St Ives September Festival 2025: Highlights

The St Ives September Festival returned from Saturday 13 to Saturday 27 September 2025, bringing 15 days of music, art and community spirit to this beautiful town by the sea. A highlight of the Cornish cultural calendar, the festival offered everything from live music and comedy to exhibitions, workshops and guided walks.

What Was New in 2025

The newly renovated St Ives Theatre became the main venue for headline performances. With major upgrades and a capacity of 312, it offered an exciting space for artists and audiences, while numbered seating made it easier for visitors to choose their view.

The festival also opened with two colourful Saturdays of street entertainment, sponsored by Aspects, with the Falmouth Marine Band helping to set the tone. Across the fortnight, the programme brought together music, poetry, comedy, talks and creative sessions, with many events free to enjoy.

Music Highlights

The 2025 line-up brought a varied mix of folk, acoustic music and lively performances to venues across St Ives:

• Steve Knightley, frontman of Show of Hands and festival patron, performed on Friday 26 September.
• Acoustic guitarist Martin Simpson took to the stage on Friday 19 September.
• Folk singer and filmmaker Martha Tilston appeared on Thursday 25 September.
• The Countrymen opened the festival on Saturday 13 September.
• The Unravelling Wilburys brought their tribute to The Travelling Wilburys on Sunday 14 September.
• Roo Panes headlined at St Ia Church, joined by Lowender, Molly Hocking and Bryher’s Boys.

More Than Music

The festival was a hub of creativity. Comedy Club Live brought performers including Laura Lexx and Patrick Monahan, while Cornish favourite Johnny Cowling’s show proved especially popular.

Art lovers could explore Open Studios, where local artists welcomed visitors into their creative spaces, alongside the Square Deal Art Sale and exhibitions at galleries including the Penwith Gallery.

Workshops and talks added further depth, from sketching to the sound of swing to the new ‘In Conversation with Songwriters’ series at The Western Hotel. Across town, free installations such as ‘An Open Secret’ invited everyone to become part of the creative atmosphere.

Whistlefish in St Ives

Visitors exploring the festival could also call into our Whistlefish shop in St Ives. With art prints, gifts and cards to browse, it offered a lovely place to find a reminder of time spent in this vibrant harbour town.

The festival’s street entertainment has previously included a lively Boudica dance outside our shop near the harbour, bringing music and movement right to our doorstep.

Remembering the 2025 Festival

With more than 300 events, the 2025 St Ives September Festival was a joyful celebration of culture, community and creativity. From music and art to workshops and street performances, the fortnight offered many ways to experience the character of St Ives.

For current festival news and future dates, visit the official St Ives September Festival website.