St Ives September Festival 2026 lineup revealed

Two weeks, one town, and a Falmouth marching band leading the charge down the hill. St Ives is filling its September calendar again, and the full 2026 programme has just landed.

The St Ives September Festival runs from 12 to 26 September 2026, a fortnight of live music, performance, art and community events spread across the town.

A free street party to start

The festival opens on Saturday 12 September with the first of two Saturdays of free street entertainment. Leading the way is the Falmouth Marine Band, whose colourful procession pulled big crowds last year and returns to set the tone for opening day. That evening, The Oggymen launch the festival’s night-time programme with a rousing set of Cornish songs.

The bill

This year’s programme mixes returning favourites with new faces. Among the biggest draws is Pam Ayres, the poet and entertainer who has spent decades filling rooms with her wit and warmth and still pulls packed houses across the country. Her St Ives evening promises laughter, storytelling and the brilliantly observed humour she is known for.

She is one name on a long list. Also playing this year are Not The Beatles, Baily Tomkinson & The Locals, Bryers Boys, True Foxes, Molly Hocking, Adam Sweet Trio, Steve Knightley, Rudi’s Message, Johnny Cowling, Hollie Rogers, That Brit Pop Band, Leskyn Kernow, Celtic Male Ensemble, Dan Sealey, Joanna Cooke & Band, LYR, Barney Kenny and Jude Johnson. Folk, rock, acoustic, choral and contemporary sounds all get a look in.

Beyond the stages, the festival spreads into workshops, talks, films, exhibitions, guided walks and Open Studios. The free daily poetry and music sessions in Norway Square return, and free live music pops up in venues around town throughout the fortnight.

Harleymoon Kemp closes it out

The last word goes to Harleymoon Kemp. The country-pop singer has built a fast-growing following on the back of her heartfelt songwriting and warm stage presence, with a handful of chart-tipped singles behind her. Her closing set is billed as a high-energy finale to the fortnight.

Tickets are on sale now through the official festival website.