9th February 2026
If you’re visiting St Ives during Feast Week, you’re lucky enough to witness one of the town’s oldest and most fascinating traditions. The St Ives Feast dates all the way back to 1434 and celebrates the consecration of St Ia Parish Church. It’s a wonderful mix of history, community spirit and a little bit of lively Cornish chaos!
The celebrations begin on the Monday with a civic procession through the town’s narrow, cobbled streets. Musicians, schoolchildren and local dignitaries take part, all wearing sprigs of ivy in remembrance of St Eia, the patron saint of St Ives, who legend says crossed the sea from Ireland on a boat made of ivy. The procession makes its way to Venton Ia, the well of St Ia, where the parish priest blesses the famous Silver Ball.
The ball itself is rather special – made of sterling silver, formed from two hammered hemispheres around an applewood core and bound together with a silver band. After the blessing, everyone heads back to the churchyard for the main event: the Hurling of the Silver Ball, one of Cornwall’s oldest customs.
At around 10.30am, the Mayor of St Ives throws the ball into the crowd, calling out “guare wheg ya guare teg” (fair play is good play in Cornish). The game, known as Cornish Hurling, is believed to be over a thousand years old. Historically it was a full-on contest between different parts of the parish, with plenty of rough and tumble. These days, it’s played by local children and teenagers, who race around the town trying to keep hold of the ball.
Traditionally, the procession would return to the St Ives Guildhall, but in 2026 it will return to St Ia Parish Church. Councillors distribute pennies to the children gathered there and, when the clock strikes noon, the young person in possession of the ball presents it to the Mayor and receives their reward.
It’s a brilliant spectacle to watch and a rare opportunity to see a truly ancient Cornish tradition still very much alive.
