St Ives September Festival 2025: A Cornish Celebration of Creativity
Why not come and enjoy all St Ives has to offer in September, with long days, beautiful sunsets, quieter beaches and of course, the fabulous St Ives September Festival taking centre stage?
St Ives is a destination worth exploring year-round, but it's especially captivating during the St Ives September Festival 2025. This annual 15-day celebration of music and arts runs from Saturday, 13th to Saturday, 27th September 2025, transforming the charming seaside town into a vibrant hub of creativity. The festival fills the town with performances, films, open studios, workshops, talks, and an abundance of art.
One of the festival's unique aspects is its focus on both established and emerging artists, offering a platform for local talent as well as internationally recognized performers. The festival is deeply rooted in the town's artistic heritage, drawing inspiration from St Ives' long-standing association with painters, sculptors, and writers.
The festival's venues are as much a part of the experience as the events themselves. Iconic locations such as the Tate St Ives gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden will host exhibitions and performances, providing a stunning backdrop that highlights the town’s deep connection to the arts. Porthmeor Studios, with its historical links to the St Ives School of Painting, will open its doors to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the working spaces of contemporary artists. Additional venues, including the Royal Cinema and Sloop Studio, will also play key roles, ensuring that the festival’s energy is felt throughout the town.
Highlights for 2025
New Home for Headliners: St Ives Theatre
This year marks a milestone: headline acts will take to the stage in the newly refurbished St Ives Theatre, offering numbered seating for the first time and space for 312 attendees so book early!
Street Entertainment Launch
The festival kicks off with a burst of life on Saturday 13 September, featuring colourful street performances - complete with music, dance, and the spirited Falmouth Marine Band.
Stellar Music Line-Up
Expect headline performances from:
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The Countrymen (opening night, 13 Sept)
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Steve Knightley (patron, 26 Sept)
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Martin Simpson, celebrated acoustic guitarist (19 Sept)
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Martha Tilston, folk singer and filmmaker (25 Sept)
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The Unravelling Wilburys, a tribute to The Traveling Wilburys (14 Sept)
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Roo Panes, plus Lowender, Molly Hocking, and Bryher’s Boys at St Ia Church
Culture Beyond Music
The festival’s creative tapestry extends even further:
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Comedy nights featuring Laura Lexx, Patrick Monahan, and Cornish favourite Johnny Cowling
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Open Studios and gallery exhibitions, spotlighting local talent at Penwith Gallery and others
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Workshops and talks, including sketching, songwriting chats, and family-friendly aerial arts at Leach studios and the School of Painting
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Guided walks, such as exploring Virginia Woolf’s Talland House garden and the region’s ancient heritage along the cliffs
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Daily street poetry and music at Norway Square and free pop-up art installations across town
Join us this September
And when it comes to the perfect base for your festival adventure, look no further than The Gannet. Just minutes from the heart of St Ives, you can enjoy stylish seaside rooms, warm Cornish hospitality, and exceptional dining. After a day of music, art, and culture, retreat to comfort, great food, and a good night’s sleep - ready to do it all again the next day.