Our favourite autumn Cornish festivals
uk autumn festivals – cornwall’s diary
One of the things we love most about Cornwall is that us Cornish folk know how to throw the best shindig. Whatever the month, there’s always a festival celebrating something – be it food, brews, film, music or culture. And as the weather turns a little chillier and we’re contemplating cosy evenings at home wrapped in a blanket or two, autumn also means the fullest festival calendar of the year. Here’s a few autumn festivals in the UK to get on your hit list…
4th – 6th OCTOBER: FALMOUTH BEER FESTIVAL, Events Square
Where: 5 minute taxi ride or 20 minute stroll from The Greenbank
Although October isn’t just about beer, we couldn’t miss Cornwall’s largest beer festival! Enjoy three days of great ales, pub grub, live music and good company in our vibrant town. Tick off more than 200 of the most mouth-watering real ales, ciders and perries – and for any tender heads the next morning, our brunch menu is the perfect cure.
4TH – 7TH OCTOBER: NORTH CORNWALL BOOK FESTIVAL, ST ENDELLION
Where: 1 hour 10 minutes from Falmouth
Set between Polzeath and the Port Isaac home of Doc Martin, this literary festival is celebrating its 6th year running. Bringing together local, national and international authors for conversations, interviews, exhibitions and workshops across two days, be inspired by their packed programme. From life-writing to storytelling, poetry to folksong – immerse yourself in workshops and concerts for all ages.
11TH – 14TH OCTOBER: FALMOUTH OYSTER FESTIVAL, EVENTS SQUARE
Where: 20 minute walk from The Greenbank
Celebrating the start of the oyster dredging season, Falmouth Oyster Festival will be 22 years old this year! Expect a packed programme of cookery demos, sea shanties, dancing and seafood. Freshly shucked oysters will be the star of the show, and they’ll be plenty of wine and beer to enjoy them with.
Our Executive Chef Nick Hodges has been delivering chef demos at the Falmouth Oyster Festival since day one. On the Friday, he will be cooking up a storm at 2pm. And from 7pm he’ll compete in this year’s Hot Chef Challenge with James Strawbridge.
9th – 11th NOVEMBER: CORNISH FILM FESTIVAL, THE POLY, FALMOUTH
Where: 10 minute walk from us
Cornwall is a county awash with creativity. The Cornish Film Festival is a huge showcase of the brightest of home-grown and international talents. With masterclasses, speakers, director Q&As and a vibrant film programme, the festival invites you to discover a wealth of new experiences. The Poly will be screening local shorts and renowned classics as a pop-up event, in Falmouth’s quaint and inviting theatre.
7th – 8TH NOVEMBER: CORNWALL MACMILLAN CHRISTMAS FAIR, EDEN PROJECT
Where: 1 hour drive from the hotel
The Eden Project will play host to this wonderful Christmas fair, bringing with it a huge range of stalls from Cornwall and beyond. As well as an abundance of gifts, stocking fillers, clothing and jewellery, you’ll be spoilt for choice with local food and drink produce. Tickets are £15, to include admission to Eden, a light lunch and drink. Also, Eden’s ice rink will be open, if you’re looking to extend the festivities.
21st NOVEMBER: TRURO CITY OF LIGHTS, Truro
Where: 20 minute drive from Falmouth
Nothing heralds the beginning of the festive season quite like this magical midwinter lantern festival. The event is a vividly creative celebration incorporating art, music, dance and, of course, light. Admire giant handmade lanterns as they’re carried through the streets in a dazzling procession, then warm up with a hot toddy from one of Truro’s many shops or cafes. Our top tip: Head to Boscawen Street or Lemon Street for the best places to see the parade. And get there early, as it gets extremely busy.
24TH NOVEMBER: 20th Annual CELTIC BEER FESTIVAL, ST AUSTELL BREWERY
Where: 50 minute drive from the hotel or an easy train journey
The biggest party of the year for ale lovers across the county! Make your way to St Austell Brewery for a true taste of the South West’s best lagers, stouts and ciders. Held in their ancient cellars, enjoy live bands playing all day and night, and sample nearly 200 tipples (including limited edition beers brewed just for the festival.)
Feeling festive yet? Look out for our December round-up coming soon, for all things nostalgic and Christmassy!
