The John Knill Ceremony takes place every five years, so the next observance is due in 2031. The 46th ceremony was held on Saturday 25 July 2026, organised by St Ives Town Council on behalf of the Knill Trustees.
The ceremony follows instructions in John Knill’s 1797 will. The council records that the first observance took place in 1801 and that the Knill Trustees are the Mayor, the Customs Officer and the Vicar. Knill’s Steeple, a 15-metre granite monument on Worvas Hill, is the focal point.
The specified party includes a fiddler, 10 dancing girls and two widows of fishermen, seamen or tinners. Participants wear white knot ribbons, process around the monument and sing the hundredth psalm.
Visitor information
Next ceremony: Due in 2031, following the five-year cycle. The council publishes arrangements closer to the date.
Location: The ceremony moves between locations across St Ives and centres on Knill’s Steeple on Worvas Hill.
Admission: No visitor ticket or admission arrangement applies to a ceremony this far ahead. Check council notices nearer 2031 rather than assuming every part of the ceremony has open access.
Between ceremonies, Knill’s Steeple can be reached on foot from St Ives all year round.
Where to stay
See St Ives visitor information and browse places to stay in St Ives.
