Fowey Royal Regatta

As well as a host of regular regatta events such as races, crab catching, swimming,processions and various other entertainments, the Regatta hosts the annual Giant Pasty Ceremony (which is unique!) and follows the impressive Red Arrows display on the Thursday evening. A giant pasty is sailed across the bay from Polruan accompanied by the melodious Town Band, then is carried through the streets to the steps of the King of Prussia Hotel where the Princess cuts the first slice. Afterwards the pasty is divided up and distributed to children at the little gazebo by the steps. Earlier in the day are pasty-eating and sailing competitions – it couldn’t happen anywhere except Cornwall! If you think you can eat a 1lb pasty in less than a minute, you may be in with a chance of winning….if you’d rather take your time, pasty outlets in town can fill the gap.

Helpful Hints

In 2023 the festival took place on August 13th to 19th- 2024 dates are yet to be confirmed but likely to be 11th to 17th (check the official  programme for full details -follow the link below to the Regatta website).

The Pasty Ceremony usually takes place on the Thursday.

Parking is limited – look out for the big field off Hanson Drive beyond the Main Carpark where all day parking was available for £5 in 2014. This is also a great place to watch the Red Arrows from and is more spacious than the packed streets in town. The Town Bus shuttles visitors down the steep streets and back at regular intervals from the Main Carpark. Be prepared for long delays leaving town in the evening, and also be aware that the schedule may be subject to last minute changes if necessary (though in practice this is rare!).

An online programme is available via the festival website or you can buy a paper version in town.

Click here for the Regatta website : https://foweyregatta.co.uk

and here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FoweyRoyalRegatta/