We love September in Cornwall… the water’s warm from the rays of summer, we’re still blessed with long, balmy days, the swells roll in and the summer crowds dissipate. Eke out the last of the summer feeling with barbecues on the beach, vibrant cultural festivals and barefoot adventures. Here’s our top things to do in Cornwall this September:
Healey’s Cyder Farm, 13-15 September 2024
Rounding up the festival season, the Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival is a true Cornish celebration of the end of summer. With its homage to quality local cider and first-class music in the beautiful setting of Healey’s Cyder Farm, it’s an idyllic end to summer at that. As well as the Rattler Olympics, Mount Hawke skate ramp, The Zen Den and Silent Disco, this year’s big names include the Dub Pistols, the Levellers and local favourites, the Land of the Giants.
Gwithian Beach, 14 September 2024
Surfers, spectators, music lovers and campers come together for this grass roots surfing event where non-sponsored surfers compete for a wave-riding title on one of Cornwall’s top surfing beaches. If you haven’t got your entry in by 8 September, come down for a beach day and catch The Tinnie’s playing at the Red River Inn to round-up this annual celebration of Cornwall’s surf culture. Gwithian Surf Academy join forces with Down The Line, Prosper House Camping, the Red River Inn, St Ives Brewery and the National Trust for an exciting and fun-packed weekend.
Hayle, 9:30-dusk, daily
The season for alfresco dining might seem like it’s coming to an end in as temperatures cool and the night’s draw in, but you can hang on to that summer feeling a little longer when you take a seat at the beachside foodie paradise that’s Gilbert’s in Hayle. Tucked on the edge of the estuary meeting three miles of golden sands, not only can you hunker from the elements in a sheltered booth and tuck into lip-smacking seasonal dishes while the sun drops into the ocean in view, you might even get to see the local fishermen landing their catch ready to be flipped onto the flames.
Newquay Harbour, 7 September 2024
Celebrate the food, culture and community of Newquay harbour with a day of fishy, family fun by the sea. As well as culinary delights, the freshest seafood from local fishermen, chef demos and local makes, you can expect live music, beach art, rockpool rambles, craft workshops and a live lobster release with the team from Padstow Lobster Hatchery. Events light up the area from the harbour to the Killacourt all day long, and if you do your bit and join in the morning beach clean, you’ll be rewarded with a free pint of Atlantic Beer from Sharps.
Trebah Garden, 10 September 2024
The season for outdoor music isn’t over yet! Fancy dress is encouraged for this boot-stomping evening with the motley crew of the Old Time Sailors, who will have you singing and dancing like a drunken sailor. This musical show will sail you back in time to the 19th century, with folk and shanty songs accompanied by traditional and eclectic instruments in an immersive experience. September is the perfect month to visit Trebah Gardens, so arrive early to explore this sub-tropical paradise at the water’s edge before the festivities kick off.
Old Time Sailors at Trebah Garden
St Ives, 14-28 September
Nowhere waves off the end of summer in more lavish style than St Ives, which celebrates this golden season with two weeks of music and arts at the St Ives September Festival. This buzzing and diverse festival takes over the whole town, featuring street entertainment, outdoor art, music poetry, exhibitions and guided walks, all wrapped into a fortnight of full throttle carnival vibes.
Truro, 25-29 September 2024
It’s harvest time after all, which means there is plenty of opportunity to tantalise your taste buds with the finest food from our shores in September. The Truro Food Festival showcases mouth-watering produce from artisan producers around Cornwall, wrapping culinary highlights, up-and-coming talent and chef demos in five mouth-watering days at Lemon Quay.
What are your favourite events and things to do in Cornwall in September? Let us know in the comments or on @cool.cornwall
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