The 2025 Roseland Festival ran from Friday 25th April to Sunday 4th May 2025 and the full programme of music, talks, crafts, food and drink events is laid out below.
Tickets for Friends were available from February 2025 – become a Friend for priority access to early tickets here.
Tickets are sold by our partners, Visit Truro – www.visittruro.org.uk
Kernow Comedy is teaming up with the Roseland Festival to bring the first stand-up comedy show as part of the festival.
Three top-class comedians from the UK circuit will provide a night of laughter, hosted by Kernow Comedy’s very own Tom Rodgers.
Over 18’s advised.
There’s a licensed bar open throughout the evening selling wine, beer and soft drinks.
Tickets: £10 Time: 8.00pm (doors open at 7.30pm) Venue: Gerrans Parish Memorial Hall, Portscatho, TR2 5EE
Enjoy an evening with Rob Wing, the Cornish Fishmonger.
Join us for canapes and a glass of bubbly followed by an authentic seafood paella. This will be cooked on site using the best quality seafood from local fisheries including squid, king prawns, monkfish, saffron, together with Valencian paella rice, olive oil and classic seasonings.
After the meal, Rob will discuss the local fishing industry, including the history of pilchards and their importance to the Cornish in the 18th and 19th centuries.
There will be a bar available throughout the night.
Tickets: **SOLD OUT** Time: Drinks & canapes served from 7pm, Dinner served at 7.30pm. Venue: Philleigh Village Hall, Philleigh, TR2 5NB
Join us for a relaxing and creative bookbinding workshop. You’ll learn how to hand-stitch your own book and bind it in a beautiful hardcover. Bring along your own decorative paper for the cover (you’ll need two A4 sheets), or choose from the selection provided on the day (though designs may vary).
This workshop is more than just a chance to make something special; it’s an opportunity to unwind, chat and connect with others in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Crafting is a wonderful way to boost your wellbeing, and this experience is perfect for beginners and seasoned makers alike.
The venue is nestled near the stunning Fal estuary, offering scenic walks either before or after the session.
Whether you’re looking to explore a new skill, meet like-minded people, or have fun, this workshop is a lovely way to spend your afternoon. Leave with a handmade journal to treasure or gift.
Tickets: £45 Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm Venue: The Reading Room, Ruan Lanihore, Ruan High Lanes, Truro, TR2 5NZ
Fal River, Cornwall – Where adventure begins!
Come and visit the Fal River, Cornwall’s most popular visitor destination. We love it here and we know you will too.
This beautiful Cornish river runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to an award-winning ferry network, places to stay, restaurants and attractions.
So prepare to relax on pristine, tranquil waters; get the rush of adrenaline-fuelled excitement on the storm-beaten South West Coast Part; and enjoy lazy day on sun soaked soaked beaches.
Back by popular demand! Board your vessel as she leaves St Mawes (usually only available from Falmouth) for a leisurely cruise up the beautifully scenic Fal River, exploring the creeks and estuaries of the Carrick Roads.
Tickets: £20 Time: The Ferry will depart St. Mawes Quay at 4.30pm – Returning to St. Mawes Quay around 6.30pm Venue: St Mawes Quay, TR2 5DG
Join Sharon Tuby and find some mindfulness in the gentle art of hand embroidery whilst learning several different stitches that you can use to create patterns and texture to all manner of decorative projects.
Afternoon tea and cake break included!
Tickets: £25 Time: 2.00pm – 5.00pm – including time for afternoon tea break Venue: Gerrans Parish Memorial Hall, Gerran Hill, Portscatho, TR2 5EE
Cornish-born Lino-printing artist Mark will demonstrate different techniques with various tools, before guiding guests through their own print block and final personal pieces.
A note from Mark:
“My photography always returned to the idea of a good life: the artisans who still make and work in a natural, hands-on way. Fishermen, bakers, makers: I wanted to claim that analogue life for myself, and traditional printmaking offered me the opportunity”.
Mark Lord aka Lino Lord, is a professional photographer whose 22-year career behind the camera led to a passion for capturing the essence of the natural world, his heritage growing up on the Cornish coast and the people that look after their small corner of the world. In 2019 he set up a studio space at home & started carving a few lino blocks. After the COVID pandemic temporarily put a hold on his photography career he was able to spend more time in his print Studio rather than behind a camera.
“I’m Cornish born and bred, as are my parents and grandparents before me. I grew up in a small village a couple of miles from Falmouth, too far away to hear the sea perhaps but certainly close enough for it to play a huge part in my life. I’m neither a fisherman or sailor but that doesn’t stoop the feeling of connection to the rolling waves and rugged shores that I think every Cornishman shares”.
Mark has since started spreading his love of lino printing by teaching others how to develop their skills & get creative. Mark enjoys sharing the skills he has developed over the last 6 years with his students, from drawing the design, carving the lino & printing the final artwork. Mark finds that inspiring others to start their journey with printmaking is particularly a rewarding part of his own printmaking journey. During the workshop Mark will demonstrate different mark making techniques with the various tools on a piece of lino.
Those attending the workshop will then have a chance to practice the techniques on a test piece before printing the printing block with a choice of a variety of presses and equipment.
Once you have completed your test block you will begin to carve your main block before printing either a series of prints or greetings cards. All materials and equipment supplied, along with expert tuition from Mark himself every step of the way.
Please feel free to bring along your own photographs or drawings to work from. You will be working to 6″ x 4″ or 8″ x 6″, so please bring images that size if you wish to trace the image onto your block!
Tickets: £55 Time: 2.00pm – 6.00pm Venue: The Courtyard Room, St. Mawes Hotel, Harbourside, St. Mawes, TR2 5DN
Three short films will be shown, with a short intermission, to give a behind-the-scenes view of the characters and activities involved in three very different projects and activities that all residents may be aware of but may know little about.
Lamorran – A Church Closed by Bats
The little church of St. Moran at Lamorran, with its thousand-year history, was closed in 2014 because of the mess left by bats. As a result of a bit of luck and a lot of hard work driven by Nick Jeans, an innovative project was set up to answer the question, “Can we find a way for bats and humans to share a building?” This was only the start of a 2-year effort to put the building back into good condition. The restoration work was filmed live, including a highly specialist removal, restoration and replacement of a 17th-century half-ton slate memorial (45 mins)
Fitness, Friendship and Gigs
The Roseland Gig Club’s campaign at the 25th World Cornish Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly is followed in this 2013 film ‘Fitness, Friendship and Gigs”. The film recalls the central role of St. Mawes in how Cornish Pilot Gigs came to be as they are. The spectacle of over 100 gigs competing on the ocean around the beautiful St. Mary’s Harbour provides unmissable sights that are nearly as good as being there. You may recognise the decade-younger version of a number of our residents! (30 mins)
Du Hag Owr – The Roseland Shantymen
This popular local group has been performing for over a decade, including for the world leaders at the G7 meeting in 2018 at Carbis Bay and (nearly) at the Queen’s 2013 Diamond Jubilee Parade on the Thames. Follow them as they prepare for the season and perform in different locations. Drink in the atmosphere of the 2024 Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival. As well as Sea Shanties, the film celebrates the beauty of the Roseland in unforgettable images and songs. (15 mins)
Tickets: £8 Time: 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) Venue: Gerrans Parish Memorial Hall, Gerran Hill, Portscatho, TR2 5EE
Experience a real taste and passion of Italy with Ugo’s fresh pasta cooking classes!
Learn how to make sustainable pasta using Cornish Italian ingredients. Your ticket includes a glass of wine, focaccia and oils, a bowl of pasta with sauce, and tuition.
Each class takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, but don’t worry about rushing off as there will be tables set aside for you to enjoy the pasta you have created after the class. Why not wash it down with a nice glass of vino or finish it off with a famous TiramisUGO tiramisu?
Tickets: £28 Time: Sittings at 10.30am / 12.00pm / 1.30pm / 3.00pm Venue: The Cornish Italian, Chenoweth’s Business Park, Ruan High Lanes, TR2 5JT
Ahoy there! You are invited to board the Sailorette and join the raggle taggle band of sea Gypsies for an adventure on the high seas: time travel, theatre, and roaring tunes!
An all-senses interactive experiential show that pulls out all the stops… find your sea legs, sing and dance along and join our trumpet-led conga around the ship!
As a member of the crew, you’ll chart a course for the 19th century, a period of intrepid nautical exploration, camaraderie and chaos; immersing yourself in an evening of traditional seafaring music, songs and shanties infused with Celtic Rock, punk and ska, among other surprises. The Motley Crew and their plethora of traditional and eclectic instruments will take you back to the time of clashing tankards, and drunken debauchery.
Led by Captain Nicholas Moffatt, the ensemble of 20 brave musicians, multiple voices and over 30 traditional and modern instruments play a repertoire of over 40 songs. The band plays fully unplugged to ensure a dynamic and interactive experience.
Sing and dance along like a drunken sailor as the band performs centuries-old folk and shanty songs. Fancy dress is encouraged, so pull out your best seafaring garments, me hearties, and join the festivities.
Tickets: **SOLD OUT** Time: 5pm for food & drink, performance at 7.30pm Venue: The Vine by Knightor, Portscatho, TR2 5EH
This event provides a unique opportunity to meet the artist, hear him discuss his creative process and explore his works both in the Gallery and during his talk.
The revised and expanded monograph Mark Dunford, Into the Light, will be launched, and signed copies will be available. (£5 from every book sold at this event will be donated to Roseland Festival.)
Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly and canapes before the talk.
You are also warmly invited to an exclusive preview of Mark’s solo exhibition ‘In Situ’, a few steps away at Tregony Contemporary Gallery.
Mark studied at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design, and The Slade School of Fine Art, UCL, where he learned from renowned artists including Euan Uglow and Patrick George.
Tickets: £15 – includes a glass of bubbly and canapes Time: Talk & Book Launch – 12.15pm – 1.30pm • Exhibition ‘In Situ’ – 10am – 5pm
Venue: Talk & Book Launch – Millennium Rooms, The Square, St. Mawes, TR2 5AG • Exhibition ‘In Situ’ – Tregony Contemporary Gallery, St. Mawes, TR2 5DL
This will be a relaxed and playful experience hosted by artist Delphine Gwilliam-O’Connor and Falmouth-based Loveday Distillery.
The event will explore simple and effective drawing techniques and mark-making inspired by beautiful table decor and still life of fresh and foraged ingredients found in Loveday spirits.
🎨🍸🍸🍸🎨 These workshops are for all abilities; absolutely no experience is required. Three gins and all materials are included in the price.
Come along and enjoy a fun and informative fused glass workshop where you will gain a wonderful insight into fused glass whilst creating something to treasure forever!
Cerwyn is a fused glass artist living and working in beautiful Cornwall. Her love of nature, the spectacular countryside and seascapes surrounding her, and her passion for all that is creative inspire her work constantly.
All materials will be supplied. Tea & Coffee will be available, free of charge.
Tickets: £35 Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm Venue: The Old Shop Creative Space, Trewince Holiday Lodges, Portscatho, TR2 5ET
Tickets: **SOLD OUT** Time: 2.00pm – 4.30pm Venue: The Old Shop Creative Space, Trewince Holiday Lodges, Portscatho, TR2 5ET
Phil Beer is the multi-instrumental half of the Westcountry’s award-winning acoustic duo, Show of Hands.
With a professional career of over 36 years, Phil has a great deal of material to draw on for his solo appearances. These are an eclectic mix of traditional tunes, covers of Springsteen or The Hollies, his own compositions, and songs from his contemporaries.
All are songs and music of memory and significance sung in the subtle and melodic Phil Beer style, interjected with musings and amusings to an almost personal audience.
It is a treat of past and current favourites from one of the most popular musicians on the acoustic circuit.
Tickets: £17 Time: 7.30pm Venue: St. Symphorian, Veryan Parish Church, Green Lane, Veryan, TR2 5QB
Join Cornwall Youth Choir for their first visit to the Roseland Festival, where they will showcase some of their repertoire in this beautiful setting. This is particularly special for Angela, their MD, who lives on the Roseland.
The phrase “Onen hag oll” lies at the heart of the Cornwall Youth Choir, emphasizing unity and collective purpose.
The Cornwall Youth Choir family (CYC) comprises four graduated choirs that meet regularly across Cornwall. These choirs provide opportunities for children as young as four and young people up to the age of 25, each with varying levels of experience.
Within CYC, there exists a framework for musical progression, fostered in a vocally nurturing environment of inclusion, mutual respect and celebrating a sense of place. CYC singers recognize their role in drawing attention to local issues affecting young people. They focus on protecting the local environment (for example, their costumes are made of recycled fabrics!) and promoting positive youth mental health through their choral community and network. Their repertoire is thoughtfully chosen to align with their values while maintaining musical motivation and interest across multiple new musical influences and genres.
Tickets: Adults – £5 / Under-18s – £2.50 Time: 7pm Venue: St. Just In Roseland Church, Truro, TR2 5JD
A visit to the beautiful Lamorran Gardens plus a 40-minute talk given by Robert Dudley-Cooke, who created & designed the gardens, concentrating on Palms, Tree ferns, and their cultivation.
Lamorran Gardens, nestled on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula, is a subtropical Italianate garden that offers a serene escape. Its lush greenery, water features, and stunning sea views make it a haven for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers. The garden’s unique microclimate allows for a diverse range of plants, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. Whether you’re exploring the woodland areas, admiring the Japanese-style water garden, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance, Lamorran Gardens is a delightful retreat.
Enjoy this stunning Mediterranean garden, including complimentary cream tea, while taking in the beautiful views of the Percuil River.
Tickets: £12 – includes cream tea Time: 2pm – 4.30pm Venue: Lamorran Gardens, Upper Castle Road, St. Mawes, TR2 5BZ
Presented by The King Harry Ferry and Skylight Cinema, this is a one-of-a-kind experience – a ‘floating cinema’!
Board the ferry, set up your seating and enjoy the food and drink provisions on board as the iconic King Harry Ferry floats out to the middle of the river ready for you to watch The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, a quirky comedy-drama directed by Wes Anderson.
The film follows Steve Zissou (Bill Murray), an eccentric oceanographer and documentarian, as he embarks on a mission to hunt down a mythical “jaguar shark” that killed his partner. Alongside his ragtag crew, which includes his estranged wife (Anjelica Huston), a journalist (Cate Blanchett), and a man who may be his son (Owen Wilson), Zissou encounters multiple adventures and challenges on the high seas. The film combines humour, melancholy, and striking visuals, creating a unique and memorable cinematic experience.
**Further Info – Please Read**
PARKING: Cars can park on the hill on the Philleigh side or at Trelissick on the Feock side.
Tickets: £12 Time: Arrival from 7pm for boarding from the Philleigh slipway and the Feock slipway – Film Starts at 7.30pm Venue: King Harry Ferry, Feock & Philleigh sides