What's On 2021 & 2022
Please note, this information will be updated as and when we know more about what events that will be taking place this year and in 2022. All events are subject to COVID-19 restrictions and legislation.
There’s always a good reason to visit the Isles of Scilly. Events have been disrupted once again this year, but don't let this stop you from reinventing your 2021 break, and planning your dream getaway in 2022! From this autumn, watch out for a great line-up celebrating the life, history and culture of our islands to welcome you back.
As well as our topline events, browse our Things To Do page for everyday Scilly magic!
2021
From this autumn, we have an exciting line-up waiting for you to visit and experience the spirit of Scilly and the uniqueness of island life.
This autumn, we kick start the events season with the Swimquest Scilly Swim Challenge. The 2-day event will take place over the 4th and 5th with the 1-day event taking place on the 7th. This is the original and iconic 15km staged swim challenge between the islands involves 6 swims, and 6 walks - set yourself the challenge!
It's followed by St. Mary’s Gig Club’s Heritage Invitational Weekend; a celebration of the heritage and culture of the gigs with captivating displays, folk music and gig rowing (24, 25 and 26 Sept), and Scilly Dark Skies Week (2-9 Oct); exploring the Isles' wondrously dark skies from St. Martin's Observatory.
Scilly's Low Tide Event will hopefully return on Thursday 7th Oct 2021 where Spring Tides mean it's entirely possible to walk between the two islands of Tresco and Bryher, feasting on the finest Scillonian food and drink, listening to live music and soaking up a bit of Scillonian atmosphere.
In its second year, Creative Scilly (16-31 Oct) is back with a 3 week long festival and celebration of art, literature, poetry, music, performance and spoken word, bringing acts from Cornwall and those local to Scilly. Book your trip now with Isles of Scilly Travel and get 10% off by using the discount code CREATIVE21. All discounts subject to T&Cs.
2022
It’s going to be a bumper start 2022 – the season will kick off in style with some Scillonian favourites making a welcome return.
A “Mini” Taste of Scilly festival will be a true celebration of some of the finest food and drink the islands have to offer at the end of March. Keep an eye out for some wonderful experiences and offerings as Scilly wakes up from its winter slumber and gears up for the year ahead. The regular Taste of Scilly event will take place in September. This is very much the starter before the main course later in the year. Dates and further details will be confirmed in due course.
Following on from the “Mini” Taste of Scilly celebration, we’re delighted to announce Walk Scilly (12-18 April) will return in all its glory. Covering the five inhabited islands, as well as some of the uninhabited too, the outdoors event has a little something for everyone and all abilities. Enjoy a week exploring the Isles of Scilly guided by local experts, discovering rich history and archaeology, or why not have a go at foraging or take a sea safari to see Scilly’s spectacular wildlife. Further details and dates will be confirmed in due course.
Image: Walk Scilly, 12-18 April
Planning has begun for the 2022 World Pilot Gig Championships to be held, as usual, over the first May Spring Bank Holiday weekend – 29th April – 1st May. The biggest event over year never disappoints and after a 2 year absence it really is going to be something special! The Championships were first held in 1990, only attracting a few crews from Cornwall, but in the intervening years the amount of pilot gigs attending has increased with crews coming from all over the South-West and now the world. Exact details relating to race times will be confirmed close to the time.
Another fantastic sporting event we’ve missed so much is scheduled to return in 2022. ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Isles of Scilly is due to take place over the weekend of the 4th - 5th June. The Experience race takes you through the quaint Hugh Town, through the Garrison walls and to the beaches. The views, the runs and the swims are nothing but beautiful. The Sprint race on the Isles of Scilly is a full circumnavigation of the island of St. Mary’s. It is a fantastic sightseeing trip with spectacular swims and some amazing runs. Last but by no means least, is the World Series race. This race is tough and spectacular! You need to be strong in the water, fast land and agile on your feet. You will swim to and from the inhabited islands of St. Mary’s, Bryher, Tresco and St. Martin’s. It truly is unique.
Image: ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championship 2022
After the starter in March the main Taste of Scilly will take place in September. From beach BBQs and supper safaris to vineyard tours and gin tastings there is something for every kind of food and drink lover. Work is going on behind the scenes for some brand-new special events so watch this space. Dates and further details will be confirmed closer to the event.
Weekly What’s Ons
There’s a lot going on all season on Scilly – from guided walks, tours and talks, live gigs and visiting theatre, to outdoor cinema, shark fishing (tagging) experiences, fêtes, beachcombs, supper boats, rockpool roams, and wildlife boating safaris. Keep up to date by picking up the weekly What’s Ons (March to October) at our award-winning Tourist Information Centre and follow us on social media @iosTIC.
All events are subject to COVID-19 restrictions.
Through the seasons
In spring watch out for Restorative Wild Yoga, Sunrise Meditation, walks, Trail Runs, invigorating sea swims and adventure yomps across the boulders are all designed to shake off the winter blues and refresh your mind, body and soul.
In summer, we leave it to you to enjoy – kayaking, sailing, coasteering, sea-swimming, snorkelling, island hopping, fishing or simply soaking up the island hues and vistas.
Throughout autumn, specifically September and October, Scilly becomes a bird watching hotspot! Island hop your way around and venture out to remote uninhabited islands designed to capture nature in action.
Plans and activities on the islands during the festive period and winter are in the works so check back soon for further details.
European Regional Development Fund
The project is receiving up to £160,000 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.
The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
