12th to 18th July 2026
A Kind of Magic: The Lafrowda Festival Returns for 2026!
The “edge of the world” is about to get a lot more enchanting! From Sunday, 12th July, the streets and community buildings of St Just in Penwith will transform into a whirlwind of creativity and community spirit as the Lafrowda Festival returns for 2026. This week-long celebration of arts and culture culminates in the legendary Lafrowda Day on Saturday, 18th July, promising a spectacular experience for locals and visitors alike.
Cornish Myths and Legends
This year, the festival embraces the mystical with the theme “It’s a Kind of Magic – Cornish Myths and Legends.” From the fantastical folklore of West Cornwall to out-of-this-world illusions, the town is ready to be spellbound. Expect everything from wands and top hats to a bit of Freddie Mercury flair as the community brings this magical theme to life.
A Week of Wonder
The festivities kick off on July 12th at the Miners Chapel with a heart-warming Community Celebration, followed by a traditional summer Ceilidh in the historic Plain an Gwarry. Throughout the week, events will sprawl across community spaces from Geevor Tin Mine to Bosavern Community Farm. Highlights include:
- Performances: Catch the renowned Miracle Theatre, the Pendeen Silver Band, and the youthful energy of Strings Aloud!
- Unique Experiences: Witness the “Sleight of Mind” show by Dr. Alan Jones at the Old Town Hall or get lost in the Magical Library.
- Get Creative: Join workshops on magical painting, pottery, and lino-cutting, or visit the W.I. Hall for a Sundance Dance Class.
- Heritage: Explore 60+ years of local history with the St Just and Pendeen Old Cornwall Society exhibition.
Community at the Core
As a registered charity, Lafrowda’s mission is to advance arts education and provide a public festival for the benefit of St Just. The entire event is run by volunteers and funded through grants, sponsorship, and the generous donations of the public.
This year, the Withy Workshops have moved to Nancherrow. Led by arts organization Tough Dough, these workshops invite everyone to help build willow sculptures for the three iconic parades on Lafrowda Day (12 pm, 3:30 pm, and 10 pm). Our free Community workshops will be held at Nancherrow on July 4th and 5th, 11th and 12th between 10.00am and 4.00pm and Nancherrow will be available to anyone wanting to continue making bigger structures between 13th and 17th July.
Extensive outreach programs are also bringing the magic to local schools, nurseries, and groups like the Memory Café and Nancherrow Youth Project.
Lafrowda Eve – 17th July
The excitement peaks on Lafrowda Eve with the “traditional and terrifying” Buggy Race down Fore Street, followed by live music in Market Square.
Lafrowda Day – 18th July
On Lafrowda Day, the town truly shines. Street stalls, storytellers, and choirs fill the air with life. As evening falls, the music ramps up across two main stages with performances by Burning Embers, Die Spangle, True Foxes, and Marmalade Shed among many others.
For more information or to get involved, go to contact in the top menu of this page or follow the festival on social media.