coast WHAT’S ON
SU CARROLL rounds up the very best activities to do and things to see close to the coastline this month
1 SEA FOOD SPECIAL
There cannot be a better setting for a food festival than the beautiful Cornish harbour of Porthleven. The not-for-profit community event is free to attend and attracts around 35,000 visitors for the best of local food, fringe events and family fun.
Local chef Jude Kereama (pictured) of Kota restaurant came up with the idea and is one of the driving forces behind it. He will be in the demonstration kitchen in a line-up with some familiar names.
There will be food stalls, plenty of local produce and family entertainment including circus shows and workshops, masterclasses, crafts, rides and parades. The event has won top prize for Best Event and Festival in the last two Cornwall Tourism Awards.
April 26-28. porthlevenfoodfestival. com
LOCALS LOVE
As well as being a great destination for foodies, Porthleven has a fantastic arts offering with lots of galleries supporting local painters, sculptors, potters and other creatives. There’s a Community Interest Company, Porthleven Arts, which supports artists, innovators and creatives and aims to increase inclusive cultural opportunities for people in Cornwall. They are behind an annual autumn arts festival. porthlevenarts.com.
PETAL POWER
2The Cornwall Garden Society’s Spring Flower Show was described by The Telegraph as the ‘Chelsea of the West’ and it’s easy to see why. This year’s new features include an immersive garden, a grow your own space and Tipi Talks by local luminaries and national names.
The old favourites are back with dazzling displays and exquisite exhibits which led to Gardens Illustrated describing it as ‘one of the best flower and garden shows’. Competing classes are open to seasoned experts and beginners and range from ornamental shrubs and trees to daffodils and floral art.
The Cornish climate helps create spectacular displays early in the year. Specialist nurseries and garden traders will offer much to tempt amateur gardeners and seasoned horticulturists alike.
An artisan area at the Royal Cornwall Showground will showcase contemporary Cornish crafts and delicious street food will sustain showgoers.
April 6-7. cornwallgardensociety.org.uk
2 LOCALS LOVE
There’s been a settlement in north Cornwall which straddles the River Camel since the 14th century. Local people would wade across when the tide was right – praying for a safe passage at a chapel on one side of the river and giving thanks at a chapel when they reached the other bank. When a 200-metre long stone bridge was built in 1478, it g
