Performers were singing — and dancing — in the rain on the streets of St Ives for the September Festival’s second Saturday afternoon of street entertainment.
Pensans Morris brave the showers on The Wharf
“Massive thanks from St Ives September Festival to all the performers who, without exception and with smiles on their faces, endured the heavy downpours to ensure we continued,” said a festival spokesman.
Some of the performances were moved to the loggia at Tate St Ives, where they went ahead under cover. But the vast majority defied the elements and carried on regardless.
Supported by a soggy bunch of willing volunteer stewards, they attracted crowds keen to watch and be photographed with them. “Thank you, street entertainment festival crew,” said organiser Kelvin Hopkins.
“After two completely different Saturdays of scorching sunshine on the 13th and heavy showers this weekend, we made it. Not only did you help give locals and visitors alike some wonderful memories, but also enhanced the reach and reputation of the September Festival itself!”
Contact juggler Tree Stewart and barrel organ player Toni Krygier on The Wharf, with Maisy the Ringmaster in the background
The success of this year’s festival continued as the ‘sold out’ shows continued to mount up. Both events at the St Ives Society of Artists — ARKangel’s new 2025 show, Lullaby Of Harlem, in the Mariners Gallery, and blues legend John Dummer and Friends, in the Crypt Gallery — attracted full houses. Sunday’s This Flight Tonight: Songs Of Joni Mitchell was just six sales short of a 312-capacity sell-out.
Porthmeor Studios’ Sail Cellar was packed out for Global Jamming’s Spirit Of St Ives music and film show, a fund-raiser for the St Ives Concert Band accessibility project and St Ives Community Foodshare.
The festival will end on Saturday night with Fascinating Aida, who had sold out St Ives Theatre several weeks ago, and the Celtic Ensemble male voice choir at St Ia Church.
Festival patron Steve Knightley and True Foxes are at the Theatre on Friday, with ska band Rudi’s Message at the church and a special showing of the film Enys Men, followed by a Q&A with director Mark Jenkin, at St Ives Arts Club.
Find out more and book tickets at stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk/
