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Mevagissey
Image by Bob Northey - supplied by Visit Cornwall
Narrow streets and steep valley sides lead down to the centre of the old Mevagissey where the distinctive twin harbour provides a safe haven for the many fishing boats that land their daily catch of skate, lobster, plaice and sole. In typical picture postcard style, pubs, cafes, galleries and shops cluster around the harbour walls and line the pretty streets.
Named after two Irish saints, St Meva and St Issey, the village dates back to at least 1313 and during the 1800s Mevagissey prospered on the back of the abundant source of pilchards out to sea. Around the maze of streets you’ll find plenty of seafood restaurants that the village is renowned for and there is nothing more sublimely Cornish than tucking into some local scallops and mackerel and ending the evening with a walk along the harbour wall with lights of the village twinkling on the water.
Upcoming Events
Meva Shanty Festival - Thursday 15 October 2026 to Sunday 18 October 2026
A free family friendly shanty festival 15 - 18 October 2026.
Join us on our gala fundraising night to hear top Brittany group Nordet and Mevagissey’s own The Stunsl’s Shanty Group and Cornwalls leading funny man Johnny Cowling on Thursday 15 October. Tickets on our website.
Our Family friendly, free festival, organised by and for the community to enjoy and also to raise money for the community projects in the village.
Our festival starts on Friday 16 October – Sunday 18 October, when Mevagissey and Pentewan become alive with singing and harmonies. Over 90 groups, 500 singers will perform over 380 free concerts in 20 venues across Mevagissey and Pentewan. This year we are also running workshops and Cornish history talks alongside the shanties.
Our main sponsor is Keltek Brewery who are donating all the beer and cider so every penny goes back to the festival and towards community projects that make a positive difference to every one.
Go Bus are kindly putting on a free shuttle bus between Pentewan and Mevagissey on Friday evening and all day Saturday.
We have been supported this year by FEAST on behalf of Creative Kernow, with funding from Arts Council England and Cornwall County Council. Their support will help us to provide workshops to locals schools to encourage their participation in our festival.
We are also indebted to all our local businesses who have supported us by sponsoring or being a venue. We also thank our Mevagissey community who host and volunteer at the festival to make it family friendly and accessible to all.
Let’s sing and be merry!
Accessibility
Family friendly, flat and even, first aid and security in the marquee at all times. Carparking and disability parking available on the harbour nearby with a carpark further round the harbour.
Facilities
The venue has on site parking
The venue is accessible to people with mobility difficulties
The venue is family friendly
