The Charlestown Regatta set to kick off

Southern Cornwall is set to embrace its nautical history with the start of the Charlestown Regatta at the end of the month. The week-long event is a celebration of sport, sailing and fun.

It kicks off on 25 July and lasts through the week, ending on 31 July. There will be water sports, games and entertainment. Just northeast of our holiday cottages in St Ives, Charlestown sits on the channel side of Cornwall.

A picturesque fishing village, it is best known for its Georgian harbour complete with a variety of tall ships. It often has been used as a location for films and television programmes. It has been featured in Dr. Who and Tim Burton’s recent version of Alice in Wonderland. Most notably, the village was recently part of the scenery in the popular TV series Poldark. 

Regatta Week includes events such as raft races, a donkey derby, live music and a colourful carnival.

The event starts with a triathlon. In teams of three, racers compete in a 200m swim, 4-mile cycle and 2-mile run. After that, in the afternoon, visitors can take part in water golf, raft racing and a fun “knobbly” knees contest.

The festivities will continue with more fun things to do. One day will feature activities for little ones. On the Thursday, the main event fields will be opened to children’s sports with races, games and the very popular “Eggstravaganza” egg-throwing contest. There will be local brass bands and a traditional flora dance through the streets of the village. Those attending can enjoy a proms concert as well. The week is concluded on Friday with the Regatta Rocks live music event.

Regatta week is completely organised and run by volunteers. They started the event as a way to provide a week of fun and entertainment for the village and the legions of summer visitors. The goal of the event is to raise money for the benefit of Charlestown and its residents.