As a food lover (and food blogger!) I'm excited to share my favourite food festivals in Cornwall with you. These festivals are a great opportunity to indulge in some mouth-watering local and seasonal food, enjoy live music, and take part in fun activities.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, these events offer the perfect opportunity to experience the diverse range of food and drink available in this beautiful county, from delicious Famouth Oysters to dreamy clotted cream!
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Top Food Festivals in Cornwall
As a Cornish food blogger, I've had the pleasure of attending some of the best food festivals in Cornwall over the last few years. Sadly some, like Boscastle Food Festival and The Great Cornish Food Festival are no longer, but there are still plenty of great food festivals to visit! Here are my top picks:
Porthleven Food Festival (April)
The Porthleven Food Festival is a must-visit for any foodie. Held in the charming harbour town of Porthleven, the festival showcases the best of Cornish food and drink, and with over 90 exhibitors, there is something for everyone!
The festival features a wide range of activities and events, including cooking demonstrations from top chefs, talks and workshops on food-related topics, live music performances, and a variety of food and drink stalls showcasing the best of local produce.
Visitors to the festival can sample a range of delicious food and drink, including fresh seafood, local cheeses, artisan bread, and Cornish cider and beer. The festival also includes a range of family-friendly activities, including children's cookery classes and face painting.
The Porthleven Food Festival has been running since 2009 and has grown in popularity over the years, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond.
St Ives Food and Drink Festival (May)
The St Ives Food and Drink Festival is an annual event that takes place in May.
The festival has been running since 2014 and is known for its stunning coastal location on Porthminster beach as well as its friendly atmosphere. It's a great way to experience the best of Cornish food and drink in a beautiful setting.
Rock Oyster Festival (July)
The Rock Oyster Festival typically takes place in mid-July and celebrates the best of Cornish food, drink, and music.
The festival features a variety of live music performances from local and international artists, as well as a diverse range of food and drink options from local vendors.
The festival also offers a camping area for attendees who wish to stay overnight. Rock Oyster Festival is known for its scenic location on the banks of the Camel Estuary and its laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. The festival has been expanding in recent years, with new areas and stages being added to accommodate its growing popularity.
Falmouth Oyster Festival (October)
The Falmouth Oyster Festival is an annual event that takes place in October and celebrates the start of the oyster dredging season.
The festival features a variety of activities, including oyster shucking and eating contests, live music, cooking demonstrations, and seafood tastings. Local chefs and restaurants showcase their oyster-based dishes, and visitors can sample a wide range of seafood and local produce.
In addition to food and drink, the festival also features arts and crafts stalls, exhibitions, and educational displays about the history and ecology of the local oyster industry.
The Falmouth Oyster Festival has been running for over 20 years and is a popular event in the Cornish calendar, attracting visitors from all over the UK and beyond.
Bude Food Festival (April and August)
Bude Food Festival is an annual food festival held in my home town of Bude in North Cornwall. The festival features a variety of food and drink options from local vendors, including an artisan food market and street food stalls.
The festival is held twice a year (April and August) in the beautiful setting of the Castle Grounds and is known for its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
It's a popular event for both locals and tourists alike and is a great opportunity to sample some of the best food and drink that North Cornwall has to offer.
Padstow Christmas Festival (December)
The Padstow Christmas Festival is a four-day event held in early December. It features over 100 food and drink stalls, cooking demonstrations, and live music.
One of the highlights of the Padstow Christmas Festival is the Christmas market, which features a range of stalls selling unique gifts, crafts, and decorations. The festival also includes a lantern parade, fireworks display, and carol singing, making it a magical event for all ages.
The Padstow Christmas Festival has been running since 2008 and is known for its festive atmosphere and a great way to kick off the Christmas season in Cornwall.
Tips for Attending Food Festivals in Cornwall
- Plan your visit in advance. Check the festival's website or social media pages for information on dates, times, admission fees, and parking. Some festivals also offer online ticket sales, which can save you time and money.
- Bring cash and a reusable bag. Many food festivals in Cornwall only accept cash, so it's a good idea to bring some with you.
- Food festivals in Cornwall are a great opportunity to try new foods and drinks. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something you've never had before. You might discover a new favourite dish or drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Porthleven Food Festival
2. Falmouth Oyster Festival
3. St Ives Food & Drink Festival
It's best to check with the specific festival's website to confirm their pet policy before bringing your dog. Some festivals that do allow dogs may require them to be on a lead and under control at all times.
1. Cornish Pasty
2. Cornish Clotted Cream
3. Cornish Yarg Cheese
4. Cornish Saffron Buns
5. Cornish Ice Cream
6. Stargazy Pie
7. Hevva Cake
8. Cornish Cider
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