Festivals, fun and frivolities
Moving to Cornwall earlier this year, I soon realised how many music festivals were taking place across the county. Like others, I appreciate music, but I’ve not been to that many festivals over the years. So, when I spotted an advertisement for a three-day event, showcasing some of my favourite bands and artists from when I was (much) younger, I decided it was time to ‘up my festival count’. I booked myself a weekend ticket complete with campervan pass and got ready to party!
I then did what all proper partygoers do in preparation – visited the local supermarket to stock up on food, drinks and snacks. What I neglected to do, when paying, was ensure the cashier removed the security tag from the bottle of fancy gin I purchased. Cue the alarms sounding as I exited the shop. And then, cue a chat with a security guard as I justified my (genuine) mistake whilst fumbling for my receipt. This was in view of every other shopper exiting or coming into the shop! Highly embarrassing, and perhaps not the start I hoped for.
But the weekend turned out to be an exceptional experience. Going solo felt strange, but meant I could see many bands I liked. Watching artists perform on a stage in a forest was quite spectacular. I was also ‘adopted’ by a friendly group of revellers visiting from Devon and found myself in excellent company for an evening.
A late night (or possibly early morning) led to mild panic where I misplaced my phone, only to remember I had left it behind at somebody’s caravan – I saw the funny side once I’d had it returned. Not even my shower water pump failing (which meant I had to ‘improvise’ with my washing for the three days) took the shine off a fine weekend.
A few weeks afterwards, and staying with the musical theme, I seized an opportunity to visit the Sea Shanty Festival taking place in Falmouth. As this corresponded with a gap in my work, I turned the weekend into a week’s holiday.
The weather was fantastic and streets full of revellers and spirits high. I watched talented musicians and met friendly crowds. Until suddenly, the weather turned and created havoc over the weekend. The winds were so fierce and the rain so abundant that all outdoor shows had to be cancelled. Not ideal for the artists or organisers, or for my roof vent which was leaking!
In true Cornish style, the weather then switched back to dazzling sunshine. I took this moment to meet friends based close to Falmouth.
After some discussion, we decided a stand up paddleboarding session on the river was the perfect activity.
Whilst it was fine conditions navigating out, the return journey turned into a physical workout for us all. We had miscalculated the tide by an hour, and had to work against the fast-flowing current. This wasn’t the first time this had happened since my arrival in Cornwall, but meant the pints of local cyder tasted all the sweeter once we stepped foot on dry land.
But my last mention for mishaps goes to a visit to Kynance Cove – a tidal beach memorable for its turquoise waters and silvery sands. To avoid the influx of daily visitors, I arrived early.
The tides were against me and the coast cut off.
Whilst it was interesting to walk atop the cliffs, I kept my trip short and came back later in the day. This time, the waterfront was finally accessible.
I made my way down the steps, keen to find a secluded spot on the busy beach and immerse in the impressive scenery. As I found my place, I realised it was a ‘pinch me’ moment… until I heard a whistle and sensed something rush past my face. A group of sightseers had set up camp next to me and begun a game of throwing flying whistle bombs… typical!
To avoid the influx of daily visitors, I arrived early. The tides were against me