Events

During your stay with us at Valleybrook it is well worth spending a productive half hour browsing through the local paper for notices of upcoming events. With so many towns and villages in Cornwall, each with their own network of clubs, societies and organisations, you’d be hard pushed not to find something interesting to do, see or take part in on any week of the year.  Below is a list of just some of the local events that we recommend you visit whilst in Cornwall:

5th MARCH  - St. Piran's Day

Patron Saint of Cornwall

5th & 6th APRIL - Cornwall Garden Society Spring Flower Show at Boconnoc.

The gardening show season really starts with the Cornwall Garden Society Spring Flower Show at Boconnoc just off the A390 between Liskeard and Lostwithiel. Probably the major event of the year, and one of the largest shows in the south west, it includes over 150 competitive classes including floral art display, plus horticultural and trade stands.

8th to 17th MAY - Daphne du Maurier Festival     

Set in Fowey overlooking the picturesque Fowey Estuary, and neighbouring towns, the Daphne Du Maurier Festival is one of the most popular of its kind in the UK. You can enjoy an entertaining and sparkling 10 days of star names, drama, music, talks, concerts, guided walks, local events and free entertainment with something for everyone! The main venues are set in a tented village overlooking the picturesque Fowey Estuary.

5th to 7th JUNE - Royal Cornwall Show     

For three days each year the showground at Wadebridge is transformed into a living town, bustling with life, energy, agriculture, entertainment and trade. Considered to be the premier annual event of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association the Royal Cornwall Show includes a massive flower show, machinery exhibits along with high quality and high numbers of livestock.  Definitely worth a wander around!

27th to 29th JUNE - Looe Festival by the Sea/Lugger Races   

A bi-annual event, the Looe Festival is a weekend celebration, set in the historic maritime port of Looe, which tells the story of how fish is caught, prepared and cooked. With music, singing, boats, and of course food - there is something to interest all.

JULY - Looe Carnival Week

The Looe Carnival Week has been part of the town's summer events for more than thirty years and takes place during the last week in July through to the beginning of August. It includes a full week of entertainment for all the family including a Veteran and Classic Car Show, Furry Dance and parades, Children's competitions, a Fun Run and a Grand Carnival Parade.  

JULY – Boconnoc Steam Fair

Organised by the Liskeard Steam and Vintage Club, this three day event celebrated its 25th Anniversary last year. Spread over 40 acres of the beautiful Boconnoc Estate, Nr Liskeard, the show includes vintage, classic and Veteran cars, stationary engines, bicycles, agricultural tractors, commercial vehicles and motorbikes. There are free day-long trailer rides hauled by steam engines, model and craft marquees and trade stands along with a traditional fun fair, beer tent and many other attractions. Boconnoc House is also open for viewing.

AUGUST - Morval Vintage Steam Rally     

The Morval Vintage Steam Rally takes place at Bray Farm, Looe, on August Bank Holiday weekend with proceeds from the event being donated to a different local charity each year.  On show are a staggering range of steam engines, classic & vintage cars, stationary engines, commercial and military vehicles, tractors and motorcycles. The rally also includes all manner of craft and trade stands plus demonstrations of traditional country skills such as baling and rack saw. A great day out!

17th to 23rd AUGUST - Fowey Royal Regatta    

The Fowey Royal Regatta is hailed by many as one of the best local regattas in the country and is usually held over the third full week of August. Along with daily sailing races there are a number of other themed events mixed into the week including a midweek Carnival, Red Arrows display, ending with a spectacular Firework display over the harbour. 2007's event leads into the Polruan Regatta.

6th & 7th SEPTEMBER - Cornish Gorseth, Looe    

A celebration of Cornish culture and traditions.

SEPTEMBER - Boconnoc Dog Show     

Well worth a visit, the Boconnoc companion dog show is a fun day out for you and your dog. The gates open at 11.00 am and judging begins at 12.00 with something for all age groups of dogs. There is also a BBQ and lots of other interesting things going on for the owners.
For more information contact the Boconnoc Estate Office - 01208 872507.

SEPTEMBER - Looe Valley Walking Festival     

The Looe Valley Walking Festival celebrates the scenic Looe Valley Branch Line and the pleasure of walking in this popular area of South East Cornwall. The festival is a four day event with organised walks, transport and guides. We suggest you pack a delicious picnic to enjoy en-route.  Phone Mark at Walkabout West on 01503 273060 for more information.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER - the Third South East Cornwall Food Festival

This ambitious month-long food festival provides a perfect opportunity for visitors and residents alike to enjoy the very best of the area’s food and drink. With wine tasting, food fairs, walks, food factory visits, farmers and fish markets, mystery food tours, masterclasses, fine dining and lots, lots more the festival is fun, interesting and best of all – delicious!  

NOVEMBER - Polperro November Fireworks      

Held over Polperro Harbour on Guy Fawkes night with a traditional bonfire on the beach, judging of the Guy, and an impressive fireworks display followed by a BBQ. More details on 01503 272225.

DECEMBER - Mount Edgecumbe Christmas Fayre  

Held at Mount Edgcumbe House over a weekend in early December, the Christmas Fair offers a full programme of entertainment for visitors, along with great solutions for gift shoppers.  As well as the craft and gift stalls there are food stalls and a range of seasonal cooking demonstrations by top local chefs. For further details Tel: 01752 822236
 

DECEMBER - New Year's Eve Celebrations at Looe    

Believe it or not, Looe is now rated as one of the best places in the UK to spend New Years Eve alongside London and Edinburgh - just don't tell everyone! The town goes crazy with carnival style fancy dress rounded off with fireworks at Midnight on the seafront. Details on 01503 262255, taxis are available but need to be booked well in advance.

Use the links above to find out more about the events described.