What's On 2020

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 2020.

For early birds seeking to kick start your spring, why not join Adventure Scilly on their “Re-boot & Revitalise” Wellbeing Break from 28^th – 31^st March? Restorative Wild Yoga, Sunrise Meditation and Dark Skies Walks, Trail Runs, invigorating sea swims and adventure yomps across the boulders all designed to shake off the winter blues and refresh your mind, body and soul.

Walk Scilly makes a welcome return to kick start 2020 season. Join us for 10 days, from 1^st - 10^th April for an eclectic mix of exciting, themed and guided walks in a programme that suits all ages and abilities, and which extends across all the inhabited islands (and some of the uninhabited ones too). There’s no better way to explore the islands’ amazing scenery, wildlife and cultural heritage than Walk Scilly’s rambles, hikes and strolls, with expert local guides bringing the treasures and hidden gems of each island to life. 

The first of four 2020 Low Tide Events takes place on Good Friday 10^th April (other dates are Bank Holiday Friday 8^th May, Friday 21^st August and Sunday 20^th September). As the channel between Tresco and Bryher becomes dry enough to cross on foot, the flags are hoisted, gin and prosecco bars are assembled, delicious mussels and paella are dished out, and the live music kicks in for this mini pop-up festival.

Of course, no Scilly weekend is like the one experienced during the World Pilot Gig Championships which takes place 1^st – 3^rd May. Some 150 men’s and women’s teams, plus veterans and super-veterans from across the UK, Europe and beyond descend on Scilly compete across three days for most coveted prize in pilot gig racing – and then party long into the final night!

Hot on the heels of this is the islands’ second Creative Scilly festival (11th - 20th 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 Whitsun weekend of music and dance from 21^st – 26^th May (at which everyone is welcome to join in).

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 13^th & 14^th 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 13^th June, whilst the elite event across St. Mary’s, St. Martin’s, Bryher and Tresco takes on the Sunday.

Then from 15^th – 19^th June, there’ll be a special centenary celebration on St Mary’s to celebrate 100 years of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company. Expect music and theatre, an exhibition, talks and firework display, all centred around Holgate’s Green. (All details to be confirmed.)

July and August 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, coupled with the island fetes.

Then, 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, cookery courses, island-hopping supper safaris as well as Taste of Scilly markets, menus and masterclasses; farm tours and tastings.

September 12^th also sees the return of the Scilly 360 Swim Race around St Mary’s (approx 15km). Enter solo or part of a team relay across four stages. Sea swimming at its competitive and adventurous best!

Then in October, we welcome Wild Scilly, (previously Walk Scilly Weekend) which takes place 1st – 5^th October 2020. This is the time of year to enjoy Scilly’s incredible autumnal hues, migrating birds and wildlife, as well as our stunning coastlines and landscapes, fields of budding narcissi and swathes of empty spaces.

And finally, new for 2020 is the inaugural Dark Skies Week 3^rd – 10^th October, centred around our amazing, unpolluted dark skies and the new community observatory on St Martin’s. Join us for some twinkly star-gazing nights, guest speakers, meteor showers and more.

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, fetes, 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.