What's on in Cornwall - July 2010

After the beautiful weather of May and June, we're hoping July will continue the theme. July's the month when the summer season really gets going. There are regatta's to look forward to, large organised BBQs, open air theatre productions. And of course, there's always those fabulous beaches, beautiful gardens and wonderful walks along the coastal path. We've set out below some ideas fro great days out in July. There are also two other good sources of information - King Harry's Cornwall and the Visit Cornwall websites.

Great days out from Roundhouse Barns

1 July onwards - Orca Sea Safaris open for the Spring/summer season. Take a 2 hour wildlife boat safari out to sea. Plenty of birdlife. If you're lucky, you'll also see Seals and Dolphins. Wet weather clothing provided. A different way to see our wonderful coastline. We've been on it and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Great for young and old alike. Tickets also include entrance to the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. Pre-booking essential (01872 861910). Alternatively, we have recently become a ticket retailer and guests can pre-buy their tickets at Roundhouse Barn Holidays. Trips depart from Events Square, Discovery Quay, Falmouth.

1 July onwards throughout Summer - Camel Valley Vineyard guided tours. Every Wednesday evening at 5.00pm. A wine maker will personally guide you through the vineyard and winery, answering any questions you may have about the wine making process. Afterwards, there will be a fun wine tasting session, beginning with our most famous wine, Cornwall Brut. The Grand Tour and Tasting is always very popular, so it is essential to book in advance. Price: £10 per person, including wine. 5.00pm Nanstallon, Bodmin. Tel 01726 852436

17 July - Tregony Garden and Craft Show. A lovely afternoon out at a real old fashioned event. Classes for vegetables, fruit, flowers, cookery and preserves. Tombola, raffles etc. From 2pm, Roseland Community College, Tregony.18 July - Alice Through the Looking Glass. The Quantum Theatre presents this open air performance of Lewis Carrol's book. A real family favourite, the story follows Alice's fantastical adventures in the strange world she enters through the mirror above her drawing-room fireplace. Full of memorable characters like Tweedledum, Tweedledee and the mythical Jabberwocky, the show is colourful and fast moving with live music and plenty of humour. Bring a seat or a rug and dress for the weather! Trelissick Gardens, Feock from 7.30 pm

19 July - James Morrison live. Singer/songwriter James Morrison takes to the stage at The Hall for Cornwall. He will be returning to his Cornwall roots to perform a special one-off gig. The show is in aid of Tanya's Courage Trust, a charity helping young people with cancer, which James supports. Hall for Cornwall, Back Quay, Truro from 7.30pm

22 July - Romeo and Juliet. They had grown up in a violent world. Everyone around them was blinded by conflict and hatred. Only a fool would sleep with the enemy. But they are drawn to each other like moths to a flame. Their passion is a pure, bright, blazing refuge where, for a moment, they find peace and fulfilment. Miracle Theatre takes on Shakespeare's timeless play for the first time - adapting it with relish, passion and a sense of humour. By adding their characteristic ingredients of physical performance, music and comedy they sharpen the drama and ensure the production will charm audiences of all ages. Romeo and Juliet, a story of young love: innocent, intense, intoxicating - and deadly. Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan from 7.00pm

23 July - Flava and The Big Dance Company. Celebrating their 10 year anniversary, The Big Dance Company are promising their best show yet! Featuring Flava, fresh from their UK tour and the act everyone is talking about; Talia Harper, world champions Sweet Hava and the incredible Tricky Dance Crew. Taking their favourite movies and putting on The Big Dance Company twist through dance. Hall for Cornwall, Back Quay, Truro from 7.30pm

24 July onwards - John Dyer Exhibition. The Gallery at Trelissick is hosting an exhibition featuring John Dyer's most recent works. John Dyer is one of Britain's leading and best known contemporary painters. Born in 1968 his work embraces colour and the 'Song of Life'. John's subjects are mostly places he knows well and they often have a strong autobiographical content. John's paintings are optimistic, dynamic and exciting, resulting from a working method that is unique to him and which enables him to react directly to nature. Meet the artist at Trelissick on 28 July between 11am - 2pm when John will be signing copies of his new book. Trelissick, Feock from 9.30am every day.

24 July - Flushing Village Regatta. The sailing regatta is based at Flushing Sailing Club with home-made teas to tempt competitors. There are events for all members of the family. Many holidaymakers make sure that they are here for this very special week

24 July - Merchant of Venice. Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents one of Shakespeare's most exciting and beautiful plays, full of mystery, drama, romance and comedy. Trelissick Gardens, Feock from 7:00pm. Booking essential.

24 - 25 July - Boconnoc Steam Fair. The Boconnoc Steam fair is one of the leading events of its kind in the Southwest, with some people saying that it's the best. With its picturesque setting and many exhibits it's hard to beat with it's relaxed atmosphere. No wonder why people are travelling far and wide to visit us. The Boconnoc Steam Fair is held annually over a three-day period. During this time there are many exhibits on show for you to view, these include Steam Engines both full size and miniature, Cars, Vintage Tractors, Vintage Motorbikes, Commercials, Stationary engines, bicycles, horticultural, Crafts & Model marquees.

24 - 30 July - Charlestown Regatta Week. A fun-filled week featuring racing and land-based events for everyone. Check web pages for details.

25 July - Cornish Dragon Boat Challenge. In recent years Dragon Boat racing has become a well established sport that has spread all over the world, and there are a number of clubs in this country. But it is also an event that can be enjoyed by the novice, with a team's success being much more dependent on their team work rather than individuals performances. Each team consist of sixteen paddlers and a drummer, and although no previous experience is required it helps if at least if the drummer has a sense of rhythm! It is based around the Events Square in front of the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth and is being sponsored by a number of local companies including Skinners Brewery and Cornwall & Devon Media.

28 July - Culdrose Air Day. Air Day is the only day of the year when the public can step into the world of Culdrose and experience the sights, sounds and smells of a working military Naval Air Station. Famed for heroic rescues and with frontline helicopter Squadrons supporting the Navy across the globe, Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose is home to almost 100 aircraft including Merlin helicopters, Sea Kings and Hawk Jets. You will be blown away by awesome flying displays, be able to meet the heroic Aircrew who fly our helicopters around the world, get up close to state-of-the art aircraft and learn all about life in the Royal Navy

31 July - The Importance of Being Earnest. Theatreworks present Oscar Wilde's frothy, witty comedy and find out what happens when two girls both fall in love with men they believe to be called Ernest? A well-manicured comedy of handbags, button-holes and flying coat-tails. Trelissick Gardens Feock from 7.30pm.

31 July - St Mawes Social Club Regatta. This is an open afternoon regatta, with sailing races for P.Y., local and National classes. Racing is conducted from the sailing club race office. All competitors are invited to the Social Club for the prize giving and refreshments.