The St Endellion Summer Music Festival fills the medieval Collegiate Church of St Endellion, a mile from the North Cornwall coast near Port Isaac, with two weeks of orchestral, choral and chamber music. It runs 28 July to 7 August in 2026 under artistic director Paul Daniel, and it is unlike most festivals: founded in 1958 by the priest Roger Gaunt, it works on a gift-economy model where musicians, singers, stage crew and cooks all give their time for free.
Two large works anchor the 2026 programme. Britten’s War Requiem is performed in a new arrangement by Paul Daniel, marking 50 years since the composer’s death, with soloists Roderick Williams, Ed Lyon and Rachel Nicholls on 30 July and 1 August. Puccini’s Turandot follows on 3, 5 and 7 August - its first performance at St Endellion, staged for the centenary of the opera’s 1926 premiere, with Rachel Nicholls in the title role. Around them sit highlights from Purcell’s The Fairy Queen on 6 August, song recitals from Roderick Williams, and a relaxed Wonderland family concert on 2 August. The festival notes that artists and programmes may still change.
The setting is part of the draw: a rural church with the coast path and Port Isaac close by, and a congregation-style intimacy you rarely get with music on this scale.
Visitor Information
Dates: 28 July to 7 August 2026. Public booking opens 10am on 7 July.
Cost: Ticket prices are set by the box office; under-18s go free and residents of the PL27-PL33 postcodes pay half price. Book through tickets@endellionfestivals.org.uk or 07564 232390.
Getting there: St Endellion (PL29 3TP) is on the B3314, about 4 miles north of Wadebridge and 3 miles from Port Isaac. The venue is rural with on-site parking; a car is the practical option.
Family friendly: Yes - the Wonderland Concert on 2 August is built for children of all ages, and under-18s attend free. The venue is accessible to people with mobility difficulties; contact the box office for reserved seating.
Where to Stay
Port Isaac is the nearest village, a few minutes from the church. Laura’s Cottage is a dog-friendly farm cottage for two with a hot tub, while Cloam Cottage sleeps four on the main street with a woodburning stove, 600m from Port Gaverne Beach. Harbour Loft is a 15th-century harbourside loft for four with sea views. Browse more holiday cottages in Port Isaac, and book early for the summer dates.
