Porthleven Food Festival made its vibrant return this weekend, bringing three days of food, music, family activities and community spirit.
The festival opened on Friday (April 24) with its much‑loved school parade, as pupils from Porthleven School marched past the harbour and into the Chef’s Theatre marquee. There, Porthleven chef Jude Kereama kicked off the weekend’s programme with a fun microwave‑cake demonstration - complete with tasters for the children.
Set against the backdrop of the harbour, the Chef’s Theatre once again proved a major draw, offering live cooking, expert tips and plenty of inspiration for home cooks.
New for 2026: The Chef’s Table
A major addition this year was The Chef’s Table, presented by Sharp’s Brewery. The new venue offered a more intimate space for food and drink masterclasses, tastings and relaxed conversations with chefs and industry figures. Visitors were able to get hands‑on, ask questions and enjoy a closer look at culinary techniques.
The Moors Village Fair Brings Community Spirit to the Festival
Another new feature for 2026 was The Moors Village Fair, held in Moors Field and designed as a community‑led celebration.
The fair included classic lawn games, a community picnic and activities from local groups, with all proceeds supporting the restoration of Porthleven Playground.
Around the Harbour: Food, Makers, Music and Mermaids
Across the weekend, food stands and trailers offered everything from street food to local produce, while crafters and makers lined the harbour with stalls.
Local businesses also joined the celebrations, with venues including Nauti But Ice and the Ship Inn hosting their own live music and events.
A highlight for families came on Sunday afternoon, when the Porthleven Mermaid and her friends returned to the harbour at 1.30pm. Children were able to meet the mermaids on the slipway and pose for photos.
Also returning for 2026 was the popular Comedy Roast. At 3.30pm on Sunday, guests enjoyed a two‑course roast dinner alongside performances from Matt Price, Tom Glover and host Tom Rodgers.
More pictures of Porthleven Food Festival 2026 in Cornwall can be found at the top of this page.
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