Best Summer Music Festivals in Cornwall in 2024
Where else can you party on the cliff tops, with your toes in the sand or with the backdrop of the world-famous Eden biomes?
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. All accompanied by eye-popping scenery, great local food and buckets full of entertainment.
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 2024.
RATTLER FEST
19-20 April 2024
Why should the kids have all the fun? This adults-only festival kicks off the season in celebration of all things Rattler at Healeys Cyder Farm. Alongside a line-up of toe-tapping tunes, including those from The Zutons, Scouting for Girls and East 17, there’s a Mr & Mrs Rattler competition, party games and silent disco in the orchard. Not far from Newquay’s beaches, why not ease your hangover with a stay at one of our beach cottages in Mawgan Porth?
Website: rattler-fest.co.uk
TUNES IN THE DUNES
17-19 May 2024
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 McFly, Craig David and Ocean Colour Scene.
With the ocean only a stone’s throw away, why not combine your festival experience with a surfing holiday by staying in one of our North Cornwall cottages?
Website: tunesinthedunes.co.uk
THE GREAT ESTATE
31 May to 2 June 2024
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 The Darkness, Soul II Soul, The Stranglers and The Beatles Dub Club.
Website: www.greatestatefestival.co.uk
FALMOUTH INTERNATIONAL SEA SHANTY FESTIVAL
14-16 June 2024
Fancy yourself in a scene from Fishermen’s Friends? Come and celebrate Cornwall’s rich maritime heritage with boot-stomping songs of the sea. At 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, well worth the journey to the south coast from your holiday home on the north shore.
Website: www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk
PANDA FEST
5-6 July 2024
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 grassroots talent’ – get it? Bring dancing wellies and all your best party moves. Line-up yet to be announced.
Website: PandaFest
25th ANNIVERSARY OF LUSTY GLAZE
29-30 July 2024
Hunkered down on Newquay’s picturesque Lusty Glaze beach, this two-day celebration starts with amazing music from a trio of world-class tribute acts – Ultimate Coldplay, Chasing Mumford & The Ed Sheeran Experience.
This is followed by a night of Ibiza Club Classics by the Symphonica Orchestra and Mr Switch. There’s surely no better way to celebrate 25 years of this iconic venue where you can dance with your toes in the sand.
Website: www.lustyglaze.co.uk/events/
TROPICAL PRESSURE
12-14 July 2024
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. Committed to being the greenest festival on the circuit, just 3500 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
THE WYLDES
Various dates in June & July 2024
Looking for a full throttle one-day festival, in a wooded valley with capacity for 10,000 revellers? Welcome to The Wyldes, where big bands throw live outdoor music performances alongside show-stopping support artists, a heart-lifting afterparty, camping, delish local food and a festival atmosphere. This year sees Simple Minds, Jess Glynne, Underworld and the Idles in the line-up, and it’s only a short hop the beaches of Bude. Bag one of our holidays cottages in Port Isaac for the complete Cornwall weekender.
Website: thewyldescornwall.com
ROCK OYSTER FESTIVAL
25-28 July 2024
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 Bombay Bicycle Club and Sugababes on stage, and Nathan Outlaw cooking up a storm, 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 2024
The Eden Sessions has welcomed some amazing musical acts to Cornwall over the years and 2024 is no exception. Aussie rockers Crowded House, chart-topper Tom Grennan and alternative American heroes The National have gigs confirmed, two of the UK’s most iconic bands – Manic Street Preachers and Suede share the stage, and Fatboy Slim promises to get you dancing with a backdrop of the biomes at the world-famous garden attraction.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the Eden Project and witness the incredible acoustics of this natural amphitheatre under the spell of international headliners.
Website: www.edensessions.com
BOARDMASTERS
7-11 August 2024
This world-famous surf and music festival is one of the coolest dates in the UK’s 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 Stormzy, Chase & Status and Becky Hill amongst the headliners, this year promises to be the biggest party yet. It’s only a short drive down the coast to Boardmsters from Padstow, but for close proximity, pick a holiday home in Mawgan Porth.
Website: www.boardmasters.com
Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival
13-15 September 2024
Rounding up the festival season, this true Cornish festival is now in its eleventh 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 Rattler Olympics, Mount Hawke skate ramp and Wild Stone Spa, this year’s big names include the Dub Pistols, the Levellers and local favourites, the Land of the Giants.
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.