St Ives events
St Ives is a thriving harbour and beach town in the far west of Cornwall. It has sheltered coves within St Ives Bay, 5 beaches, many galleries and shops as well as restaurants, cafes bars and traditional pubs. On top of this, St Ives is host to annual events that bring many visitors to our coast and we’ve shared the main events that we think you would love to come on holiday for.
St Ives Feast Day
On the 10th of February, the annual hurling of the silver ball will occur as part of the feast day celebrations! And yes, it is as crazy as it sounds.Feast day is a tradition dating back to approximately 1434, however the hurling of the silver ball is a centuries old form of rugby. It all begins with the Mayor of St Ives throwing the ball into Lambeth walk beach. From then it is a bonkers free-for-all, the person to return the ball at midday receives a silver coin.
It’s one of those things you have to see with your own eyes to understand it, however, all school children from St Ives will know the tradition inside out!
St Ives Literature Festival
St Ives has much to offer in the way of culture and the St Ives literature festival is a great excuse to come and visit in May!You’ll find a variety of performers, artists, poets and so many more travelling to St Ives to share in the experience. An ongoing favourite is the collection of live, open-air, performances you will discover in Norway Square throughout the duration of the week between the 9thand the 16thof May.
St Ives Food and Drink Festival
Possibly one of our favourite events of the year!Between the 15thand 17thof May St Ives’ annual food and drink festival will take place on Porthminster Beach. You’ll discover rows and rows of tents with food from all over the world, with the exquisite back drop that is Porthminster. There will be something different each day to whet your appetite, as well as a fantastic range of bars, drinks and brilliant local produce. Following the fun of the day, the food festival then host an array of live music acts.
This weekend is sure to be a hit with the whole family. With or without the sunshine, the St Ives Food and Drink Festival isn’t to be missed!
St Ives food festival
St Ives Biathlon
The St Ives Surf Life Saving Club will be hosting its annual biathlon in St Ives on the 6th of June 2020.Be sure to get a spot at the Sloop Inn (if you’re not competing yourself!) and watch as the impressive competitors take on this year’s challenge. There are three categories, the main race and then a novice and junior race. It brings a great buzz to the town for the evening and it’s great to be involved, cheering everyone on!
St Ives Swell Board Shoot Out
A date is yet to be decided for this event, so keep your eyes peeled, however it usually falls near the end of June and makes for a hilarious day out!The Swell Board Shoot Out is an event hosted by St Ives Surf School on Porthmeor Beach. It consists of local teams of 4, from around Cornwall, dressing up in their best possible fancy dress and taking part in all sorts of surfing fun. With a prize for the best fancy dress, you’ll be sure to see some brilliant outfits. There are also prizes for the teams that pull out all the stops on the Swell Boards too!
You’ll find live music, food and drinks so be sure to pack up a bag and head down for a day of fun by the sea.
These are just a few fun spring and summer events that we definitely feel add to the St Ives experience! Make sure you don’t miss out and check out our availability of self-catering cottages in St Ives.