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Welcome to the Hendra Blog which provides you with all the latest information and events and Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay, Cornwall.

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• Top Ten Things to do in May

  May 01, 2013

  1. Obby Oss Day, Padstow
  
  Come and enjoy Padstow’s famous festival Obby Oss day, which falls on the first day of May (unless the 1st falls on a Sunday, then it is on the 2nd). Locals decorate the streets with bunting, flowers, flags, the maypole, and greenery. In the morning two “osses” are released from their stables, swirling and dancing they move through Padstow taunted by a Teazer, who leads the dance with theatrical movements. The accompanying people dance along to the drum, dressed in white and donning spring flowers. The festival ends with the followers of the “osses” singing a traditional May song. 
  

  www.padstow.com/obby_oss/obby_oss.php 

  
  2. Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival
  
  This Festival is on once every two years, and attracts choirs from all over Europe including St Petersburg and the Czech Republic. The choirs will perform at venues all over Cornwall from the 2nd – 6th of May.
  
  www.visitcornwall.com/whats-on/cornwall-international-male-voice-choral-festival
  
  3. English National Surfing Championships
  
  Young surfers battle to knock established competitors off the top spot over three divisions. The competition takes place at Watergate Bay over 4th – 6th of May. 
  
  www.englishsurfing.co.uk
  
  4. St Ives May Day
  
  A celebration of spring, St Ives’ May Day tradition stretches over hundreds of years, and the town revived the festival several years ago. At noon, on the 6th of May, the Grand Bard and Mayor choose the May Queen and King and their attending Prince and Princess, in a ceremony known strangely as the “pee whip” The St Ives Guisers, dress in their traditional black and white "mock formal" make an appearance; horn blowers mark the start of spring. 
  
  At 1 pm there’s a parade to the harbour where you can watch May pole dances, traditional Cornish dancing and music. Various local choirs and brass bands perform by the harbour throughout the day, and throughout the May Day celebrations there’s a fish barbecue by the harbour.  
  
  5. Fowey Festival of Words and Music 
  
  This diverse festival of literature, music, and performance has many exciting guest speakers, exhibitions, workshops, music and entertainment. The former Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone and War Horse writer Michael Morpurgo are both speakers. The festival runs from the 8th – 18th of May. 
  
  www.foweyfestival.com
  
  6. Polo on the Beach

  
  

  The award-winning Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach event takes place once again at Watergate Bay, on the weekend of the 18th and 19th of May, featuring some of the country’s top professional polo players. It will be packed full of events, entertainment and music all on the beach. 

  www.watergatebay.co.uk/blog/2013/04/23/polo-on-the-beach-18th19th-may
  
  7. St Ives Food and Drink Festival
  
  This yummy festival takes place over the weekend of the 18th – 19th of May at St Ives and Porthminster Beach. Here Cornwall’s finest food and drink producers and chefs gather together to give you a taste of Cornwall that you’ll never forget. 
  
  www.stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
  
  8. Run to the Sun 
  
  This festival is one of the largest custom car, VW and dance festivals in Europe. Newquay’s original festival, Run to the Sun, has been going for over 20 years. This year will be the last one, so buckle your self in for a great weekend on the 24th – 27th of May. 
  
  www.runtothesun.co.uk
  
  9. Fal River Festival 
  
  The Fal River Festival celebrates life up and down the Fal from the 24th of May – 2nd of June. The festival has events at various places and towns on the Fal river including food, music, walks, kayaking, readings and more. 
  
  

  www.falriver.co.uk/whats-on/fal-river-festival
  
  10. Port Eliot Dog Festival 
  
  Dog lovers unite! On the 11th of May Port Eliot dog festival and whippet tea party celebrates its third year of success in the delightful grounds of Port Eliot. Last year over seven hundred people and hundreds of dogs came along. For humans there will be an array of stalls, cream teas and other refreshments, a treasure hunt and other activities for kids, and musical entertainment from the Wurlizta band later on in the afternoon.
  
  www.porteliot.co.uk/events/port-eliot-dog-festival-whippet-tea-party.php
  

  
  

  
  

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• Things to do in Cornwall with Active Teenagers

  April 23, 2013

  One of the things that we get asked a lot in the Hendra Booking Office and in Reception is: what is there to do in Cornwall for teenagers and older children? 
  

  It seems like it is a difficult one for all parents, so here are some ideas from us on what to do with all that young energy: 

  Newquay Activity Centre
  
  Newquay Activity Centre ticks all of the boxes, offering surf lessons, coasteering, and body boarding. NAC is located right by Newquay’s famous Fistral beach – a perfect place for all things active. 
  
  

  St Eval Kart Circuit

  Try St Eval Kart Circuit for a real rush! The Circuit is between Newquay and Padstow and the Karts go at a maximum of 70 miles per hour. You can race around the circuit in all weathers come rain or shine. 

  Stithians Lake and Country Park 

  Stithians Lake and Country Park is near Redruth. 

  There are many exciting activities to pursue; sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, rafting, archery, climbing, multi-activity days and a variety of RYA (Royal Yachting Association) courses. You can cycle or walk around the lake, make use of the children’s play area overlooking the lake or visit Café Nova for light lunches and refreshments. 

  
  High Five Surf School 
  
  Formally Reef Surf School, this surf operator runs all throughout the year and all instructors are BSA approved. You can book discounted tickets through Hendra before you arrive! 
  
  ATV Centre
  
  The ATV Centre, near Truro, is a quad biking centre where you can ride around a mixed terrain track. All safety equipment is provided, and the circuit is one of the largest in the country. 
  

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• Top Ten Reasons to Visit Cornwall this October

  September 30, 2012

  1. Boscastle Food Festival – 6th – 7th of October

  The annual festival of foods, arts and crafts in Boscastle was born out of the community regeneration after the flash flood in 2004. It is now a popular local and countywide event with great food, great chefs and more.

  www.boscastlefestival.co.uk

   2. Falmouth Oyster Festival – 11th -14th of October

  Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates the start of the oyster dredging season and Cornish seafood. The four-day festival is packed with cookery demonstrations by leading local chefs.

  www.falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk

  3. British Stand Up Paddle Championships – Newquay 13th – 14th October

  October sees the two-day stand up paddle surfing tournament. This is an ancient form of surfing, traced back to the early days in Polynesia. Competitors are here to win the desirable ‘Watergate Waterman Trophy’, at Watergate Bay.

  4. Fal River Autumn Walking Festival 19th October – 4th November

  These walks include some of the most beautiful areas along the Fal, where you can pass through areas of outstanding natural beauty and world heritage sites.  Throughout the 17-day festival, over 60 guided and self-guided walks will feature around the beautiful Fal River, from the Roseland peninsula in the east, to Helford in the west and as far inland as Truro. Walk leaders from a range of local organisations – from professional walking companies such as walkitcornwall and the National Trust through to walk sponsors – will be hosting a walk in their grounds.

  www.falriver.co.uk/whats-on/walking-festival

  5. Falmouth Beer Festival – 26th -27th October

  This annual beer festival offers 200 real ales for you to try from all over the country, ciders and alcoholic ginger beers too! If it is your turn to drive there are free soft drinks. The event is held at the Pavilions.

  6. Wah! Wah! Girls at The Hall for Cornwall – 2nd – 6th October

  Wah! Wah! Girls is directed by Kneehigh Theatre’s Emma Rice who has directed many critically acclaimed plays for Kneehigh and plays all over the country. Wah! Wah! Girls is inspired by the world of Muija dancers, who for generations have entertained the rich and powerful with a spellbinding mix of dance and song, Wah! Wah! Girls tells a passionate and playful story of love against the odds.
  Set against the vivacious background of the East End in 2012 these unstoppable girls uncover deep secrets and create unexpected dreams.

  www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

  7. Halloweden at The Eden Project- 27th October – 4th November

  For half term there is a winter ice rink and the Wishcraft Tent, beautifully decorated with plenty of magical things to make and do, including pumpkin carving demonstrations, wand and potion making. There is also the Little Monsters’ Ball Halloween Disco – a chance to get your fancy dress on!

  www.edenproject.com

  8. Spooky Night Walk at Trebah Gardens near Falmouth – 30th of October

  Explore the garden in the dead of the night, and find out what lurks in the shadows when the visitors have gone home! You can tiptoe through bushes for a fun filled experience for all of the family.
  It is £5 per adult and free for under 15s. No dogs or pushchairs allowed.

  www.trebahgarden.co.uk

  9. Lanhydrock House, near Bodmin – various spooky events throughout October

  You’re spoilt for choice for spooky goings on at Lanhydrock. On the 19th and 26th there is a ‘pre-electricity’ tour around the House and you will meet some past occupants, and there is a 2 course supper in the restaurant. Booking is essential and tickets are £15.

  For the kids there is a prize trail in the garden with a spooky theme, on the 27th – 31st of October, at 10am – 5pm. Also there are Halloween crafts on the 29th, 30th and 31st of October. Both events have a small charge.

  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock

  10. Newquay Zoo – Halloween Zoo Boo Party on the 31st of October

  Join the witches, Hubble and Bubble, for spooky tales, have a go at making your own wand, go trick or treating around the Zoo, and receive a goody bag. This ticket only event should be great fun for little terrors! Adults are £9.95 and children £6.95.

  www.newquayzoo.org.uk

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• Top Ten Reasons to Visit Cornwall this September

  August 22, 2012

  1. Newquay Fish Festival – 14th – 16th September

  It is Newquay Fish Festival’s tenth anniversary this year so expect it to be a big one! There are local chefs rustling up some wonderful food, and doing some great demonstrations. There will also be a range of food and craft stalls as well as family entertainment over the weekend at Newquay’s picturesque harbour.

  www.newquayfishfestival.co.uk

  2. Cornwall Food and Drink Festival 28th – 29th September

  This festival is the biggest festival of Cornish food and drink in the county. There will be top chefs here sharing their tips and techniques. Children can enjoy the festival too in the Funky Food Zone and the festival goes on after sunset.

  www.cornwallfoodanddrink.co.uk

  3. Cornish Bluegrass Festival at Hendra Holiday Park – 14th -16th September

  The music originates from the American South and is a mix of folk and blues, and will be at Hendra Holiday Park. Artists include Amy Harrison and the Secondhand String Band, Barcelona Bluegrass Band, and Whitetop Mountain Band.

  www.cornishbluegrass.co.uk

  4. Stomp at the Hall For Cornwall from 17th – 22nd September

  Stomp, the British theatrical sensation, comes to the Hall for Cornwall this September. Stomp has a unique combination of theatre, dance, comedy, and percussion. Eight performers use boots, bins, brooms and everything including the kitchen sink to hammer out an explosively feel good rhythm.

  www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

  5. Gllyngdune Tea Festival – Falmouth September 2nd

  This Festival celebrates Britain’s love for tea, along with art, music, and lots of fun held at the Gyllngdune gardens. There will be arts and crafts stalls, tea tastings, tea talks and tea dances – and whatever other tea activities you can think of! 

  6. ThunderCat Racing Watergate Bay 15th – 16th September

  Watch this adrenaline fuelled sport as the ThunderCats compete and rip through the water, all at the beautiful Watergate Bay.

  For more information: www.thundercatracing.co.uk

  7. Cornish Pasty Festival – Redruth 21st – 23rd September

  Come and celebrate Cornwall’s staple food - the Cornish pasty! Saturday is Pasty Day where you can enjoy high-quality Cornish food and drink. Children can take part in the ‘make your own pasty’ activity.

  8. Fistral Beach Zapcat Grand Prix – 28th -29th September

  Zapcats Racing Tour is a great spectator sport at Fistral – enjoy the views and have a drink at the Beach Bar!

  www.zapcat-racing.com

  9. European Pro Longboard Tour – 29th – 30th of September

  Watergate Bay is host to Europe’s top long boarders as they battle it out for points to become the European long boarding champion.

  www.watergatebay.co.uk/events.htm

  10. Looe Music Festival – 21st – 23rd September

  Head to Looe to eat local pasties and drink local beer with music by the Levellers, The Stranglers, and The Skints. There are over 40 bands playing over the weekend so there will be something for everyone.

  www.looemusic.co.uk

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• Beat the Post Olympic Blues with a Newquay Break

  August 15, 2012

  We may have had a typical English summer weather wise, with a mix of sun and showers, but event wise this summer has been one of the most exciting and exhilarating ever! Summer 2012 kicked off in June with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and later the Olympics, which ended this Sunday.

  We have had a great excuse to celebrate and now it feels as if it is all over until Christmas! We are all in need of a bit of Olympic Replacement Therapy, which makes it the perfect time to make a trip to Newquay, where there is plenty to fill that post Olympic gap!

  Nowhereisland in Newquay, 23rd – 28th August

  Take a break away to Newquay to see this unique floating sculpture by artist Alex Hartley who is inspired by hostile surroundings and today’s environmental issues.
  The sculpture is voyaging around the south west’s amazing coastline, as part of an epic voyage of over 500 nautical miles during London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games. Nowhereisland is anchored off at Towan Beach.
  Nowhereisland will be accompanied by its remarkable mobile Embassy, packed full of intriguing objects and fascinating information. There’ll be something for all ages and interests and you’ll even be able to register as a Nowhereisland citizen. You’ll find the mobile Embassy parked up on the Killacourt, offering wonderful views of the island. It is open from 12pm – 5pm daily in Newquay.
  To find out more about this interesting project go to www.nowhereisland.org   

  Take up a new sport with Flexifoil Kite Taster Days – 18th -19th August

  If the Olympics have inspired you to take up a new sport then this is your perfect opportunity!

  To celebrate Flexifoil’s 40th anniversary, and the launch of the new Force kite surf range, there are free kite surfing taster sessions at Watergate Bay.

  The Flexifoil team includes five times world champion Aaron Hadlow who will be on the beach at Watergate Bay for two days to show you how to get the best from your kite, whether you are on the sand or water.

  Sessions will take place between 10am – 4pm each day. To take part just go to the Extreme Academy building.

  Or if the Olympics have just made you want to sit back and relax there are plenty of new films out at the Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay

  The Olympics may not be still on television but there are plenty of great films to watch at the Lighthouse cinema in Newquay!

  The Expendables 2nd – 16th of August Starring cinemas best action heroes Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.

  Starring cinemas best action heroes Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.

   
  Brave – Out Now Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.

  Keith Lemon: The Film – 24th of August

  Presenter of Celebrity Juice, Keith Lemon, stars in his own film. This comedy is about Keith’s rags to riches story - he invents a phone with a light up lemon on the back which leads to a Hollywood celebrity lifestyle and a relationship with Kelly Brook. The film has a celebrity cast including Verne Troyer, and cameos by Peter Andre, Gary Barlow, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm, Rizzle Kicks and Celebrity Juice stars Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby. 

   
  Take this Waltz – 17th of August

  This comedy drama is about freelance writer Margot (Michelle Williams) who meets Daniel (Luke Kilby) whilst one a business trip and they immediately have chemistry. She reveals to him that she is married, but it turns out that Daniel lives across the street from Margot and her husband Lou (Seth Rogen) in a leafy Toronto suburb. Although Lou and Margot appear happy together it becomes clear that she is not entirely satisfied with her marriage.

  Come away and enjoy what Newquay has to offer…

  Newquay has the golden beaches, surf, and great attractions including the Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo, as well has great shopping from surf boutiques, unique jewellery shops, beach shops and fudge shops.

  Newquay has some new hot spots this summer breathing a breath of fresh life back into the town and making it a top time to visit! New places include, a new Wetherspoons called the The Cribbar, named after the town’s biggest wave just off Fistral, and new Vintage clothes shop, Paraphernalia, hidden up Beachfield Avenue.

  The Cribbar is in a prime spot in Newquay, with views across Towan Beach in the distance, this large Wetherspoons just opened on the 14th of August.

  Paraphernalia has tea and homemade cakes all served on mismatched vintage crockery, along with a shop selling vintage and quirky style interiors and a vintage clothes store where you can find lots of bargains!

   

   

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• Top Ten Reasons to Visit Cornwall this August

  July 25, 2012

  Here are our top ten things on in Cornwall this August:

  1. Boardmasters, Newquay and Watergate Bay 8th – 12th August

  The all blazing, big and brash skate, surf and music festival, which takes place from the 8th – 12th of August in Newquay, is back for 2012. The festival is held at Cornwall’s coolest locations Fistral beach and Watergate Bay, with surf and skate competitions, live music, fairground rides, bars and lots of shopping.

  This year singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran headlines on the Friday with number one grime and UK hip hop artist Dizzee Rascal headlining on the Saturday, along with top DJs, and more.

  www.boardmasters.co.uk

  2. Nowhereisland, Mevagissey,  13th – 17th August

  Nowhereisland is a floating sculpture by artist Alex Hartley who is inspired by hostile surroundings and today’s environmental issues. The sculpture encourages people to explore these problems and he is accompanied by several ambassadors of the project.

  The sculpture is voyaging around the south west’s amazing coastline, as part of an epic voyage of over 500 nautical miles during London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games .

  Nowhereisland will be hosted by choirs, bands, citizen marches, a flotilla of surfers, gig rowers, sea shanty singers and thousands of people on cliff tops, beaches, harbours and promenades.

  Nowhereisland will be accompanied by its remarkable mobile Embassy, packed full of intriguing objects and fascinating information.
  It is open from 12pm – 5pm daily in Mevagissey.
  To find out more about this interesting project go to www.nowhereisland.org   

  3. West of England Steam Rally 17th – 19th August

  The 57th West of England Steam Engine Rally takes place on Stithians Showground, near Truro, with over 100 stream engines, vintage cars, horses, fun fair, live entertainment, craft tent and trade stalls.

  www.weses.co.uk

  4. Cornwall Design Fair 17th – 19th August

  The Cornwall Design Fair takes place at Trereife House, just outside Penzance. The House is worth a visit its self, steeped in history and located in formal gardens with rolling countryside around it.

  The Fair has workshops on how to make your own headwear, bunting, and knitting, along with demonstrations and entertainment. There will be exhibitors displaying all sorts of design including fashion, jewellery, furniture and interiors.

  www.cornwalldesignfair.co.uk

  5. Sleeping Beauty at Heligan 22nd August

  Chapter House performs the magical tale of Sleeping Beauty in the equally magical setting of The Lost Gardens of Heligan. This adaptation is set in the 1940s transporting you to a fairy tale land. This great event is for the whole family.

  Tickets can be bought from Heligan Reception on 01756 845100 or Hall for Cornwall http://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/other-venue/search/&ampvenue=31

  6. Fowey Regatta and Carnival Week 19th – 25th August

  The Fowey Royal Regatta is one of Britain’s premier sailing events. There is an amazing Red Arrows display each year, a colourful carnival, firework display over the river, and live music on the Town Quay.

  7. Cornwall Pride Saturday the 25th August, Truro

  Cornwall Pride promotes and celebrates equality and diversity in the county. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the day. This year’s theme is Hollywood, and the day starts with a parade at Lemon Quay. This is followed by a midday picnic at Victoria Gardens with bands, and a great atmosphere. The day finishes off with a ‘Pride Party’ inside a marquee at Lemon Quay there will be a licensed bar, dancing space, chill out area and an entertainment stage. The evening starts at 7pm and ends at 11.30.

  www.cornwallpride.com

  8. Trereife Country Fair 27th August

  The event creates the atmosphere of a traditional country fair in the beautiful house and grounds of Trereife, near Penzance. You can browse through the stalls, crafts, sample local food produce whilst taking in the manicured grounds. There will be live Jazz to enjoy too from 10am – 5pm.

  9. Newlyn Fish Festival 27th August

  Celebrate all things fishy at one of Cornwall’s most authentic and working fishing ports. Sample the best seafood, cooking demos, live entertainment and more.

  www.newlynfishfestival.org.uk

  10. The Kneehigh Asylum – various dates in August

  Cornwall’s most innovative theatre company returns with the Kneehigh asylum, near St Agnes, with a brand new show. The Asylum is in a field, great for balmy summer evening with a magical atmosphere, bar and food on offer. You can also bring your own food and drink. This year the show is Steptoe and Son, adapted from the scripts of Galton and Simpson – this darkly comic and moving adaption is a must-see.

  www.kneehigh.co.uk

   

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• Top Ten Reasons to Visit Cornwall this July

  June 27, 2012

  Cornwall is packed with exciting events all over the county this July. Here is a list of our top ten July highlights.

  1. Port Eliot Festival – Near St Germans, 19th – 22nd of July

  The Festival takes place on the glorious grounds of the Port Eliot estate, which is right by an estuary with a huge viaduct – an amazing sight.  This is officially a literary festival, but has become a lot more than that over the last few years with something for everyone including fashion tents, food demonstrations, art and photography exhibitions, and music to name a few. This festival is known as a boutique festival because of its uniqueness; Jarvis Cocker says it is ‘a festival of ideas’. This year’s line up includes past Brit Award Winner Beth Orton, BAFTA-winning star of The Wire, The Hour and The Awakening Dominic West and Chef Nathan Outlaw.

  www.porteliotfestival.com

  2. Leopallooza Festival – near Bude at The Wyldes, 27th – 29th of July

  Leopallooza is a music festival true to its roots, branded as ‘the greatest house party in a field’. A group of friends created Leopallooza 7 years ago who all work for free, putting back all the money they make into the festival. This year the Festival is a host to acts such as Chew Lips, Turbowolf, Man Like Me, Sweet Lights, and Lucy Rose.

  www.leopallooza.com

  3. Charlestown Regatta Week – Near St Austell, 28th July - August 3rd

  The Regatta week has something for everyone including water sports, games and entertainment including triathlons, raft races, donkey derby, live music and a colourful carnival all against the magnificent backdrop of Charlestown’s authentic Georgian harbour.

  www.charlestownregatta.co.uk

  4. Electric Beach Festival – Newquay Watergate Bay, 28th of July

  This summer the golden sands of Watergate Bay will be transformed into the first ever Electric Beach!
  
  American Hip Hop legends - De La Soul will be headlining along with other acts including: The Nextmen, Breaks Collective, and The Scribes.

  There will be BBQ food and a fully licensed bar.

  www.electricbeachfestival.co.uk

  5. Chicago – Hall for Cornwall, 16th – 21st of July

  This West End hit show is coming to Cornwall, a tale of murder, corruption, greed, adultery and treachery. Set in the roaring 1920s nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with Cell Block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

  www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

  6.  Newquay Zoo’s Safari Night, 28th of July

  Learn handy skills for safari survival at Safari Night! Take a tour around the Zoo and complete survival challenges on your way. Build your own shelter, help identify animal tracks and have a go at camouflage painting. Have a go at the assault course and take the bush tucker trial You and your team could win a prize for best survivors, or win a prize for being the team least likely to survive!

  Learn handy skills for safari survival at Safari Night! Take a tour around the Zoo and complete survival challenges on your way. Build your own shelter, help identify animal tracks and have a go at camouflage painting. Have a go at the assault course and take the bush tucker trial You and your team could win a prize for best survivors, or win a prize for being the team least likely to survive!

  This is a ticket only event which runs from 6.30pm – 9pm.

  www.newquayzoo.org.uk/events/details/11

  7. The Eden Sessions – Various dates in July

  There’s a show for everyone’s tastes at The Eden Sessions this July, from a Folk Session on the 1st starring, Seth Lakeman and The Staves, Chase and Status on July 4th, Plan B on Jul 6th, Blink-182 on July 8th, and Noah and The Whale and The Vaccines on July 11th.

  www.edenproject.com/sessions

  8. UK Surf Rowers League - Watergate Bay, 14th of July

  Surfboats are 180kg fibreglass boats with four rowers and a "Sweep", or Steersman, standing at the stern. Surfboat racing crews will battle the waves in their rowing boats for the third round of the UK Surf Rowers League Summer Series. Teams of five rowers will confront the surf head on to race out to sea, around a marker buoy and then surf a wave back to the sand.

  www.uksrl.co.uk

  9. The Pendennis Cup – Falmouth, 2nd – 7th of July

  These four days of racing are organised by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, taking place against several stunning backdrops up and down the Fal. The best place to watch will be Pendennis Point.

  www.thependenniscup.co.uk

  10. The Importance of Being Earnest – Various locations throughout July

  Miracle Theatre is based in Cornwall but tours all over the South West, performing productions in beautiful locations from gardens of stately homes to beaches. This summer the play is Oscar Wilde’s comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, adapted by Miracle. In July great Cornwall locations include Tregenna Castle Estate St Ives, Perran Round near Perranporth, and various locations over The Isles of Scilly. 

  www.miracletheatre.co.uk

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• Top Ten Reasons to Visit Cornwall this May

  April 25, 2012

  1. Padstow May Day, 1st May

  The biggest event in the Padstow calendar is otherwise known as ‘Obby ‘Oss day, which attracts up to 30,000 people a year.
  The “osses” dance through Padstow's streets, and followers, young and old join in singing the traditional May Song.
  The origins of the Obby Oss is uncertain, some say the celebration has its roots in Pagan times, others that it’s a fertility symbol, or a welcome to the summer. (see the 'Oss below)

  

  2. St Ives Literature Festival, 5th – 12th May

  The Festival is nine days long featuring book launches, poetry readings, workshops and open-air events including poetry and prose readings, live music, comedy acts, and creative writing workshops.

  www.stiveslitfest.co.uk

  3. St Agnes Bolster Festival, 5th – 7th May

  A celebration of Cornish music and art featuring life size puppets, a drum band and a 28ft giant effigy re-enacting the famous Cornish legend of the giant called Bolster.
  Long ago Cornwall was said to be full of prowling giants and one of them, Bolster, terrorised people on the north coast and regularly ate their children. To celebrate Bolster’s eventual demise, the villagers of St Agnes hold a pageant every year starting with a lantern procession, bonfire and barbeque.

  4. English Nation Surf Championships, Newquay 5th – 7th of May

  It is the 40th anniversary year of the English National Championships, and we will see up and coming surfers battle it out for the top spot! All of which will be held at premier surfing spot Watergate Bay.
   
  www.watergatebay.co.uk

  

  5. Helston Flora Day, 8th May

  Helston’s Flora Day is believed to have pre-Christian origins, and is linked to past Pagan spring festivals held all across Europe. Join the visitors and watch the colourful dancers flora their way down the streets.

  The main street, and down towards the boating lake, buzzes with many stalls selling local souvenirs, Cornish crafts and food and a big fairground and there's a carnival atmosphere from dawn to well into the night.

  6. The Daphne Du Maurier Festival, Fowey 9th May – 20th May

  One of Cornwall’s most famous festivals takes place over 10 days celebrating Cornwall’s most well known literary resident, Daphne Du Maurier. In previous years the line up has included Jo Brand, Russell Howard and Tim Rice. The festival marquee is the main venue with stand-up comedy, live music and book talks. All of this takes place in the picture perfect location of Fowey.

  www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk

  7. Olympic Torch Relay in Cornwall, 19th May

  The Olympic Flame makes its way around Cornwall; lit in Greece, the Flame arrives at RNAS Culdrose on 18 May 2012. The Flame, which represents peace, unity and friendship, is carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers. The Flame makes its way around the UK in 70 days, and Cornwall is the host for day one. This once in a lifetime event needs to be witnessed.

  www.london2012.com/videos/2011/olympic-torch-relay-route-animation.php

  

  8. Thundercat Racing, Newquay 19th – 20th May

  The Thundercat Racing opening round, of the RYA Thundercat Championships takes place at Watergate Bay. The powerboats will race across the shoreline in circuit races, fighting the incoming surf.

  www.thundercatracing.co.uk

  9. St Ives Food and Drink Festival, 21st – 27th May
   
  This festival celebrates local produce and talent in Cornwall, with some of the best chefs in the country giving food demonstrations. A Producers Market on the West Pier features some of Cornwall’s leading food and drink producers displaying, selling, and, most excitingly, giving out samples of their produce!
   
  10. Sparkle under the Spire, Truro 25th May

  This unique dinner celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Cathedral Nave will be cleared and the Fifteen restaurant will be providing a delicious menu. 

   

  For more on what's on in May check-out  http://www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do

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