Here in Cornwall, we love nothing better than an event that brings us all together and amongst our favourites are food festivals.
The fact we possess some of the choicest food in the country if not the world and it is only right that we celebrate and champion this. These festivals celebrate our home-grown produce and local specialities and allow producers and local chefs to showcase their delicious offerings.
Although these are events foodies can get their teeth stuck into, they offer much more than just food and drink. In addition to incredible food offerings, you can look forward to live music, entertainment, Q&A sessions, chef meet and greets, live demonstrations, workshops and an abundance of family fun and free samples!
The festival season tends to start at the beginning of spring and end in the autumn. A day at one of our fabulous festivals is sure to brighten your day. It is an excellent way to eat and drink with family or friends alfresco with gourmet treats and fine surroundings. We mean what could be better than tasting your way around a food festival.
We are fortunate in that there are numerous festivals that take place during the year across the county.
Rock Oyster Festival
A firm favourite, this year marks its 10th year; the event is to be hosted by Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Paul Ainsworth for the first time. It will take place in the lovely surroundings of Dinham House, on the banks of the Camel Estuary. The perfect spot to connect with nature.
There will be a full music line-up including, Dub Pistols, Sophie Ellis-Baxter, Nick Mulvey, Land of the Giants and Soul II Soul, with other acts to be announced. Paul Ainsworth has invited fellow southwest chefs to run their own chef tipis. In addition, there will be pop up restaurants, live chef demos, open fire cooking, an incredible selection of street food stalls and shopping village.
A prominent feature of this year’s festivities will be outdoor adventures and wellbeing activities. On offer are foraging, Stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, archery, wild running, SUP and aerial yoga, beach fitness and spa treatments just a selection of activities to choose from. Rock Oyster is consistently a local family favourite event and this year won’t disappoint. There is more than enough to keep kids happy too, including forest school, a sea creature fashion show, circus skills, hula-hooping and storytelling at dusk.
A weekend of heavenly food delights and lots of family fun. In their own words “their best festival yet.”
Dates: 30th July to 1st August
For everything you need to know check out**: www.rockoysterfestival.co.uk/
Paul Ainsworth Travelling Feast
A new one for the calendar this year, created by chef and restaurateur Paul Ainsworth. This travelling event will be stopping off at a number of idyllic locations, clifftops, beaches and country estates. Each destination will offer its own individual mix of music, comedy, food and family entertainment.
Joining Paul Ainsworth will be a number of other top chefs and their food trucks, amongst them are Tom Kerridge, Niall Keating and James Martin. Music wise you can look forward to some fantastic acts such as Kaiser Chiefs, Rudimental, Sister Sledge, The Brand New Heavies, and many more, with others to be announced.
Dates: 6th to 20th August
For everything you need to know check out: travellingfeast.co.uk
Great Estate Festival
Classified as the most rambunctious garden fete and we have to agree. Taking place on the glorious grounds of Scorrier House. The most fun and entertaining event around.
Throughout the festival you will be treated to an incredible variety of music, arts, workshops, as well as a Victorian Sports Day, where dress up is encouraged. Make sure to check out Madame Wongs house of Wrong.
The outdoor main Stage on the Green will showcase big headliners including, Razorlight, Goldie Looking Chain, Bailey Tomkinson, EZPZ, Mother Vulture and many more. A Woodland Silent Disco takes place amongst the trees and is not to be missed.
The Playground is for young guests who can look forward to fun packed activities, fairground rides, bouncy castles, craft workshops, face painting. An area where they can run wild and have fun.
An incredible selection of food stalls will keep you fed and they cater to all tastes and dietary requirements. Food from all around the world is on offer.
Dates: 27th to 29th August.
For everything you need to know check out: https//www.greatestatefestival.co.uk
NB – Tickets are nearly sold out, so get in quick!
St Ives Food and Drink Festival
This annual gastronomic food and drink festival takes place on the iconic setting of Porthminster Beach.
It is free to enter during the day, and you can look forward to a superb culinary line-up from top celebrity chefs as well as local Cornish talent.
In addition, there will be interactive cookery demonstrations, tastings, live talks, beachside entertainment, fireworks and live music. Children can look forward to endless entertainment.
The Artisan Village is home to stalls promoting the region’s freshest ingredients and finest produce, as well as foodie treasures and much more.
Nights take on a different form with evening entertainment taking place on The Lighthouse Stage. Here you can see new and upcoming artists take to the stage in this unique setting overlooking the bay. Tickets are required for the evening music sessions.
There is a food trail but make sure to look out for the Food Trail Guide listing St Ives Supper Clubs and discounts leading up to the Festival.
The children are well catered to, activities include bouncy castles, face painting, circus activities and workshops.
It undoubtedly boasts one of the most beautiful festival backdrops.
Dates: 17th to 19th September
For everything you need to know check out: www.stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk.
Porthleven Food Festival
Regrettably, this festival has been cancelled this year owing to the ongoing COVID situation. We hope to see it back in its full glory next year.
We hope you have the opportunity to attend one of these incredible festivals; you are in for a real treat and will have a fantastic time. Hopefully, you will pick up some cooking tips along the way.