The best food festivals in Cornwall 2023
Planning a foodie Summer?
Cornwall is famous for its rich culinary traditions. Whether you want to eat fresh seafood in Padstow, sample the catch of the day in Porthleven or tuck into a traditional Cornish pasty, Cornwall certainly doesn’t fall short on delicious cuisine.
It’s not too surprising then that from this vibrant food scene, food festivals have popped up across the county.
From Porthleven to Newlyn, this is our list of the five best food festivals in Cornwall.
1 PORTHLEVEN FOOD FESTIVAL: 21st-23rd April 2023
The food festival season in Cornwall kicks off with this fabulous food fiesta in one of Cornwall’s most picturesque towns.
This award-winning festival attracts crowds from near and far every year due to its scenic location, eclectic entertainment and selection of over 150 exhibitors. From street food to sea food, visitors will be able to browse the stalls and watch workshops and demos from top chefs including Jude Kereama, Olivia Barry and Antony Worrall Thompson.
Entry is free but tickets must be bought for the evening sessions.
2. ST IVES FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL: 12-14TH MAY 2023
A firm favourite on the food festival scene, St Ives Food and Drink Festival is a culinary extravaganza.
The famous seaside town of St Ives provides the scenic backdrop to this popular event, which combines live entertainment, stunning sea views and world class food.
Expect engaging demos from famous Cornish chefs such as Emily Scott, Ben Prior and Jack Stein, alongside a plethora of food and drink stalls to browse. Dance the night away to artists like The Scribes, Molly Hocking and Our Atlantic Roots at the festival’s after parties.
The festival is free to attend, however tickets are required in advance for the Evening Sessions.
3. FALMOUTH FOOD FESTIVAL: 26-28TH MAY 2023
The inaugural Falmouth food festival kicks off this May and promises to showcase the best of Cornish cuisine.
Hosted in the lower section of Church Street Car Park in the centre of the town, expect to sample a variety of Cornish food and drink, at the same time as enjoying local live music and other performances.
4. ROCK OYSTER FESTIVAL: 27th-30th JULY 2023
Lovers of seafood (and fun) can’t go far wrong with this three-day shindig set on the stunning banks of the Camel Estuary.
This culinary celebration will feature a bounty of Michelin-star chefs, live cooking demos, alfresco dining and food stalls a-plenty. Visitors will be able to enjoy open fire cooking at Mussel Beach and feast on locally foraged oysters at the Ranger’s Oyster Bar.
Headlining the main stage this year are major acts such as Nile Rodgers & Chic, Sophie Ellis-Bexter, and Groove Armada. This family-friendly festival also has plenty of activities to keep children busy, as well as a variety of wellbeing sessions such as yoga, meditation and SUP classes for the adults.
Weekend tickets start at £135 for an adult.
📷Redruth mining & pasty festival
5. REDRUTH INTERNATIONAL MINING & PASTY FESTIVAL: 8TH-10TH SEPTEMBER 2023
If you’re more interested in pasties than seafood, this might be the festival for you.
This annual three-day festival celebrates Redruth’s mining and pasty heritage with various themed events including the baking of a giant pasty which is later enjoyed by festival goers.
Expect hearty food, thigh slapping entertainment and to feel a lot more Cornish by the end of the day.
6. FALMOUTH OYSTER FESTIVAL: 12TH-15TH OCTOBER
Just down the road from our cosy pub, one of Cornwall’s biggest and most loved food events takes place every October.
Visitors can enjoy fresh Cornish seafood, live cookery demonstrations from top Cornish chefs, including The Greenbank’s very own Executive Chef Nick Hodges and an eclectic mix of music and entertainment.
The four-day festivities celebrate the start of oyster dredging season and festival goers will be able to indulge in the tastes of native oysters, washed down with a chilled glass of Champagne. Weekend highlights include the prestigious oyster shucking competition and and the Grand Oyster Parade.
Tickets must be booked for the Thursday and Saturday night but the Friday night is free!
Shanty festivals, dragon boat races and sailing regattas – there’s so much going on at The Working Boat this summer! Take a look at our upcoming events.
