St Ives Food and Drink Festival 2026: What You Need To Know
The festival transforms the beach into a vibrant open-air food hub, featuring a mix of top chefs, street food traders, artisan producers and live entertainment. Expect everything from fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas to global street food and Cornish specialities.
Alongside the food, there is a relaxed festival atmosphere with sea views, live music and plenty of space to explore.
At Orange Roofs, we know how special this weekend can be, so we’ve rounded up everything we know so far to help you plan your visit.
What’s new for 2026?
Each year brings something different, and 2026 is no exception. Highlights include:
- A new food and drink masterclass area offering small, hands-on sessions such as fermenting and foraging
- A family-friendly zone called Little Nipper’s Green, with cooking classes, sensory play, arts and crafts, and circus skills
- An expanded artisan market and food village showcasing local produce
- Three full days of free live music on the beach stage
Please note that the ticketed evening Sunset Sessions will not be returning this year, but there will be some exciting announcements for the beach stage coming soon.
Which chefs will be appearing at St Ives Food & Drink Festival?
The Chef’s Fire Pit is always a festival highlight. It focuses on simple, ingredient-led cooking over open flame, with live demonstrations throughout the weekend. Confirmed chefs include:
Jamie Maclean – Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar
Ben Prior – Porthminster Beach Café
Guy Owen – The Idle Rocks, St Mawes
Natasha Osborne – Bré Café, St Ives
Rob Howell – Root Bristol
Chris Eden – Watergate Bay Hotel
Nick Evans – Rick Stein’s Cookery School
Jeffrey Robinson – St Ives Cookery School (Friday 5pm)
Kathy Slack – award-winning cook and writer (Saturday 11:30am)
Is St Ives Food & Drink Festival free to attend?
Yes, entry is completely free. You can enjoy a wide range of activities without a ticket, including:
Chef demonstrations
Street food stalls
Artisan market browsing
Live daytime music
Food workshops
Artist galleries
Children’s activities
Bars and social areas
Usually the Masterclasses are ticketed, so keep an eye out for announcements if you would like to book a place.
Can I bring my dog to St Ives Food & Drink Festival?
Dogs aren’t recommended at the festival, with the exception of registered guide dogs. If you are staying locally, it is best to make arrangements for your pet during your visit.
How do I get to St Ives Food & Drink Festival?
If you’re visiting from out of town, the easiest way to reach the event is by train.
The scenic branch line from St Erth to St Ives stops just above the beach and offers one of the most beautiful coastal journeys in the country.
• Trains run every 30 minutes
• Services connect from London Paddington (around 6 hours)
• Overnight travel is available via the Night Riviera Sleeper
A park and ride service is available from St Erth, making it a convenient option if you are driving part of the way.
Is there parking at St Ives Food & Drink Festival?
There is no parking on-site, and access roads are restricted. This means:
• No drop-off area
• No blue badge parking at the beach
Nearby car parks include Malakoff and Park Avenue, but spaces are very limited and fill quickly. If you must drive, aim to arrive early.
Also it’s worth noting that since the last festival, St Ives has introduced a new road layout, including changes to the one way system along Park Avenue, so allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Will there be cash machines at St Ives Food & Drink Festival?
There are no cash machines on the beach.
Most traders accept both card and cash, but signal can be unreliable due to temporary networks. It is a good idea to bring some cash as a backup.
Where should I stay in St Ives?
If you are planning to attend the festival, staying nearby makes all the difference. Many of our properties at Orange Roofs are within walking distance of Porthminster Beach.
Our portfolio includes:
• Luxury holiday cottages and apartments with parking (a real advantage during festival weekend)
• Selected homes with EV chargers
• Stylish, comfortable interiors designed for a relaxing stay
Our team at Orange Roofs is passionate about creating memorable St Ives holidays. We offer a friendly, professional service and a handpicked collection of properties that deliver the real ‘wow factor.’
May dates are always in high demand – get in touch today on 01736 806100 to check availability and secure your perfect St Ives getaway.
