What's On in 2022
There’s always a good reason to visit the Isles of Scilly not least because of our tempting festival line-up this year which will bring back colour and vibrancy back to our islands. Start planning your dream getaway now!
As well as our topline events, browse our Things To Do page for everyday Scilly magic!
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 is 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
Absent for two years, 2022 welcomes back the 31st World Pilot Gig Championships to be held, as usual, over the first May Spring Bank Holiday weekend – 29th April – 1st May. The biggest event never disappoints bringing both spectacle and colour in one fell swoop. 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 for race times here.
Next up is the return of Creative Scilly, ten days of Scillonian inspired arts and culture running from 13th – 22nd May. Many of the local artists and creatives will be opening their galleries and studios for a range of workshops including fused glass, watercolour painting, polymer clay and lino-cut printing. This spring we welcome theatre, music and poetry to Scilly including musical highlights from Jolly Roger and Dr Funk, the acclaimed Minack theatre show ‘Superstition Mountain’, and a welcome return for Bec Applebee. Full details of the programme can be found here. Watch out for more Creative Scilly events this October.
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 between the 15th and 24th. 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.
