What’s on in Launceston and the Surrounding Area
Devon and Cornwall have been extremely popular Summer family destinations for decades. With plenty of open spaces, award-winning beaches, great surf and unspoilt countryside to enjoy, it’s easy to see why the finer weather draws so many people to the region. But there is also something quite magical about our part of the world as the nights draw in, the temperatures begin to fall, and the crowds disperse. Add to that a full 12-month programme of annual events and local customs, and it really is the region for all seasons.
Here’s our essential 12-month what’s on guide to Cornwall and Devon…
January
Pup season – Cornish Seal Sanctuary, nr. Helston
Due to the rougher seas and stormy weather, winter is seal pup rescue season for Cornwall’s only seal sanctuary, so this is great time to visit and get a glimpse of these adorable animals being cared for and nursed back to health ready for return to the wild.
February
Hurling the Silver Ball – St Ives
Hurling the Silver Ball is a centuries old form of rugby and one of Cornwall’s most ancient traditions, now played just once a year as part of the St Ives Feast. Watch the ‘townsmen’ and ‘countrymen’ attempt to win the ball off each other around the town to and be the one who returns it to the Mayor at Midday.
March
National Trust & Cadbury Easter Egg Trails – various
These family-oriented events take place on various dates around Easter at a number of National Trust properties throughout the region. Visit the National Trust website for dates and locations: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out/regionsouthwest/south-west
April
Outdoor Theatre Season begins – Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
This unique outdoor theatre is perched on the cliffs at the far end of Cornwall, with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. It plays host to a season of touring family-friendly theatre productions between April and September each year, and is certainly worth the 1 hour 40 minute drive.
May
May Day Celebrations – Padstow
This colourful festival takes place each year on 1st May to mark the coming of Summer. The town is decked with flags, greenery and flowers and the ‘Obby Oss dances through the streets accompanied by the teaser and musicians
June
Pick Your Own Strawberries – Strawberry Fields, Lifton
When the strawberries are in season, Lifton Farm Shop just up the road from us opens its fields for you to pick your own. The kids will love the adventure, and there is also a large restaurant and deli where you can buy other produce, so you could make a real ‘foodie’ day of it!
July
Leopallooza Festival – Week-St-Mary
A popular, award-winning grass roots music festival featuring new, up-and-coming and established artists, held in a hidden, tree-filled Cornish valley, just a few miles from Bude and Launceston.
August
Lifeboat Week – Bude
A whole week of music, food, events and demonstrations throughout the town to raise funds for the RNLI, culminating in the best Summer fireworks display in North Cornwall.
September
Eden Arts Festival – Eden Project, Bodelva
A family friendly arts festival celebrating all things arts and culture, with live performance, workshops, dance, theatre, music and more.
October
Launceston Carnival – Launceston
A traditional carnival parade featuring royalty, decorated floats and walkers which processions through the town centre in the evening.
November
Firework Display and Bonfire – Coronation Park, Launceston
A professional firework display for Bonfire Night, with tickets available in advance or on the gate, and all proceeds going towards the display and making improvements to the park.
December
Padstow Christmas Festival – Padstow
See the Christmas lights and lantern parade, visit the Christmas market, watch cooking demonstrations enjoy live music and Christmas carols at this winter festival which takes place over four days and culminates in a spectacular firework display over the harbour.
If you would like any further information about what’s on while you are here, just ask or give us a call on on 01566 86903.