The Cornwall Blog

There are always so many events going on in Cornwall! People come for the slower pace of life, but I find if you want excitement it is within easy reach. If you are looking for a little culture for this Autumnal month how about the Calstock Jazz Festival? Calstock is a beautiful spot, nestled on the river Tamar on the Devon and Cornwall border. A few Saturdays ago me and my family headed to the National Trust property of Cotehele where there is a gorgeous view over Calstock and the vast viaduct. The Jazz and Blues festival uses some great venues around the little village and is host to some real musical gems. Norma Winstone with The Printmakers, Empirical and Femi Temowo are the headliners but there are acts from Plymouth university, choirs and film. There is also delicious food on offer throughout the village. So close to Plymouth this hideaway festival is always popular. So for a musical treat be sure to make it! Running from the 22nd-25th October 2015. You ca

On the lawns of Bude Castle this month, Saturday 20 September and Sunday 21 September, an open invitation is extended to readers to discover the class of culinary cleverness hiding around the banks of the old canal. Bude is well-known for its beautiful beaches; stunning sunsets and dramatic scenery. Now it’s time for food to come to the fore. Cornwall’s most up-and-coming seaside town boasts an array of local producers whose food is sourced with care, prepared with skill and delivered with pride – as the festival exhibits outstanding producers of local food. Local restaurants, pubs and cafés, pronounced by their provenance, have been involved in a Restaurant Trail, wherein visitors can collect stamps from participants around town. Come hungry to Bude for Food, as there will be the opportunity to sample everything from charcuterie to chocolates, brownies to handmade bread, pasties to preserves and much, much more. Over 50 local exhibitors will be showcasing their wares in the Art

Britta Wengeler plate The 2014 Ceramics Trail Cornwall, which coincides with the St Ives September Festival, running from the 13th to 27th of September 2014. Coinciding with this year’s St Ives September Festival is the second Ceramics Trail Cornwall, which brings together twenty four professional potters and ceramic artists as part of a fortnight-long 'open studios' circuit. Visitors to the September Festival will be encouraged to visit the many talented potters based in the town of St Ives and to venture out into the surrounding towns and countryside to explore other pottery venues and some of the smaller, independent ceramic studios of West Cornwall. Linda Styles pot The potters and ceramic artists involved in the trail cover a very wide range of practices, styles and techniques ranging from traditional wood-firing, soda-firing and reduction firing through to the application of digital technologies.The trail will be promoted through a specially designed trail m

Opening August Bank Holiday Monday and on show throughout September, The Picture Room at Newlyn Art Gallery presents Stupid Beauty, a selling exhibition by Contemporary Landscape painter Gareth Edwards RWA. A graduate of Goldsmiths College, a member of the Newlyn Art Society and an elected RWA Academician, London born Edwards is a tutor at the Newlyn School of Art and a resident of St Ives’ prestigious Porthmeor Studios. This new collection of small, exquisitely coloured oil paintings reflect the artist’s personal memory of places such as Nice, Mousehole, Lindisfarne, Antibes, Puglia, Kefalonia, Camargue, the Euphrates, Essaouira, Bergen, Iona and the Isle de Rhe. Created in a one-off performance of energised, wet into wet knife painting, these diminutive yet vibrantly powerful works are indicative of the artist’s intensely personal relationship with land and the subjective, sensorial experience of time and place. The show will also include a selection of unframed works on

In January of this year, talented St Ives artist and Porthmeor Studios resident Lucie Bray died unexpectedly at the age of 39. An outstanding sea and landscape painter, Lucie held her first ever solo exhibition at New Craftsman Gallery St Ives in 2011 and has held regular annual shows at the gallery since that time. Lucie was working on her 2014 show before her death and this May, in collaboration with Lucie’s estate, New Craftsman will be going ahead with the exhibition as planned. Made up of both new and recent works, the event will be a celebration of Lucie’s talent and passion for the Cornish land and seascape. The exhibition will include contributions from key members of the St Ives arts community, in the form of handwritten submissions to be exhibited alongside the paintings, which respond to Lucie’s paintings and celebrate the subjects which inspired Lucie and her working practice. Lucie was extremely proud to have been part of the arts community of St Ives,

The Leach Pottery St Ives presents an exhibition of more than 80 pots by West Cornwall based potter Peter Swanson. An independent studio potter for the last four decades, Swanson is entirely self-taught and his distinctive and highly accomplished works have established him as one of the UK’s most respected contemporary potters. This exhibition marks 40 years since he moved from Hampshire to Cornwall to open a family run pottery at Penbeagle, St Ives in 1974. Swanson works in stoneware and porcelain using locally sourced clays and produces his own ash glazes from various natural materials such as oak, beech, lavender and granite dust. With a style inspired by Leach and set very much in the Anglo-Oriental tradition, he has travelled extensively in Japan and Korea, absorbing ideas that have greatly enriched his working practice, and has most recently visited wood-firing potters working in Australia’s NSW. In this brand new collection of work Swanson has explored new shape

Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose has been given the official ‘go ahead’ to hold an Air Day in 2014. The Cornwall based Air Station is pleased to announce that this year’s event will be held on Thursday 31st July. The event, which has become a firm favourite on the Cornish Event Calendar, enables the general public to experience the sights and sounds of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases, whilst seeing a fantastic Air Display in the skies.  It’s the only day of the year when the public can ‘experience the world of Culdrose’ and see what happens behind the security gates.  The Commanding Officer of Culdrose, Captain Mark Garratt said: "Now that we have been given the official go ahead to hold an Air Day, my team are already starting to book aircraft for the Air Display and are working hard to make it a day to remember.  This year should be a really special event, with some very special visitors." He added: "Often our Air Day is the only opportunity f

"Tall Ships and Small Ships" - by John Dyer, the Festival's "Artist in Residence" A picture is telling thousands of words as school children across the country knuckle down to interpreting an oil-based celebration of one of this year’s great world Maritime events – the Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta. Artist in residence for the Regatta, John Dyer, has unveiled his fireworks and fiesta painting, based on memories of the last Falmouth Tall Ships Festival in 2008, which, with the help of story-tellers, performers, a playwright and a hip-hop poet, is getting youngsters deeply immersed in their own paint and salty tales. Damian Dibben, creator of the world famous “The History Keepers” time-travel series is part of the creative team for the BIG Art & Storytelling Tall Ships Project says, “This is a brilliant, original competition. John Dyer’s picture is bursting with character, life and colour – I can’t wait to see what stories it inspire

Phil Beer is one of the most popular ambassadors for acoustic roots music. A dazzling instrumentalist, he is perhaps best known as one half of the internationally acclaimed folk megastars Show of Hands, 2010 winners of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Duo and Best Song “Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed.” However, not only is he a musician, songwriter, composer and producer, he is also a top flight fiddler in the all-star line-up, Feast of Fiddles, and his skills don’t stop there, he also plays slide, Spanish and tenor guitar, mandocello, viola, mandolin and South American cuatro, not to mention contributing rich vocals. Phil Beer is appearing at this special “one night only” gig to show his support for Gorsedh Kernow, Cornwall’s own Gorsedd, which exists to maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall. This event is generously supported by The Painted Bird, St Ives and Harding Laity Estate Agents of St Ives. Sunday 16th February 2014, 7.30pm (doors 7pm). St. Ives Guildh

First Ever Cornwall Ceramics Trail Launches to coincide with the St Ives September Festival 2013. The history of ceramics in Cornwall is of great importance to the art history of both this region and the wider world, and attracts students, academics and cultural visitors from across the UK and internationally. Alongside established public venues such as the Leach Pottery St Ives and a wealth of private ceramics galleries, the county supports a broad community of independent ceramicists working from private studios. Timed to coincide with the St Ives September Festival 2013, from Saturday 14th to Saturday 28th September this year the first ever Ceramics Trail Cornwall will see potters and ceramicists opening up their working studios to the public. Throughout the event fans of contemporary Cornish pottery will have a unique opportunity to meet and engage with ceramicists, see them at work in their pottery studios and purchase works direct. French born potter Michel François, who

Everyone at Electric Beach HQ are super excited to announce the return of Electric Beach Festival at Watergate Bay this summer on 31st August. Last year’s sell out festival will again be gracing the sands of the North Cornish coast at Watergate Bay near Newquay. They have an amazing line up of world class acts and local artists playing the one day music event. Iconic R’n’B and dance act SOUL II SOUL are this year’s headliner, bringing their effortlessly fresh beats to the beach. Soul II Soul are a household name in the UK scene, with their hits “Keep On Moving” and “Back to Life” toping the UK and US charts. “Back To Life” has sold over 1 million copies worldwide and featured in the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics. One of the founding members Jazzie B, has had international success winning 2 Grammy’s and an Ivor Novello award. He has not only been a part of chart topping Soul II Soul, but has remixed and produced songs for James Brown, Nas and Destiny’s Child to name

Three days of great bands, tasty food and real ales from all over the South West. This will be the first of hopefully many yearly events that we will be putting together in aid of the Macmillan Cancer trust. At least 18 guest beers and six guest ciders will be on offer, as well as the usual range of award-winning St Austell draughts and a hearty hog roast. Ten bands will perform over the three day festival and there be an opportunity for budding musicians to get on stage in between acts for open mic sessions. Music will start at 12pm and go through until 10pm on the Friday and Saturday and 8pm on the Sunday. The lineup is as follows, with more acts set to be announced: Friday 21st June Johanna Graham Ensemble – Jazz
 Ten Bob Notes – Ska
 The Dirty Living Rhythm Band – Rock
 Adam Parfitt – Acoustic
 Walkabout's open mic night head honcho! Saturday 22nd June Sinpusher – Rock
 Four Minds Combined – Hip Hop Fusion Sunday 23rd June Out of Context – Acoustic
 Tayl

Argentina’s finest and award-winning tango vocalist, Martín Alvarado, will be performing in Cornwall for the first time as part of his 25th international tour in June. His performance, at Carnglaze Caverns, near Liskeard, on Sunday, June 9, at 6pm, will see the award-winning singer accompanying himself on acoustic guitar in true tango troubadour style in his show “Así es mi tango” (So this is my tango). Alvarado has been touring internationally almost constantly for the past ten years, performing at major venues and festivals – but this will be the first time he has ever performed in a cave! “It will certainly be a different venue for me,” he said, joking. “I am wondering if I may need to wear gloves and a scarf!” The old slate mine caverns at Carnglaze, which have a constant year-round temperature of 10C (the audience is advised to bring warm clothes), were chosen by his promoter, L Tango Promotions, because of their superb natural acoustics. Alvarado’s UK and Europe mana

Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose will be holding its Air Day on Wednesday 24 July 2013, after a one year break following the Olympics and a new runway. The event is back on the Cornish Event Calendar after a gap in 2012. It will be an opportunity for the general public to experience the sights, sounds and smells of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. The public will be able to meet those who have served on frontline Squadrons, supporting the Royal Navy all over the world. The organisers of this year’s event are already working hard to make it a day to remember and The Red Arrows’ have confirmed their attendance, underpinning what should prove to be a spectacular Air Show plus all the other events occurring around the Air Station. As well as an exciting, action-packed flying display, there will also be lots of things to see, touch and try on the ground. Visitors can climb onboard aircraft, be “scrambled” on a search and rescue mission, be winched high int

Some 45 stands of hundreds of teddies - new and old – designer and antique - free valuations and restoration advice - teddy bear hospital – bear making patterns, kits, materials, accessories and demonstrations - and many, many, more attractions – including a “Free Teddy Prize Draw”. Charities – “Cornwall Hospice Care” and “Animals Asia” Champagne Competition with engraved Silver Trophy for “The Best Own Bear Creation” - dressed or undressed – with a “Summer” theme - ‘Open to All’ - take your own in! - voting to be by visitors only! Opening Hours: 10am to 4pm Admission: Adults £2.50, Accompanied Children under 14 Free! 23rd June 2013 The Community Centre Lostwithiel PL22 0HE 01840 779009 01503 230851 www.urchinsbears.com

The organisers of Beach Break Live are preparing to make history once again as they unveil plans to evolve the antiquated UK festival model by creating the first UK music holiday.  After three years in the beautiful Pembrey Country Park in South Wales, Beach Break Live will return to its spiritual home, Cornwall, to create the very first music holiday and change the face of festival experiences in the UK forever. Not content with changing an entire industry, Beach Break Live has also assembled a phenomenal line-up of artists, which includes the likes of Jake Bugg one of very few UK festival performances this year, AlunaGeorge, Devlin, Lulu James, Lucy Rose and Foreign Beggars. For the first time ever, Beach Break Live is also collaborating with some of the UK’s biggest labels, curators and promoters including Hospitality, Rinse FM, Digital Sound Boy, The Bedford, SB.TV, Emerging Icons and many more for what promises to be one of the most diverse music programmes this summer.

The Tallest Horse on Earth is a puppet show for children and quirky grownups. Set in a patchwork world of string, papier-mâché and toy tractors, The Tallest Horse on Earth is the story of Tim. Tim is a little boy and is the proud owner of The Tallest Horse on Earth! Or so he thinks... When Tim embarks on an adventure, he has only one trusty companion in mind. With puppetry, live music and a good measure of giant smashing, expect an epic adventure of small proportions.. See their website here . Performed by Seamas Carey & Alex Heane Directed by Jim Carey Written by Callum Mitchell Designed by Gabrielle Fromentin Puppet Consultant Craig Johnson Tickets £7 adult, £4 child, £5 concession, £18 family 20th April 2013 The Centre, Newlyn Book online here , or call 0845 094 0428.

Open Studios Cornwall is a unique opportunity to discover the people behind the Cornish art scene, visit studios in breathtaking locations, and buy an original piece of artwork direct from the artist. This year the free event showcases 209 artists and craftspeople from across the length & breadth of Cornwall who will open their studios to the public. With its heady mix of established artists, recent graduates, traditional and contemporary art and host of creative disciplines, Open Studios Cornwall is the largest and most diverse arts event in the county. Work by award­‐winning lighting and furniture designer Tom Raffield The Open Studios Cornwall experience will encourage you to discover the art of surfboard shaping, get inspired by incredible home studios, and to get up close and personal with Cornish art. There will be artist run workshops throughout the event, offering the opportunity to learn new skills, ranging from how to throw a pot to monoprinting. For those

The Three Belles’ are returning to Cornwall for an extra special performance this year! The Andrews Sisters style vocal trio met at the University of Portsmouth and formed in their final year in 2011. Since graduating they have turned singing close harmonies and donning their victory rolls into a full time job! When they weren’t busy singing on stage, The Three Belles spent the most of 2012 working on a script with their author friend and ex ‘The Bill’ script writer Matt Wingett. 

The Three Belles have been touring in Cornwall for two years performing at different events all along the south coast. The girls produced their interactive 1940s experience night, IN THE MOOD at the Portsmouth Guildhall and the St Ives Guildhall, Cornwall, where it SOLD OUT! They also took their theatre show, SING SING SING to the and The Stag, Sevenoaks and more recently to New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth where it too SOLD OUT!  They are very excited to bring their brand new show to Penzance. Mixing mon

The Cornwall Home Show is Cornwall’s only and most exclusive home exhibition. Bringing together more than 45 exhibitors from across the county, this year’s event offers a fantastic selection of home and garden inspiration as well as renewable energy and sustainable living solutions. This includes the very best of Cornwall’s kitchen designers and installers, interior design experts, architects, sustainable living specialists, home AV specialists, furniture suppliers and many more, including electric vehicle and home charging experts. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for home improvements, fresh ideas for second homes, holiday cottage, Boutique BB or an apartment, or you have a renovation or building larger project in mind, The Cornwall Home Show is the best place to find new and exciting ideas from some of the county’s top specialists who will help bring your ideas to life. Take advantage of great offers, learn useful hints and tips and discover Cornwall’s best bespoke an