This September, Cornwall’s vibrant culinary celebration returns to Penzance, welcoming locals and visitors alike to experience the very best of Cornish food culture, creative spirit and coastal charm. The Penzance Food Festival takes place in the lush surroundings of Penlee Park from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September 2025.
Following its debut in 2024, the festival has quickly carved out its place in the Cornish cultural calendar, offering a community-first experience that resonates with food lovers, music fans, and sustainability advocates alike. Held on the weekend of the autumn equinox, the event is a joyful farewell to summer and a warm invitation to linger longer in West Cornwall, beyond the peak season.
This year, fire cooking is also on the menu, thanks to an exciting new partnership with barbecue legends Kamado Joe. Expect smoky, flame-fuelled flavours and live demonstrations in the Taste Theatre bringing even more heat to an already sizzling line-up.
Penzance Food Festival is more than just a feast, it’s a celebration of Cornish identity and values. From championing Newlyn’s sustainable fishing industry to showcasing small-scale producers and talented local chefs, the festival highlights the rich culinary culture of the rural West Cornwall peninsula. Proudly sticking to their plan to source traders locally just a handful of the 50 traders are travelling from across the Cornish border.
In 2025, the festival is working with Sustainable Penzance and Plastic Free Penzance to ensure a completely single-use plastic-free site – underscoring its deep commitment to responsible event practices and environmental stewardship.
Festival organiser Barney Farnworth reflects on last year’s success: “We are so proud of how it all came together. The site was a dream – each corner held its own vibe, from the first coffees to the last encore.”
Across three lively days, festival-goers can expect a curated blend of delicious discoveries and thoughtful programming:
- Expanded Producer Market: Discover artisanal goods from around Cornwall, including British canned fish, English wines, single origin chocolate, medicinal mushrooms and elephant garlic!
- Street Food Village: A diverse line-up of gourmet stalls. Some beloved Penzance names and exciting new arrivals.
- Taste Theatre: Live demos from acclaimed chefs, BBQ experiences and engaging panel discussions with local food pioneers.
- Live Music: Daytime grooves and evening sets designed to get you dancing under the trees.
- Wellness Area: Nourishing sessions for body and mind, offering a peaceful retreat amid the festivities.
- Unforgettable long-table feasts: From incredible Chef’s with some special menu plans.
Organiser Oona Burch adds: “The amazing feedback from last year gave us such energy put into the planning of this year’s event- we’ve worked hard to evolve without losing what made it feel so special.”
The event has already garnered strong local support. Sarah Shaw, BID Manager, shares: “We’re delighted to welcome the Penzance Food Festival back to Penlee Park. The team is making it even better–more food, more fun, and a wet weather plan, just in case!”
Attendees from 2024 were equally enthusiastic saying things like: “This is something Penzance has needed—what a way to send off the summer.” and “I loved the food, the atmosphere, and the positive energy that filled the park.”
Public feedback has helped shape this year’s offering, with added seating, more stalls, and improved shelter options all on the menu.
Penzance joins a growing family of forward-thinking food festivals across Cornwall:
- Falmouth Food Festival | 23–26 May 2025
Harbourfront flavours meet maritime soul in this third-year celebration of sea and sound. - Newquay Food Festival | 10–13 July 2025
A bold new event bringing vibrant cuisine and beachside beats to Killacourt, above Towan Beach. - Penzance Food Festival | 19–21 September 2025
A heartfelt, end-of-summer celebration in Cornwall’s creative west.
Full programme details, including chef line-ups, music acts and trader lists, will be announced soon. For updates, visit www.penzancefoodfestival.co.uk and follow @pzfoodfestival on Instagram and Facebook.
Penzance Food Festival 2025 | 19 – 21 September | 10am – 8pm Daily | Penlee Park, Penzance | Free Entry | Everyone Welcome
