Art Festivals
July 2014Port Eliot Literary Festival
This book event is held in the magical 18th-century landscaped park and walled garden of a Cornish stately home each July.
The Port Eliot Festival Literary Festival has some of the ambience of a bohemian music festival - as well as writing and poetry, there is a strong emphasis on live music performances and visitors can pitch tents for free or stay in Podpads (little plywood huts) or teepees.
This is a family-friendly affair, with a supervised children's area and organised kids' games. There is also a magnificent array of food stalls, and impromptu parties are to be expected.
A brand new Fashion Tent features stars from the world of fashion, design and costume design. Other entertainments include flower shows, live music, evening bonfires, readings, DJs, art exhibitions and even a chance to go wild swimming in the Lynher Estuary.
Highlights in 2012 included Tracy Chevalier, Jessica Hynes, India Knight, Ali Smith, Miles Jupp, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, William Dalrymple, Simon Munnery, Rosie Boycott, Mich Brown, Roy Hutchins, Geoff Dyer, and John Cooper Clark. There is also Music & Cabaret, with acts ranging from Lazy Lester and Sean Rowley to Cate Le Bonn, Stornoway and The Bees.
