Something Big Is Coming to Cornwall: Fisherman’s Friends Launch Their Own Festival

Huge music line-up planned for May 2026 as iconic Cornish group go bigger than ever before

The Fisherman’s Friends have announced plans for their very own music festival, taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th May 2026 at Stithians Showground, near Penryn.

Tickets for the event go on sale at 10am on Thursday 19th June 2025 via the official website: fishermansfriendsfestival.co.uk

A Festival Years in the Making

After years of performing to packed venues across the UK and overflowing crowds at home in Port Isaac, the Fisherman’s Friends say the time has come to pitch a bigger tent. With Port Isaac now too small to host the large crowds that turn up to see them, the group is moving the celebration inland to Stithians for what they promise will be a weekend to remember.

“This promises to be a Cornish occasion for all friends you’ve known for years and for all those you’ve yet to meet,” said band member Jon Cleave. “We’ll see you all dreckly!”

The band will both open and close the festival’s Main Stage, with a full weekend of music, entertainment and food planned in the middle. A huge circus-style Big Top tent will house the main performances, while an Outdoor Bandstand will host talks, sessions and more live acts.

Massive Line-up for the Main Stage

The Main Stage will feature a packed line-up of talent from Cornwall and beyond.

Saturday’s line-up includes:

• Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with special guest Roachford and guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka

• Kernow King

• Seth Lakeman

• Sharon Shannon

• The Longest Johns

• Porthleven Town Band

• Fisherman’s Friends & Friends

Sunday’s line-up includes:

• Fisherman’s Friends

• Kate Rusby

• Johnny Cowling

• Skipinnish

• Peat & Diesel

• The Oggymen

• Splann Ceilidh Band

Festival goers can choose between weekend or day tickets, and there are options for camping, camper vans, caravans and glamping. Family-friendly tickets, child discounts and parking passes are all available through the official site.

More Than Just Music

In addition to the performances, audiences can expect food, drink and crafts from local artisan traders, an independent bar, and a special performance of The Whale by Circo Rum Ba Ba inside the belly of a giant inflatable sperm whale.

The showground is best known for the Stithians Show, but organisers say it’s the perfect fit for this new event. A spokesperson from Stithians Agricultural Association said: “We are super excited to see it be transformed next May and can’t wait for people to come and experience the festival vibes.”

Built With Experience

To bring the event to life, the group has teamed up with David and Laura Farrow of DMF Music, the team behind the popular Beautiful Days festival in Devon.

“We’ve known the Fisherman’s Friends and their team for a long time and were delighted to be asked to get involved in the festival,” they said. “It’s shaping up to be a great weekend!”

For updates and announcements, follow the event on Instagram and Facebook