St Ives September Festival Must Sees
Punctuating St Ives' social calendar, the St Ives September festival, which runs from Saturday 13th – Saturday 27th September, pays homage to the town’s more eclectic side and offers a true cultural feast for those wishing to explore a more bohemian St Ives.
From music, comedy, walks and talks to film, poetry and music the programme of events is jam packed and offers a wonderful showcase of the town's artistic heritage. Here are a just a few of the must-see events we recommend if you’re lucky enough to be visiting St Ives during the festival.
Saturday 14th September
Dougie MacLean
The Guildhall
Scotland’s finest singer-songwriter – internationally renowned for his song ‘Caledonia’, music for ‘Last of the Mohicans’ and inspired performances. He has received two prestigious Tartan Clef Awards, a place in the Scottish Music Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement Award from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and an OBE.
Sunday 15th September
Four Choirs Concert
St Ia Church
Four choirs from St Ives and Hayle combine Shanty and Mixed Choir styles – some a cappella, some with piano and others with backing track accompaniments – to give you a varied evening of vocal delights.
Monday 16th September
Great Expectations
Boathouse Theatre
James Hornsby brings this Charles Dickens classic to life with his amazing one-man show. Limited space so please reserve seats in advance. For tickets call the theatre on 07985 261181.
Thursday 19th September
Have-A-Go Thursday
Clore Studio, Leach Pottery
Join this drop-in Have-A-Go session and get your hands on some clay. You will get the chance to make different types of pots, like pinch pots, with our experienced staff and volunteers. Open to all ages and no experience is necessary. Clay and tools provided.
Saturday 21st September
Comedy Night with Holcomb, Barratt and Richey
St Ives Arts Club
Holcomb, Barratt and Richey are a comedy improvisation group who combine their skills to create spontaneous humour of the very best. Through a series of games, they incorporate audience suggestions into scenes that range from high-end humorous wordplay to the blatantly absurd. Their solo spots add to the eclectic mix and make for a fun night out.
Sunday 22nd September
The Sandy Acre 7
The Guildhall
An entertaining 6-piece band who will have your toes tapping from their first number to the last. Filling the dance floor; engaging all ages and tastes; from soul, blues and swing to ska, reggae and dance, from 1950s R&B to modern anthems and classics. Fine musicians and some fancy footwork.
Tuesday 24th September
Cats
St Ives Theatre
One of the world’s most popular musicals updated for the modern age – the Kidz R Us version of Cats is set in a dystopian future full of plastic and waste. Featuring such celebrated standards as the haunting ‘Memory’, Cats is magical, moving and often hilarious. Dazzling costumes and exciting entertainment are guaranteed.
Thursday 26th September
Morning Music (Music)
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
A morning of music in the special spaces of the Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Music, breakfast and a glass of fizz provided with your ticket. Start your day in a special way in the gardens of the museum.
Whether you are looking for an action-packed weekend away or a more relaxed week to soak in the culture, a festival retreat in one of our luxury St Ives cottages will not disappoint.
Enjoy x
