Mark your calendar: The most anticipated Devon and Cornwall events in 2026

1. St Piran’s Day celebrations, 5 March

You might want to start the year off by joining in the St Piran’s celebrations on 5 March, which marks the national day of Cornwall’s patron saint. 

Events will take place across the county to celebrate the special day, each featuring parades with the iconic black and white flag, traditional music, and, of course, plenty of dancing. 

2. Rattler Fest, 24 and 25 April

The Rattler Fest at Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm, near Truro, is the perfect place to start the festival season. 

While the full 2026 lineup is yet to be announced, the festival always features live bands, DJs, and plenty of cider, making it the ideal spring weekend out with your friends and family.

3. Tavistock Festival, 2 May

This local celebration of arts and culture in May could make a great addition to your calendar. 

So far, the North Devon Sinfonia has announced that it will perform at the parish church. This will give you the chance to appreciate a number of moving classical pieces in an amazing setting.

4. The Devon Country Show, 21 to 23 May

Held at Westpoint, near Exeter, the Devon Country Show is the perfect way to appreciate rural life in the area. 

The vast gathering features competitive livestock displays, local food and drink producers offering samples, and plenty of entertainment for all ages.

5. The Royal Cornwall Show, 4 to 6 June

At Wadebridge Showground, the Royal Cornwall Show is one of the UK’s most prestigious rural events. 

You can spend days exploring hundreds of trade stands, admiring cattle and sheep, and watching plenty of entertainment.

6. Cream Tea Week, June

If you’d like to indulge your sweet tooth, you have to take part in Cream Tea Week, as it’s the perfect excuse to sample the iconic south west treat. 

The event is especially significant in Tavistock, where the Devon Cream Tea is famously claimed to have originated at the Bedford Hotel. 

You might even see some of the Hansford Bell team – just don’t start a debate about whether the cream or jam comes first! 

Just note that while there are no dates for Cream Tea Week yet, it usually takes place in June, so keep an eye out for the announcement. 

7. The Eden Sessions, 20 June to 11 July

Set in the futuristic biomes of the Eden Project, near St Austell, the Eden Sessions combine stunning scenery with amazing music. 

And, so far, the 2026 line-up already features musicians such as:

• Becky Hill
• Bowling for Soup
• Frank Turner
• Bastille
• The Maccabees.

Just make sure you get your tickets early, as this is one you won’t want to miss.

8. Falmouth Week, 7 to 16 August

If you love the sea as much as our managing director, Chris Palmer, does, then you can’t miss Falmouth Week. 

The maritime event is one of the largest sailing regattas in the south west, featuring seven days of competitive racing in Falmouth Bay and the Carrick Roads.

With music, markets, and fireworks, there’s plenty to keep you occupied even if you’re not a sailing enthusiast. 

9. Tunes in the Park, 27 to 30 August

As August comes to an end, you might want to plan a trip to the Port Eliot Estate in Cornwall for Tunes in the Park. 

Running across the bank holiday weekend, the festival features an array of music, arts, and wellness activities in a breathtaking setting.

So far, Bez from the Happy Mondays, Faithless, and Basement Jaxx have been confirmed for the line-up. But make sure to watch this space, as many others will likely start appearing.

10. Cornwall Folk Festival, 27 to 31 August

If you prefer a more traditional music experience, the Cornwall Folk Festival in Wadebridge could be the perfect event for you. 

Also occurring over the bank holiday, the festival is a smaller celebration that brings together contemporary folk, shanty, and other traditional music from across the UK. 

You’ll be able to discover performances in various venues and pubs, making the festival an ideal place to celebrate the region’s musical heritage.

Get in touch

We could help you manage your finances so you can spend more time thinking about 2026’s exciting roster of events. 

To find out more, please call us on 01822 617 960, email info@hansfordbell.co.uk, or fill in our online contact form, and we’ll be in touch.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.