The St Ives September Festival is now underway, running from Saturday 13 September to Saturday 27 September 2025. For 15 days the town is alive with music, art, theatre, walks, talks and exhibitions, making it one of the biggest cultural celebrations in Cornwall.
Opening weekend highlights included the Falmouth Marine Band leading colourful street entertainment through the harbour and town centre. This year the main music events have moved to the newly renovated St Ives Theatre, which now seats over 300 people and offers reserved seating for many performances.
Headline acts across the fortnight include The Countrymen, guitarist Martin Simpson, singer-songwriter Martha Tilston and the popular cabaret group Fascinating Aida, whose closing night show is already sold out. Alongside these are dozens of smaller events, open studios and free exhibitions across venues such as Tate St Ives, St Ia Church, Porthmeor Print Workshop and the St Ives Arts Club.
Talks and workshops explore subjects from the legacy of Virginia Woolf to the history of Porthmeor studio artists. The festival also supports local heritage projects, including fundraising for the St Ives Mariners Memorial, a new bronze sculpture honouring the town’s fishing community.
Visitors are advised to book early for ticketed shows, as several have already sold out. Many free events are also available, making the festival accessible to all. Sponsors include Tregenna Castle Hotel, St Ives Town Council, St Ives BID and Aspects Holidays.
With nearly two weeks of performances, exhibitions and community events still to come, the St Ives September Festival once again promises to be a highlight of Cornwall’s cultural calendar.