Freddy’s Favourite 5: Cornwall Events This November
Is it really November already? Those summer beach days are a distant memory, but just because we're into winter it doesn't mean there are any less events happening down here in the South West!
We have some awesome themed weekends going on at our holiday parks in Cornwall, so if you find yourself with some spare time, check out my favourite 5 events in the region...
Image Credit: Truro City of Lights - Steve Tanner & Ian Kingsnorth
Ice Skating at Eden Project | 17 October-28 February
For your early fix of Christmas, the Eden Project is on hand with its temporary ice rink – what better activity to get you in the festive spirit?
Once again Eden will have sessions to suit all ages and abilities, from excited toddlers to confident teenagers and slippery seniors – for the youngest of skaters, friendly Penguins will be on hand to keep them upright on the ice.
Sessions include parent and toddler ice-play for children aged between 18 months and 5 years; Chilly Juniors for ages 6 through to 12 and public 40 minute skates thereafter.
Truro City of Lights | 18 November
I know it's only early November, but it won't be long before the small towns that surround our caravan parks in Cornwall start preparing for Christmas, with bright lights and magical processions.
For a 19th year, the job of injecting a Christmassy spirit into the people of Cornwall falls to the Truro City of Lights Festival.
The decorated festival takes to the cobbled streets of Truro on Wednesday 18th November, with artists, community groups and school children busy hand-making their paper lanterns in preparation.
25,000 people are expected to line the streets for the parade, which has theme this year of 'The Museum of Lost Secrets' – so watch out for giant lanterns signifying Cornwall's famous past.
Trereife Christmas Gift Fair | 20-22 November
Continuing the festive theme of this blog, the next event to make my favourite 5 is the Trereife Christmas Fair.
The historic Queen Anne manor house and its amazing grounds will again be transformed into a festive haven for this annual 3-day fair.
Events begin on the Friday evening, with a magical evening of shopping, local food, crafts and demonstrations. Entertainment throughout the evening comes from singer songwriters, local school choirs and a traditional brass band. The evening concludes with local school children parading hand-made lanterns, followed by festive choirs and fundraising activities.
Under heated marquees visitors can browse quality off-the-high-street art and craft throughout the weekend. A range of suppliers will also be on hand to tickle your taste buds with local produce.
If your wallets and full bellies need a rest, Tim Le Grice will be on hand to give tours of his historic home, teaching visitors the history of the stunning property.
Live music continues to provide entertainment across the weekend as well as a traditional fairground carousel and storytelling to keep the children occupied.
For more information on times and pricing, visit trereifepark.co.uk/trereife-christmas-fair/.
St Austell Brewery Celtic Beer Festival | 28 November
OK that's that for Christmas events...until next month!
On the 28th November St Austell Brewery throws the biggest party of the year for ale lovers, with its annual Celtic Beer Festival.
Held in the ancient cellars of St Austell Brewery itself, the festival is the place to be to sample the South West's best tipples, and even better news is all the proceeds go to a local charity.
Over 130 ales, stouts and lagers will be on offer, including St Austell's own Tribute, Proper Job and Korev. A full programme of live music will feature throughout the day and night.
The festival kicks off from 11am and ends at 11pm, if you make it that late. Tickets will be sold on the door and the £10 entrance fee includes a festival glass and free beer tokens.
Fifteen Cornwall Winter Fayre | 28 November
Another event taking place 28th November is the Fifteen Cornwall Winter Fayre, so you might have to choose between beer and food? Ouch.
Fifteen Cornwall's Winter Fayre is free to attend, sponsored by Great Western Railway, and takes place between 9.30am and 3.30pm in the Extreme Academy car park at Watergate Bay.
You can expect tasty chef demos, local food producer stalls and as always entertainment to keep little ones busy!
The line up of chefs is pretty impressive, and includes Jack Stein of Stein, Ross Geach, Elsie Pinniger, Debbie Warner, husband and wife and John Eldridge and Mathilda Fristrom Eldridge as well as Jack Bristow from Fifteen Cornwall.
As well as picking up some culinary tips, the event offers visitors the chance to meet some of Cornwall's producers. You can also stock up some local ingredients that'll help you reminisce of your Cornwall holidays when you get back home.