What's On in 2023/24
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 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!
Next up in our annual festival calendar is Taste of Scilly Festival which takes place between the 15th & 24th September. From beach BBQs and island hopping supper safaris to vineyard tours and gin tastings there is something for every kind of food and drink lover. This year we welcome headliners wine expert, Oz Clarke; chef and author, James Strawbridge; and Rupert Cooper, chef and ex-rugby player and owner of Philleigh Way Cookery School in Cornwall. To find our more and how to book, click below.
In the same month, join one of the most unique Scillonian experiences: a pop-up festival, mid-channel between the islands of Tresco and Bryher with the Low Tide Festival on the 1st September. It never disappoints!
And in October, we see the return of Creative Scilly with endless days of Scillonian inspired arts and culture. Many of the local artists and creatives will be opening their galleries and studios for a range of workshops together with an ensemble of pop-up theatre, music and poetry on Scilly. Followed by Scilly Dark Skies Week for a feast amongst the stars on the island of St. Martin's with the archipelago's sole community observatory. Explore our wondrously dark night skies through the eyes of experts on a truly unique adventure.
2024
It’s going to be a bumper start to 2024 – the season will kick off in style with some Scillonian favourites making a welcome return.
We're delighted to announce Walk Scilly (12-21 April 2024) 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 10 days 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, April
At the end of April we welcome back the 33rd World Pilot Gig Championships (3rd - 5th May) to be held, as usual, over the first May Spring Bank Holiday weekend. 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.
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.
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.