Events in Cornwall in May 2013

With its rich cultural base, great community spirit, wonderful varied landscape and fascinating history, Cornwall always has something of interest to offer visitors. During April and in the upcoming month of May, the events and festivals that make Cornwall so special really take off. Listed below is a small sample of what you can expect to see if you visit in the coming weeks.

Trevithick Day – Camborne 27/04/13

A celebratory convoy of vintage steam powered vehicles, model exhibitions and fairground rides.

British Cross Country Mountain Bike Series Round 2 - The Track – Redruth 27-28/04/13

A great day out for all the family

Legends of the Bay – Newquay 27-28/04/13

New event which features kite-surfing and Stand-up Paddle boarding so there should be something to see whatever the conditions.

Obby 'Oss Day – May Day in Padstow 01/05/13

Padstow’s biggest event of the year. Whilst origins of the Obby Oss are unknown it is widely believed that it has its roots in pagan times. A wonderful spectacle with plenty to entertain young and old.

St Agnes Bolster Festival – St Agnes 03-06/05/13

A hugely entertaining celebration of Cornish music and art featuring life size puppets, a drum band and a 28ft giant effigy re-enacting the famous Cornish legend of the giant called Bolster who terrorized the people of the town in the time of the giants and was eventually bested by St Agnes.  A great day out for all of the family.

English National Surfing Championships – Newquay 04-06/04/2013

The 41^st anniversary of one of the UK’s longest running championships is set to entertain surfing enthusiasts young and old.

Saltash May Fair - Saltash 04/05/13 – 05/05/13

Saltash May Fair is an annual event put on for the people of Saltash with the aim of celebrating the community, businesses and organisations of the town.

St Ives May Day  - St Ives 06/05/13

The town is filled with parades, traditional Cornish dancing and music to entertain all the family in celebration of the end of winter and the coming of spring, a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years in West Cornwall.

Helston Flora Day – Helston 08/05/13

The famous Flora Day celebration is believed to be pre-Christian and at one time during the Victorian era was banned as being "a drunken revelry." Dancing begins at 7am. A great family day out.

Fowey Festival of Words and Music Fowey 08/05/13 – 18/05/13

This vibrant annual Festival offers an exciting programme of events, exhibitions, workshops, guided walks, river cruises and community activities.

Port Elliot Dog Festival – Saltash  11/05/13

Port Eliot dog festival and whippet tea party. For humans there will be an array of stalls, cream teas and other refreshments, a treasure hunt and other activities for kids.

Lostfest – Lostwithiel 12/05/13

The ancient town of Lostwithiel gives itself over to an eclectic mix events with over one hundred arts, crafts and food stalls and demonstrations, non-stop street music and events.

St Ives Food & Drink Festival – St Ives 18/05/13

A celebration and gathering of some of the finest food & drink producers and chefs in Cornwall which will take place in St Ives on Porthminster Beach over the weekend of 18th + 19th May – believed to be the UK’s only beach food and drink festival.

Bude and Stratton Folk Festival – 24-27/05/13

A small, friendly and very welcoming folk festival in the picturesque seaside town of Bude and nearby Stratton in North Cornwall. The emphasis is always on enjoyment and participation and features a great range of sessions, dances and dancers and ‘sing-arounds’.

Run to the Sun Festival - Newquay 24/05/13 – 27/05/13

In its final year, Run to the Sun 2013 will have lots of VWs and custom cars, three nights of live entertainment featuring DJ's, visual performers and laser shows along with live bands, a chill-out tent and stand-up comedy.

Fal River Festival - Falmouth, Truro, Roseland 24/05/13 – 02/06/13

Celebrating life on the river Fal this is a community festival encompassing over 150 events, including a fish festival, gig racing, swimming, wildlife walks and lots more.

The Pasty Cup - British Kitesurfing Championships  - Marazion 25/05/13 – 26/05/13

The Pasty Cup sponsored by the National Marine Aquarium.  Round 1 of the 2013 British Kitesurf Race Championship.

Trereife Whitsun Food and Beer Festival – Penzance 25/05/13 – 27/05/13

With large marquees of art and craft on the tennis lawn, a selection of fine food stalls in the cobbled stable area of the house, plus a variety of carnival-style musical entertainment, visitors can expect a wide array of attractions to suit all the family. 

Extensive as this list may appear, this is just a fraction of the attractions Cornwall has to offer visitors to the area this May.