Top Picks
October Half Term 2019
With so much to do in Cornwall, here are 20+ events happening just this week!
Not sure what to do with the family this half term? Cornwall 365 What’s On have got you covered with a great selection of theatre, arty activities and workshops to keep you busy. Join Swashbuckling Cornwall for a journey on the high seas or delve into the scoop of the century with PaddleBoat Theatre. Dance the night away to big band classics at St Petroc’s Church or explore Looe’s rockpools.
Don’t forget to check out our spooky Halloween Half Term Picks here.
1. Tate Create: Picture My World
Sat 19th – Sun 27th October, 2019
Tate St Ives
For Tate Create, our daily drop in for families of all shapes and sizes, we need help to make a magical world in a week. A barren landscape has taken over our Foyle Studio and there’s no art to be seen! We are inviting families to help bring it all to life again by drawing and making wonderful new worlds in this hands-on and fun workshop for the whole family.
© Tate. Photo Kirstin Prisk
2. Zulu Tradition
Sat 19th October, 2019
CAVE, Callington Town Hall
Zulu Tradition is a company of genuine young Zulu singers and dancers who deliver a heady mix of traditional African harmonies and high-energy, athletic dance – all traditionally costumed – and supported by drum-rhythms.
“I saw Zulu Tradition last night at Chinley, it was a packed house and they were fantastic! So brilliantly musical and rhythmic, electric personalities and very inspirational, everyone loved them.” Lynne Knowling
3. The Three Degrees: 50th Anniversary Tour
Sat 19th October, 2019
The Regal Theatre, Redruth
The Three Degrees are an American female vocal group, formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, renowned for their soulful voices, beautiful gowns, and fabulous stage shows. They are known all around the world for songs like “When will I see you again“, “Dirty Ol’ Man“, “Take Good Care Of Yourself“ and have been continuously touring for more than 40 years.
4. Harry Potter Film with Laser Show
Sat 19th October, 2019
Poly Falmouth
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was an instant film classic. For a whole generation who avidly turned the pages of the book or had it read aloud at bedtime it was a joyful expression of wonder in an increasingly darkening world. Now 18 years later this tale of true movie magic will once again cast its spell on the audience with a unique immersive screening using the magic of laser effects. Join the adventure and conjure up treasured memories or share new ones with a new generation of fans.
5. Acorn at 50 – FUTURE
Sat 19th October, 2019
The Acorn, Penzance
Airfish Circus and Vagabond Circus have come together, in collaboration with Julie Kernow, to present this circus show, inspired by everyday life in Mount’s Bay, and embroidered with mystery and fantasy. The show was specially commissioned by The Acorn to celebrate 50 years of presenting the arts in Penzance.
6. Tide Forest School for girls
Sat 19th October, 2019
Goongillings Farm
Time to make fire, climb trees, make, explore, forage & cook a delicious lunch together. Four Autumn Saturdays that form part of a year long program of forest school for girls. These days will take place in beautiful woods near the tidal estuary where we can explore, make camp and craft.
7. Big Band Live
Sat 19th October, 2019
St Petroc’s Church, Bodmin
The CMST Big Band is made up of music teachers from Cornwall Music Service Trust who travel the length and breadth of Cornwall who inspire the next generation of musicians through their wonderful teaching. Formed 10 years ago, the CMST inspires children to play an instrument. They cover well-loved classics from the great big band leaders such as Sammy Nestico, Bob Mintzer and Duke Ellington. There is an old saying that “if you can’t do it, teach” but CMSTs Big Band is here to prove that wrong!
8. Thomas Duggan: Alchemy in Art
Sat 19th October – Sun 3rd November, 2019
Tate St Ives
Tate St Ives are excited to bring an exclusive, robotics installation presented by artist and inventor Thomas Duggan. Working with porcelain and advanced robotics, Thomas will be creating works of art in real time, with explorations into sculpture and installation, material science, advanced fabrication techniques and traditional craftmanship.
© Thomas Duggan
9. Become a Mini Marine Biologist
Sun 20th – Fri 25th October, 2019
The National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow
Get stuck in with some hands on marine conservation this Autumn at the National Lobster Hatchery! Look through our microscopes and see what makes our lobsters so fascinating, enjoy fun fishing, dress up, and you can even practice your lobster pipetting skills! There is no need to book – drop in sessions will run daily from 11am – 3pm! You’ll even get a certificate to take home so you can show off that you are an Official National Lobster Hatchery Mini Marine Biologist!
10. Half-term fun for children and families
Mon 21st October, 2019 — Wed 23rd October, 2019
Truro Cathedral
Enjoy some free children’s activities during half-term. There will be a different daily craft activity from 11:00 – 14:00. These include: Monday 21 October – Leaf Art; Tuesday 22 October – Brass Rubbing; Wednesday 23 October – Wreaths of Thanks. There will also be a teddy bear spotter trail operating from 11:00 – 15:00 Monday – Wednesday. Other spotter trails will be available to pick up throughout the holidays. Activities are free but donations gratefully received.
11. The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch
Mon 21st – Fri 25th October, 2019
Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
This October half term, join Mr and Mrs Grinling for a musical adaptation of the much-loved children’s story, The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch. Based on the book by Ronda and David Armitage, this Minack production includes a fabulous cast of sixteen local primary school children from across west Cornwall.
The play tells the tale of Mr Grinling the lighthouse keeper, who cleans and polishes his light come rain or shine. Every day Mrs Grinling makes him a delicious lunch and sends it out across the sea to the lighthouse. But Mr Grinling isn’t the only one who enjoys the tasty food. Some greedy seagulls keep stealing his lunch! Can Mrs Grinling come up with an ingenious plan to make sure the lighthouse keeper gets his lunch?
Image: Minack production in 2016
12. The Show Must Go On
Mon 21st – Fri 25th October, 2019
Lane Theatre, Newquay
Through musical numbers from some of your favourite shows, follow the story of a group of artists in New York trying to make their mark on the world of SHOWBIZ! Toe-tapping singalong entertainment, featuring songs you already love, and new ones you’ll fall in love with! From Chicago, Bugsy Malone, The Last 5 Years, Copacabana, Les Misérables and more!
13. Fantastic Storytelling Workshop!
Tue 22nd October, 2019
Cornwall’s Regimental Museum, Bodmin
Join PaddleBoat Theatre Company for a fantastic storytelling workshop, followed by a performance of Clare Hollingworth and the Scoop of the Century. Become a real journalist and delve into local tales and maybe uncover a story or two of your own! Designed for all the family, this workshop will be filled with intriguing artifacts, unheard stories and adventures into the past. Work together to bring memories to life and save them for the future!
14. Family Art Workshops
Tue 22nd & Thu 24th October, 2019
Falmouth Art Gallery
Come and enjoy some free drop-in family art activities, inspired by the exhibitions at Falmouth Art Gallery. Also, outside the gallery during half term, Mount Hawk Skate Park are offering free professional skate tuition. Come along with your own board and safety gear and try out the skate ramp on Falmouth Moor.
15. Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre: Myths of the Vikings
Weds 23rd & Fri 25th October, 2019
Penzance & Launceston
Firmly established (since 1987), Clydebuilt is a leading Scottish Puppet Theatre Company with lots of experience in the rural touring scene.
This year, they bring us Myths of the Vikings—Meet Odin, King of the Gods, Thor with his Magic Hammer and, Loki the Trickster. Viking stories are intriguing for children who love a good story from long ago, when Giants ruled the earth and myth and legends were being made….
16. Cheap Date Dance: Stairs
Fri 25th October, 2019
Landulph Memorial Hall
Inspired by original and iconic literature on the theme of stairs, featuring writing from award winning poet Luke Wright and Cornish writer Taran Spalding Jenkin, Cheap Date Dance’s new production explores how the staircases that we tread lead to everywhere and nowhere all at once, in this unique performance for all the family.
17. Drop-in Seed Planting Workshops
Fri 25th – Sat 26th October, 2019
Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith
Join us to create your own eco-friendly plant pot out of newspaper and then plant a seed from one of Trebah’s palm trees in your creation to take home and grow for the future. This workshop is free and included with standard garden entry, tickets are valid for 7 days.
18. Lavrak: Reach
Sat 26th October, 2019
AMATA, Penryn
An interactive story for young adventure-seekers and cookie lovers, told through circus, dance and music.
We need your help! Two bouncy besties seek top-notch cookie hunters. Quick thinking, team playing adventurers needed to help us on our quest to the highest shelf. Enjoy a jumping, climbing and swinging exploration of the upmost importance. We will climb the highest of heights, jump the biggest of jumps and maybe even fly.
Age guidance: 4+
19. Weapons of the High Seas!
Sat 26th October, 2019
The Poly, Falmouth
Ever wonder what would happen if you hit a melon with a cutlass? Or what a pirates pistol sounds and smells like? Join a pirate from Swashbuckling Cornwall as they explain and demo a selection of weapons used on the high seas!
Suitable for everyone aged 10+, there will also be the opportunity to try on a pirate hat and handle a sword at the end!
Caution: Contains smoke and loud bangs.
20. Looe’s Half Term Rock Pool Ramble
Sat 26th October, 2019
Hannafore Beach, Looe
Come and join local experts as they explore the rocky shore, finding lots of the amazing critters that live on it! Learn about starfish, crabs, fish, anemones and lots more at this educational event that is guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. Booking isn’t required for the rockpool rambles, but all attendees are required to come along with suitable footwear (no flip flops) and leave their nets at home as they can harm delicate rockpool creatures. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
21. Budapest Café Orchestra
Sat 26th October, 2019
Tolmen Centre Constantine
The fantastic Budapest Cafe Orchestra are back playing traditional folk and gypsy flavoured music combined with jazz and swing inflections, whilst Klezmer, Romanian Doinas and Hungarian Czardas are awarded fresh treatments.