What's On
There’s always good reason to visit the Isles of Scilly, but if you’re seeking inspiration on when to book, here’s our What’s On Guide to 2019.
Of course, no Scilly weekend is like the one experienced during the World Pilot Gig Championships which takes place 3rd – 5th May. More than 150 men’s and women’s teams, plus veterans and super-veterans from across the UK, Europe and beyond descend on Scilly to compete across three days for the most coveted prize in pilot gig racing – and then party long into the final night!
Hot on the heels of this is the islands’ inaugural Creative Scilly festival 10th – 22nd May, a celebration of island culture and creativity incorporating visual art, literature, comedy and the spoken word across the islands in the form of workshops, demonstrations, public art displays, performances, gallery openings and fun nights out.
The Scilly Folk Festival then returns for a lively weekend of music and dance from 24th-28th May (at which everyone is welcome to join in, so bring your instruments), which also coincides with the Spring Scilly Swim Challenge on 25th May…perhaps you fancy the challenge – and novelty - of swimming and walking your way around the islands in one day?
Then in June, we welcome back the world’s elite endurance swim-runners for Ötillö Swimrun World Series Qualifier, as well as Scilly’s finest athletes, who compete in teams of two in this amazing 40km Swim-Run race across St. Mary’s, St. Martin’s, Bryher and Tresco on 9th June. Winners qualify for a place in the Championship final in Sweden in September. The shorter "sprint" race around St. Mary's takes place on Saturday 8th June.
Throughout the entire month of September we welcome the return of Taste of Scilly, a delicious and distinctive celebration of the islands’ fayre, so local you can often point to the fisherman or farmer that’s hooked it or grown it. Tuck into our tasty programme, packed full of Scillonian shellfish, surf and turf barbecues, chowder chowdowns, island-hopping supper safaris as well as Taste of Scilly markets, menus and masterclasses; farm tours and tastings.
September also sees the return of the autumn Scilly Swim Challenges. Not a race, these challenges (across two days on 7th and 8th September for those who wish to take a slightly gentler approach, or all in one day on 10th September for the more gnarly swimmers) take you on an adventure across the five inhabited islands swimming between them all (shadowed by safety kayaks) and walking the length and breadth of each. If you’re not able to make September, look out for a new challenge next July – the St Mary’s Circumnavigation Swim (approx 10km) scheduled for 27th July. These challenges are adventurous, fun, full of camaraderie and stamina and, at the end of it all, deliver a great sense of achievement.
For those keener to stay on terra firma and enjoy Scilly’s incredible autumnal hues, we recommend visiting the islands for the Walk Scilly Long Weekend 10th – 14th October. Autumn is a magical time to escape to and explore the Isles of Scilly. Swathes of empty spaces and stunning coastlines and landscapes to experience; lingering late sunshine with the odd storm and wild seas. With the shorter days come fields of budding scented narcissi, stunning sunsets and a dazzling array of birds and wildlife. So what better way of enjoying the unique essence of the archipelago than a long weekend of walking the islands with expert guides showing the way?
Of course, there’s plenty more ways to enjoy across Scilly throughout next year – from the extraordinary Low Tide events when the tides allow and the unique summer island fetes, to regular rock-pool roams and beach combs, as well as our Christmas street festival and walking nativity – but we hope we’ve given you some great reasons and inspiration to come and see us next year!
