Folk tradition · England
Tom Bawcock’s Eve
Mousehole, Cornwall
Mousehole remembers a heroic fisherman with lanterns, harbour lights and stargazy pie.
23 December 2026
ROUND-UP GUIDE · 6 EVENTS
Cornwall's odd calendar speaks in several voices. Padstow’s ’Obby ’Osses dance through May Day, Helston has Flora Day, and Bodmin brings music and the trial of its Beast into the streets. In winter, Mousehole’s Tom Bawcock story and the silver-ball games make a different starting point.
These are local traditions with local roles, so plan to watch unless the guide and organiser clearly invite you in. Choose your base to suit the event: sharing a county doesn't make these places neighbours. Read each date rule and travel note before booking, particularly for May Day crowds or a festive visit when transport can be thin.
Folk tradition · England
Mousehole, Cornwall
Mousehole remembers a heroic fisherman with lanterns, harbour lights and stargazy pie.
23 December 2026
Traditional games · England
St Ives, Cornwall
On Feast Monday children hurl a silver ball round St Ives until the noon handback to the Mayor.
8 February 2027
Traditional games · England
St Columb Major, Cornwall
Townsmen and Countrymen chase a silver ball through the streets and fields of St Columb.
9 February 2027
Folk tradition · England
Padstow, Cornwall
Two 'osses dance through Padstow all day on May Day to drums, accordions and the May Song.
1 May 2027
Folk tradition · England
Helston, Cornwall
Couples dance the Furry Dance through Helston's streets, houses and shops from 7am.
8 May 2027
Folk tradition · England
Bodmin, Cornwall
A Cornish street celebration brings dancing, music and the trial of the Beast of Bodmin.
Usually the first weekend of July; await the next programme
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