Best Summer Music Festivals in Cornwall for 2023
Summer’s in the air and it’s time to party on the cliff tops or with your toes in the sand. Cornwall hosts a heady mix of some of the UK’s best-loved music festivals – from full-throttle gatherings with international headliners to family-friendly days out with local acts and sea shanties. What’s more, every festival is accompanied by eye-popping scenery, great local food and buckets full of entertainment alongside the tunes.
For a soul-stirring fusion of nature and music at awe-inspiring venues, head to some of these amazing summer music festivals in Cornwall in 2023.
TUNES IN THE DUNES, 12-14 May 2023
Dance with your toes in the sand at one of the only music festivals in the UK to take place bang on the beach. This year Perranporth’s stunning golden sands will host a line-up of hip-swaying acts including The Vaccines, Kaiser Chiefs and Reef.
With the ocean only a stone’s throw away, why not combine your festival experience with a surfing holiday?
Website: tunesinthedunes.co.uk
THE GREAT ESTATE, 2nd to 4th June
The Great Estate bills itself at a giant, ‘rambunctious’ garden fete and takes place in the meadows and woodlands of Scorrier Estate near Redruth.
A firm family favourite, it brags a lively collection of entertainment for all ages, from old-fashioned sports day races, yoga sessions and comedy acts, to a silent disco, circus workshop and headliners – this year including Primal Scream. And make sure you hang around for the incredible spectacle of Symphonic Ibiza on the Sunday evening.
Website: www.greatestatefestival.co.uk
FALMOUTH INTERNATIONAL SEA SHANTY FESTIVAL, 16-18 June 2023
Fancy yourself in a scene from Fishermen’s Friends? Come and celebrate Cornwall’s rich maritime heritage with boot-stomping songs of the sea. In Europe’s largest, free nautical music festival, over 70 local and international sea shanty groups come together and perform in venues across this vibrant harbour town. Coinciding with the Falmouth Classics Regatta it’s all-out maritime fiesta.
Website: www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk
ROCK UP AND SEA, 17 June 2023
Hunkered down on Newquay’s picturesque Lusty Glaze beach, this one-day festival promises amazing music, inspiring guest speakers and exciting workshops. Conjured up FatFace, this year marks the first family festival hosted by this lifestyle brand in celebration of British beach life and our scenic shores.
Website: www.lustyglaze.co.uk/events/
PANDA FEST, now postponed until 2024, date tbc.
Deep in the green fields of Lanivet, this fun festival showcases food, drink and music. Why panda? Because the area is known for growing bamboo that gets fed to hungry pandas at London Zoo. The festival also says it has a ‘commitment to showcase grass roots talent’ – get it? Bring dancing wellies and all your best party moves.
Website: www.pandafestofficial.co.uk/
TROPICAL PRESSURE, 14-17 July 2023
This exclusive festival lays on an electrifying line-up of music, food and workshops celebrating the vibrant cultures of Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean. Just 3000 ticket holders are admitted to the incredible site overlooking Porthtowan, for a memorable combo of live bands, world-renowned DJs, dreamy sunsets and eco-friendly festival vibes.
Website: www.tropicalpressure.co.uk
LEOPALLOOZA, 21-23 July 2023
Break out your party attire for the ‘Greatest House Party in a Field’. What started as a gathering for a group of friends over a decade ago, has grown into an all-out festival. So head to North Cornwall for three days of frolics and musical entertainment, this year featuring Orbital, Aurora and Bloc Party.
Leopallooza takes place at The Wyldes near Bude, so it’s close enough to the coast for a visit to the beach while you’re there. It’s only a short hop to this venue from our accommodation in Port Isaac.
Website: leopallooza.com
ROCK OYSTER FESTIVAL, 27th to 30th July 2023
This may be one of the smallest festivals on the summer circuit but it’s one of our favourites. Hogging a prime location overlooking the Camel Estuary, it’s a laid-back celebration of food and music that’s perfect for families and foodies.
You don’t have to love oysters to enjoy the smorgasbord of live music, artisan grub, well-being workshops and interactive kids’ sessions including storytelling and bushcraft. With Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Groove Armada and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall taking the stage, we can’t wait. And lucky for us, it’s only a short hop from our base here in Padstow.
Website: www.rockoysterfestival.co.uk
EDEN SESSIONS, Various dates in June and July 2023
The Eden Sessions has welcomed some amazing musical acts to Cornwall over the years but 2023 is set to be one of the best yet. Lionel Richie, Gabrielle, Kasabian and The War on Drugs have all been confirmed for gigs in front of the beautiful biomes at the world-famous garden attraction this summer.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the Eden Project and see world-class bands and artists perform amid amazing acoustics created in this natural amphitheatre.
Website: www.edensessions.com
BOARDMASTERS, 9th to 13th August 2023
This world-famous surf and music festival is one of the coolest dates in the Cornish festival calendar. By day international surf pros battle it out to be king of the waves, while in the evening big-name bands hit the stages overlooking the golden sands of Watergate Bay. With Florence and the Machine, Liam Gallagher and Little Simz amongst the headliners, this year promises to be the biggest party yet. It’s only a short drive down the coast to Boradmsters from Padstow, but for close proximity pick a holiday home in Mawgan Porth.
Website: www.boardmasters.com
Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival, 8-10 September 2023
Rounding up the festival season, this true Cornish festival is now in its 10th year. With its homage to quality local cider and first-class music in a beautiful rural setting at Healey’s Cyder Farm, it’s an idyllic end to the summer of music. As well as the popular silent disco and BBC introducing stage, this year’s big names include Ocean Colour Scene and Willie and the Bandits.
Website: cornwallciderfestival.co.uk
Combine a Music Festival With a Holiday in Cornwall
With music festivals happening throughout the summertime, why not book a holiday to coincide with one of these fun-packed parties? Head over to our accommodation search to check availability for your stay.
Main image: Photo courtesy of Great Estate Festival