The 15-day St Ives September Festival will open with its biggest-ever programme of street entertainment.

Getting underway on Saturday, September 14, the event will also showcase the new Open Secret with art around the town's streets, beaches, and outside spaces, as well as the return of the ever-popular Sandcastle Competition.

The mayor of St Ives, Councillor Johnnie Wells, said: "We are really looking forward to this year's St Ives September Festival.

"As always, it promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, arts, and community.

"From street entertainment to art workshops, there's something for everyone to enjoy - an unforgettable experience that showcases the spirit of St Ives."

(Image: Mike Sinclair)

The Open Secret initiative features work by abstract painter Zoe Eaton, artist Peter Giles of Barnoon Arts, and their guest artists.

Their work includes temporary wall art, sand drawings, small interventions, sound installations, free art drops, and other surprises during the two weeks of the festival.

Participating artists will also leave a free art piece hidden outdoors in St Ives for someone to discover and take home.

(Image: Mike Sinclair)

The Sandcastle Competition also returns to Porthminster Beach for the first time since the Covid lockdowns.

Free festival pub music makes a welcome return this year, with the new owners of the Sloop and Union Inns, and the new R Bar in Fore Street, signing up acts for all 15 nights.

Other free events include Bob Devereux's music and poetry every lunchtime in Norway Square, exhibitions, open studios, and the popular Spot The Artist and Square Deal art sales.

(Image: Mike Sinclair) See full Saturday, September 14 schedule for street entertainment below:

  • 12 noon  Redruth Festival Band & Tatters Morris New Craftsman Gallery, Fore Street
  • 12 noon  Tree Stewart and Toni Krygier Aspects Holidays on The Wharf
  • 12.15pm  Redruth Festival Band & Tatters Morris process towards RNLI Station then along Wharf Rd to Whistlefish Cards
  • 12.15pm  Captain O’Goldie outside New Craftsman Gallery and along Fore Street
  • 12.20pm  Samba Cambada outside New Craftsman Gallery
  • 12.30pm  Redruth Festival Band & Tatters Morris Harbour, outside Whistlefish Cards
  • 12.40pm  Petty Criminals outside New Craftsman Gallery
  • 12.45pm  Boudica Harbour, outside Whistlefish Cards
  • 1.00pm    Tree Stewart and Toni Krygier adjacent to Flapjackery, Fore Street
  • 1.00pm    Samba Cambada Royal Square
  • 1.30pm    Redruth Festival Band & Tatters Morris outside New Craftsman Gallery
  • 1.40pm    Captain O’Goldie Harbour slipway and along Wharf Rd
  • 1.45pm    Redruth Festival Band & Tatters Morris process towards RNLI Station then along Wharf Rd to Whistlefish Cards
  • 1.45pm     Samba Cambada outside New Craftsman Gallery
  • 2.05pm     Cork an Barbor Shanty outside New Craftsman Gallery
  • 2.15pm     The Islanders Harbour, next to Fishermens Lodge
  • 2.20pm      Redruth Festival Band & Tatters Morris Harbour, outside Whistlefish Cards
  • 2.25pm     Samba Cambada outside St Ives Arts Club
  • 2.50pm      Boudica outside New Craftsman Gallery
  • 3.00pm      Petty Criminals Harbour, next to Fishermens Lodge
  • 3.15pm      Captain O’Goldie outside New Craftsman Gallery and along Fore Street
  • 3.40pm      The Islanders outside New Craftsman Gallery
  • 3.45pm      Cork an Barbor Shanty Harbour, outside Whistlefish Cards

Full information and booking can be found online at www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk.