If you’re staying with us over the early May Bank Holiday, you’re in for a real treat as St Ives comes alive for its much-loved May Day celebrations in 2026. The festivities will take place on the May Bank Holiday, beginning at midday, and it’s one of the most colourful and traditional events in the town’s calendar.
A highlight of the day is the “Pee-Whip” ceremony, where the May Queen, King, princes and princesses are chosen. You’ll also hear the distinctive sound of the traditional May Horns being blown as the celebrations get underway. Local children perform a beautiful maypole dance, complete with ribbons and music, keeping this long-standing Cornish tradition very much alive.
This year, celebrations will be centred around St Ia Parish Church, which is acting as a temporary home for the event while St Ives Guildhall undergoes renovations. From there, a lively procession makes its way down towards the harbour, where you can enjoy traditional Cornish dancing and music in a wonderful seaside setting.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the true community spirit of St Ives, with plenty of colour, music and local pride on display. If you’re visiting that weekend, we highly recommend heading into town to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a very special slice of Cornish tradition.
