Top events in Cornwall in August
Main Image Source: Boardmasters
Travelling to Cornwall this year in August and looking to enjoy some of the best events? From historic regattas to one of the world’s most popular music festivals, we’ve listed the top events in Cornwall in August. Whether you are a local looking to enjoy something a bit different or visit on one of our caravan holidays in Cornwall, read on to find out more.
Image Source: Falmouth Week
Falmouth Week
- When is it? 5th – 14th of August.
- Where is it? Various Venues,
- What is it? A weeklong festival including a regatta, entertainment and more.
- What does it cost? Most events are free to watch, however, the music acts are ticketed.
Originating as a sailing regatta and dating back to 1837, Falmouth Week is an ingrained part of the annual calendar in Cornwall offering a week of amazing events and activities perfect for those young and old. From the heart of Falmouth down to the Moor, you can enjoy everything from a carnival and firework display to the famous 80s- and 90s-party nights and the sailing week races to the live music. One of the highlights of the weekend is the flyover by the iconic Red Arrows.
Many of the events are free for locals and visitors alike, and can be a great way to spend time in the area and take part in some unusual events – pink wig night, anyone? For those who enjoy sailing, the water events are thrilling experiences. The Champagne Race has been taking place for over 60 years now and the more recent Mainbrace Rum Race will take sailors around the Carrick Rocks.
Mount Edgecumbe Classic & American Car Show
- When is it? 7th of August.
- Where is it? Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cremyll, Torpoint.
- What is it? A summer fare with over 900 cars, 100 stalls and entertainers.
- What does it cost? Entry to the event is free, however, the car park is £12 per car.
If you are a car lover, then visiting in August is the perfect time as the annual Mount Edgecumbe Classic & American Car Show takes place. A great, family-friendly event, the show features over 900 cars including rare models and some classic gems. For the non-petrolheads, there will be a range of food stalls, drink stalls and stalls selling crafts such as jewellery and clothing.
It’s a dog-friendly event, so for those on a Cornwall holiday with their dog, it’s the perfect day out. And the event is free. Parking costs £12, however, this fee is split between the two charities the event supports – Cornwall Hospice Care and Friends of MECP.
Image Source: Boardmasters
Boardmasters Festival
- When is it? 10th – 14th of August.
- Where is it? Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach,
- What is it? A music festival and surfing competition.
- What does it cost? Day tickets from £80, Weekend Camping Tickets from £245.
Are you a music lover looking to enjoy a whole host of global superstars whilst enjoying the Cornish coast? When it comes to UK music festivals, Boardmasters is often regaled as one of the best with a great line-up, surf competition and of course, its beachside location. Unlike other festivals, Boardmasters isn’t all about the music and you can enjoy the world’s best surfers lining up alongside skate and BMX competitions.
For 2022, the three headliners are George Ezra, Disclosure and Kings of Leon with a range of other artists playing including Bastille, Bombay Bicycle Club, Tom Grennan and The Wombats, to name a few. If the main stage act isn’t for you, there are nine other stages ranging from ones showcasing local acoustic artists to a silent disco.
Fowey Royal Regatta
- When is it? 14th – 19th of August.
- Where is it? Various Venues,
- What is it? One of Britain’s most popular regattas, with sailings and a carnival.
- What does it cost? Free to spectators, with some paid activities.
Featuring a great mixture of racing and onshore entertainment, the Fowey Royal Regatta is a wonderful, family-friendly event with plenty on offer for sailing lovers and those just looking for a unique experience. Taking place on the River Fowey Estuary and St. Austell Bay, the races are the highlights of the event as colourful boats flit by, carried by the wind and the waves.
If you are only looking for a day activity, the harbour race on Thursday is a must when the colourful boats race up and down the river in front of the spectators. If you aren’t much interested in sailing, the land-based events are just as fun consisting of the likes of a crabbing contest, gingerbread decorating, stand-up paddleboarding, a classic car show, parade and more.
We spoke to Victoria, part of the team at the Fowey Royal Regatta, who told us “Fowey Regatta is one of the UK’s best-known sailing events with a history dating back many years. A core team of hard-working local volunteers arranges a full programme of land-based events to complement the activity on the water including live music and fun for all the family.”
Image Source: Cornwall Folk Festival
Cornwall Folk Festival
- When is it? 22nd – 26th of August.
- Where is it?
- What is it? An annual folk festival with performances and workshops.
- What does it cost? Full festival tickets are £90 or £45 for under 16s, you can also buy individual tickets.
With the Main Stage, the Far Stage and Shanty Street, there is plenty for music lovers to enjoy at the annual Cornwall Folk Festival. Taking place across Wadebridge, the three-day celebration celebrates the best of folk music with a range of acts from across the UK. The Main Stages will host twelve headline acts, whilst smaller stages include the FAR Stage with over 25 hours of back-to-back acts and Shanty Street offers free live music and entertainment.
As well as live music and a range of entertainment, you can enjoy workshops including songwriting and orchestra workshops so for those who have their own passion for music there is something to be taken away. If you don’t want to attend the full festival, you can buy individual tickets for the artists and workshops.
We spoke to Adrian, one of the event coordinators, who told us: “Cornwall Folk Festival has two aims – to bring some of the best in folk to Cornwall, and to showcase the incredible performers we have in Cornwall and the Southwest. Our combination of daytime free street music and the very low-cost FAR stage (£3 or £5 for families per day), plus ticketed evening concerts, means there is something for everyone who appreciates live music, no matter what your budget.”
Top events in Cornwall in August:
- Falmouth Week
- Mount Edgecumbe Classic & American Car Show
- Boardmasters Festival
- Fowey Royal Regatta
- Cornwall Folk Festival
As you can tell, August is an amazing time to visit Cornwall, as well as amazing weather there are some brilliant events that take place perfect for all of the family. So, whether you are looking for a historic regatta, to see classic cars, to listen to some of the most popular music acts in the UK or discover some local musical talent, there is something for you on a Cornwall holiday.
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