carers and the wider community. The festival offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy – craft and dance workshops, massage, face painting, yoga and more.

Guest performers include Tom Dale, Squash Box, Devils Hat Band, Jonah’s lift, Pic N Mix, Wadebridge Home Farm Trust, Fit to Wiggle, Alice the Harpist and the Holifield Performers.

4. Miracle Theatre: A Perfect World

Sat 8th June – Sat 24th August, 2019
Various locations across Cornwall

A feisty young woman embarks on a voyage into a ‘Boy’s Own’ world of undiscovered jungles, treasure maps, campfires and penknives on an action-packed adventure. Leading her team of quarrelsome explorers she stumbles into a bountiful paradise, whose inhabitants seem entirely peaceful, productive and fulfilled. Is this tranquil place the best of all possible worlds? Or is it all too good to be true? With a reputation for inventive, funny and approachable theatre, Miracle celebrates its 40th year with a brand new comic escapade for all ages.

See event listings

5. The GREATEST SHOW For Families

Sat 8th June, 2019
The Regal Theatre, Redruth

With the recent success of the hit movie ‘The Greatest Showman’, International Shows Ltd are bringing their acclaimed family show to The Regal Theatre! This talented cast of 10 reputable artists will take you on a journey through some of the best songs from movies and shows such as: The Greatest Showman, Disney Classics, Wicked, Moulin Rouge, Hairspray and many more! With dazzling costumes, live singing, and incredible choreography, this show is a hit for all ages young and old.

6. Operation Neptune

Tue 11th — Sat 15th June, 2019
Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith

Cornwall will never forget the day the Yanks arrived! From the warm plains of Maryland, USA to the cold coastal villages of Cornwall, follow handsome and hopeful US 29th Infantry Division Technical Sgt Joe Miller on his poignant journey to the Nazi-occupied beaches of Normandy, France.

An epic promenade show performed through the garden, based on the true stories from the thousands of US troops who left from Trebah’s beach and the local residents who witnessed it. Based on remarkable real wartime experiences as well as stories recalled by the residents of Mawnan Smith, Operation Neptune commemorates the 75th anniversary of DDay with the compelling story of an American GI’s experience of Cornwall at war.

7. Friday Night Live: A Great Big Fundraising Ceilidh

Fri 14th June, 2019
The Old Library, Bodmin

intoBodmin and Bodmin Riding & Heritage Festival present this second Friday Night fundraising collaboration – a family-friendly evening of live music and dancing with the brilliant North Cornwall Ceilidh Band.

The North Cornwall Ceilidh Band draw largely from the social dance traditions of Scotland, Ireland and Cornwall, but also include dances from the Isle of Man, Wales and Brittany as well as wider Europe and America. Two of their most popular dances are the Newlyn Reel and the Cornish Serpent dance – you might have spotted these being used as the Village dances in the BBC’s Poldark series. Some dances are easy some energetic and all are fun. Come and join in!

8. Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival

Fri 14th — Sun 16th June, 2019
Falmouth Town Centre

Welcome to one of the largest free nautical music and song festivals anywhere!

This year the festival will feature 66 groups from all over the UK as well as from Brittany, Holland, Spain, Canada and Ireland, each performing their unique take on sea songs and shanties from over 20 very different venues throughout the town. From cosy pubs to professionally engineered main stages, street corners to parish churches Falmouth has it all!

9. Fest Kernewek

Sat 15th June, 2019
Heartlands, Redruth

This year’s one day festival of Cornish language, music and poetry has a fantastic line up of Cornish musical talent, ranging from traditional folk, to psychedelic rock and more. Not to mention Cornish language poetry, stalls, food and drink, and activities for kids and families. There truly is something for everyone at Fest Kernewek.

10. Polperro Festival

Sat 15th – Sun 23rd June, 2019
Polperro Town Centre

The week long free festival includes plenty of live music, an arts and crafts fair, a comedy night, the lighting of the solstice bonfire, the colourful village carnival and a unique mock mayor choosing ceremony with the winner being wheeled through the town, stopping at each inn before finally being dunked in the sea!

Revived in 1996, Polperro Festival is based on a much older tradition dating back centuries which celebrates the coming of summer and was born from a mixture of known old traditions, and the community’s wish to attract more people to this beautiful south coast village.

11. 3 Wishes Fairy Festival

Fri 21st — Sun 23rd June, 2019
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Torpoint

Hailed as the UK’s most magical and unique festival, visitors to 3 Wishes Fairy Festival say it’s just like stepping into a real-life fairy land! For 3 magical days and nights, this summer solstice event is one of Cornwall’s best kept secrets!

With more than 100+ fairy workshops and two music stages, you’ll find all manner of fantasy creatures wandering the stunning location of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, including, gnomes, mermaids, unicorns, pirates, pixies, fairies, dragons and more! Be transported into a real-life fairyland, and be enchanted by the many magical happenings, including a fairy dog show (where every pooch is a winner)! There will even be an official world record attempt for the most people wearing unicorn horns! All this and more set within 865 acres on the stunning Rame Peninsula.

12. Golowan Festival

Fri 21st – Sun 30th June, 2019
Penzance Town Centre

Penzance’s Golowan Festival, known simply as ‘Golowan’ to participants, attracts thousands of visitors to its colourful and vibrant week of celebration. Golowan features artists, performers and celebrations of all kinds including Penglaz, Serpent Dances, The Quay Fair, the demonic democracy of the Mock Mayor elections and Summer Fire. The festival also includes seaborne visitors to Sea, Sail and Quay Fair Day, plus thousands hit the streets during Masey Day.

An attractive place for visitors and home to one of the UK’s most vibrant and independent communities, Penzance’s town centre and surrounds glow with the colour of festival banners, greenery, giant imagery and parades. National and international artists join hundreds of local performers, and enthusiastic audiences, taking part in one of the British Isles best loved community festivals.

13. St Austell Garden Festival

Sat 22nd June, 2019
St Austell Town Centre

The annual Garden Festival in St. Austell is a celebration of famous gardens and gardening! Welcoming all sectors of its vibrant community, the festival includes young and old, residents and visitors and features bands and music, projects by local schools and displays from local historic gardens, and retail stands from local plantsmen, conservation charities and food stalls.

14. Saltash Regatta & Waterside Festival

Sat 22nd — Sun 23rd June, 2019
Saltash Waterside

Saltash Regatta is one of the most colourful events held in Cornwall and, certainly for South East Cornwall, is the most popular annual Regatta. Gig racing, flash boat regattas, sailing, canoeing, swimming and even a cardboard boat race. Saltash Regatta is not just about water sports, there is so much more ashore to keep everyone in the family happy and entertained!

15. The Big Doggy Day Out Summer Festival

Sat 22nd — Sun 23rd June, 2019
Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge

Come and enjoy a full action-packed weekend at The Royal Cornwall Showground – with have-a-go agility and hoopers, cani-cross, Canine Olympics, Flyball displays and grooming demos from Pampered Pooches, as well as talks and workshops from dog behaviourists, trainers and canine first aid specialists including Andrew Hale and Paws & Praise, among other attractions.

The festival, which is focused on supporting ethical dog-related businesses and promoting healthy attitudes and positive training methods among dog owners, will also play host to live music, street food outlets and more than 25 exhibitors from around the South West promoting their products and services.

16. Heart Food Festival

Sat 22nd — Sun 23rd June, 2019
Heartlands, Camborne

Introducing Cornwall’s newest family food event, the Heart Food Festival will be bringing together some of the best food and drink producers from the county at Heartlands.

Whether it’s a Thai curry you want or fish & chips, Mexican wraps or a dirty burger you can feast on street food from all around the world. There will be dozens of food trucks on site to sample and you can wash it all down with a refreshing tipple from the local bars and drinks producers. Sit back and relax in the deck chairs in front of the main stage and enjoy an eclectic mix of local live music throughout the weekend. Or visit the Chef Demo Tent to see the line up of award-winning local chefs showcase delicious delights and a variety of cuisines over the two days.

17. Mevagissey Feast Week

Sun 23 June – Sat 29 June, 2019
Mevagissey Town Centre

Mevagissey has celebrated the ‘Feast of St Peter’ since 1754. Over the years the festival has evolved into a week long community celebration with a whole host of events for locals and visitors. Featuring exhibitions, demonstrations, live music and lots of fish dishes to eat, Mevagissey will also play host to choirs and bands, flora dances, children’s entertainment and competitions, plus colourful parades, boat and raft races, a fete and a huge firework display.

18. Rock 2 Rock, Let’s Rock

Sat 29th June, 2019
Watergate Bay, Newquay

Based at Watergate Bay, Rock 2 Rock, Lets Rock, is a combination of beach music festival and sunset beach run finishing with fireworks. All ages and abilities are encouraged to get active on the beach with the options of a 2k or 5k run – or both!

Enjoy some amazing musical performances and after the sunset run, celebrate with an amazing 9 piece band, followed by a fantastic fireworks display. With a great medal on offer and food vendors, come along to this family event and enjoy a great evening.

19. Summer Fun Day

Sat 29th June, 2019
Cornwall College, Redruth

Firmly established on the summer festival calendar, come and join the family friendly Summer Fun Day at Cornwall College. This year the event has been enhanced to include a dedicated Craft Centre, with over 30 businesses showcasing their wide variety of hand-made items for sale.

“The Dog and Duck Show” as featured on BBC’s Countryfile programme will headline the arena and of course there will be loads of other fun-filled activities, have-a-go sessions and exhibits. There will be a “live” music stage with bands playing all day, including the amazing Hotspace, Kaj and Company B and a licensed bar. With a FREE to enter “Scruffs” Dog Show and so much to do for the whole day, this event has to be in your summer diary!