St Ives Feast 2026 Relocates to Historic Parish Church During Guildhall Renovations
Due to extensive building works at St Ives Guildhall, which include significant renovations to the Concert Hall and ongoing projects at the forecourt and entrance, the primary venue for the 2026 St Ives Feast has been moved to St Ia Parish Church. The Reverend Nick Widdows has graciously agreed to make the church available for the traditional civic service on Sunday, February 8, as it holds deep historical ties to the feast, celebrating its dedication in 1434. This makes the church a fitting temporary home for the events typically held at the Guildhall.
Sunday, February 8: Mayor's Parade and Church Service
The festivities commence with the Mayor's parade and church service at 11.15am. The Mayor's Party, accompanied by Councillors and their Guests, will process from the Guildhall to St Ia Parish Church for the service starting at 11.30am. The Pendeen Silver Band will lead the procession, and representatives from local organisations are welcome to join, with 'Official Colours' permitted to be carried.
Monday, February 9: A Day of Tradition and Celebration
The second day begins with guests invited to arrive at St Ia Parish Church from 9.15am. The Mayoral Procession will depart the church at 9.40am, heading to the Venton Ia Well at Porthmeor for a short ceremony that includes a Cornish Blessing, before returning to the Parish Church by 10.30am. As per tradition, children from local schools will dance in the procession alongside the Bagas an Norvys processional band and participate in the ceremony at the well. An alternative adverse weather option will be communicated on the day if necessary, based on forecast conditions.
At 10.30am, the Mayor will hurl the Silver Ball from the wall of the Parish Church. Once caught by the waiting crowd, the ball will be passed from person to person on the beaches and throughout the town's streets. The individual holding the Silver Ball at noon will take it to the Mayor in Market Place and receive a reward of a silver coin.
Following this, pennies will be distributed to children under seven years of age at 11.30am outside the main entrance to St Ia Church. At 11.40am, pennies will be given to young people aged seven years and above from the corner of St Ia Church onto Lifeboat Hill. The Silver Ball will be returned to the Mayor at noon on the steps of St Ives Memorial Gardens.
In the evening, the Scalybacks of Hakeybay Guise Guild will return for a second year to process around the town in celebration of this ancient tradition at 7pm. Additionally, the Feast Monday Rugby Match will kick off at 7pm (time to be confirmed) at the Alexandra Road Rugby Ground, with the Mayor officiating the match between St Ives RFC and Cornwall Clubs.
Throughout the morning, the Friends of the Edward Hain Memorial Hospital will host a coffee morning from 10am to 12.30pm at The Western Hotel, adding to the community spirit of the event.
