A popular food and music festival in Cornwall has officially returned for 2026.
Porthleven Food Festival began today (Friday, April 24) with three days of events lined up until Sunday.
The festival kicked off with pupils from Porthleven School parading past the harbour to the Chef's Theatre marquee, where Porthleven chef Jude Kereama demonstrated how to make a microwave cake, followed by tasters for the children.
Set against the backdrop of Porthleven’s harbour, the Chef's Theatre will feature live cooking, expert tips, and inspiration for visitors to take home.
For Friday, the line-up includes:
- 11am – Stephane Delourme, Ed Hughes, and Henk de Villiers
- 12pm – Pete Murt and Jude Kereama
- 1pm – Nick Hemming and Tom Lodge
- 2pm – Charlie Walters and Callum Lang
- 3pm – Rose Cant and Eddy Rains
- 4pm – Stephen Knowles and Soul Farm
On Saturday, the theatre will host:
- 10.30am – Jude Kereama and Antony Worrall Thompson
- 12pm – Andi Tuck
- 1pm – Tom Brown
- 2pm – Paul Welburn and Mick Smith
- 3pm – Guy Owen and Chris Eden
- 4pm – Ben Palmer
On Sunday, the festival rounds off with:
- 10am – Annie Seabourne and George Morgan
- 11am – Hylton Espey and Tim Kendall
- 12pm – Jamie MacLean
- 1pm – Rick Toogood and Izzy Joscelyn
The Chef's Table
In a new addition this year, The Chef’s Table, presented by Sharp’s Brewery, offers food and drink masterclasses, tastings, and conversations with industry figures.
The venue provides a more intimate setting for relaxed chef chats, expert demonstrations, and hands-on learning.
The Moors Village Fair
New for 2026, The Moors Village Fair offers a community-led experience in the village’s Moors Field.
The fair features classic lawn games, a community picnic, and activities from local community groups.
All proceeds will go towards the restoration of Porthleven Playground.
Activities at the fair on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, include a Tai Chi demonstration, a street dance demonstration and workshop, and challenges from the Porthleven Gig Club, the Cricket Club, and Football Club.
There are also lawn games, an old-school sports day from 1.30pm to 4pm, and local buskers providing music.
Additionally, at 11am there will be an Awen Mor Tai Chi demonstration to celebrate World Tai Chi and World Chi Gong day, and at 12.15pm the HN Collective Street Dance will give a demonstration, with all ages welcome to join in.
The Sunday schedule, from 10am to 4pm, features the Porthleven Environment Group’s recycling game, the Cricket Club’s bowling challenge, lawn games, an old-school sports day from 1.30pm to 4pm, and music from local buskers.
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What else is on
Food stands and trailers will off their produce for sale, with crafters and makers also selling their goods around the harbour.
Many local businesses, including Nauti But Ice and the Ship Inn, also have their own programme of music and events throughout the weekend.
Additionally, on Sunday, April 26, at 1.30pm, the Porthleven Mermaid and her friends will return to the harbour.
Visitors can meet the mermaids on the slipway, enjoy food from the stalls, and take photos.
Also returning for 2026 is the Comedy Roast. At 3.30pm on Sunday, guests can enjoy a two-course roast dinner alongside performances from Matt Price, Tom Glover, and host Tom Rodgers.
Tickets are £45 per person, which includes a two-course Cornish roast dinner and comedy.
With a blend of culinary talent, new experiences, and community-focused activities, the festival promises to be a highlight of the year for food lovers and festival-goers alike.
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