A beloved Helston music festival, known for raising thousands for charity, is set to make a triumphant return in 2026. 

 The Heart:Beats Music Festival, which has been organized by Kay Harvey since its inception in 2014, will take place on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026.

In 2023, the Packet reported that Kay had made the difficult decision to ‘put closure’ to the festival due to her health. She said at the time: “So, today is the day I finally put closure to my baby, Heart: Beats Festival 2023.

“It’s been a blast, four festivals, around £20,000 raised all for charity.

“I am forever grateful to those who have helped and supported me, but I have to face facts, I am now far too ill to undertake anymore.”

Falmouth Packet: Kay Harvey (middle right) has organised the event since its inception in 2014 Kay Harvey (middle right) has organised the event since its inception in 2014 (Image: Martini Archive)

However, she has revealed that despite the festival going ahead, she will be stepping back from organising it this year.

In a post on the Heart: Beats Facebook page, she said she is “far too unwell” to fully organise the event this time but will continue to be involved as much as she can.

She said: “I don’t think people appreciate the huge amount of work and stress it takes to organise an event like this, it’s major.”

Despite her health setbacks, Kay is overjoyed to see the festival continue. “Heart: Beats is hugely grateful to the Blue Anchor in Helston for agreeing to home the festival again,” said Kay.

Throughout its inception in 2014, the festival has had an impressive lineup of some of Cornwall’s best bands and musicians. The announcement for the 2026 lineup is being kept under wraps, but Kay assures that it will be “the best”.

Falmouth Packet: Kay Harvey presents the cheque to the Sunrise Appeal chairmanKay Harvey presents the cheque to the Sunrise Appeal chairman (Image: Kai Greet)

Kay has also extended her thanks to Dave Dowling from Rewind Radio, who will be broadcasting for the 2026 festival.

The festival has raised more than £20,000 since it began. Last year, £6,000 was raised for the British Heart Foundation and the cardiac unit at Royal Cornwall Hospital.

To keep up to date with more upcoming announcements and more information, visit Heart:Beats Festival 2026 on Facebook.