Scilly artists warmly invite you to discover the Isles from their perspective through a range of workshops, captivating talks and demonstrations.
This May, the islands will be bustling with a diverse selection of cultural events with mainland collaborations featuring theatre performances, musical concerts, lively folk music, creative workshops and more!
TUES 20TH 7 - 9
WEDS 21ST 10 - 13
THURS 22ND 14 - 16
FRI 23RD 17 - 18
SAT 24TH 19 - 22
SUN 25TH 23 - 25
MON 26TH 25 - 26
TUES 27TH 26 - 27
WEDS 28TH 28 GLOSSARY
TRAVEL DISCOUNTS
Isles of Scilly Travel: Use the code CREAT25 for 10% off travel between 15/05/25 and 27/05/25 (Penzance and Land’s End routes only).
Penzance Helicopters: Use the code CREATIVESCILLY for 10% off travel between 16/05/25 and 27/05/25.
Book at visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Sunday 18th
TRESCO MAKERS
MARKET
Join a host of talented islanders for the regular Tresco Makers Markets.
The market sells everything from wall art to children’s clothing, jewellery to hand-sewn bags and pottery. Shop whilst learning more about our beautiful islands.
LOCATION: Along the sea wall at New Grimsby unless the weather decides not to play ball - in which case, the makers shelter in the sanctum of the Flying Boat Studio.
TIME: 1pm - 4pm
PRICE: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Monday 19th
INTRODUCTION TO TABLE
LOOM WEAVING
A 2 1/2 hour workshop is the ideal way to try weaving on an 8 shaft Ashford table top loom.
The looms will already be threaded up with a lovely soft neutral lambswool, giving you the chance to experiment with a variety of weft yarns and weaving patterns. By the end of the workshop, you will have produced your very own completely unique piece of handwoven fabric. No experience necessary - this is suitable for complete beginners!
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, St. Mary’s
TIME: 9am - 12pm
PRICE: £75.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: emilymarywoventextiles.com/workshops
Monday 19th
FUSED GLASS WORKSHOP
WITH ORIEL HICKS
Come and explore the art of kiln-fired glass fusing! In this hands-on session, you’ll have the opportunity to create either one larger piece or several smaller ones, using vibrant glass materials. Our expert guide will be there to assist you every step of the way, ensuring you craft something unique and beautiful. Please note that you’ll need to be available the following day to pick up your finished piece, as the glass will need time to cool and set. All materials are included in the price, so you can focus entirely on unleashing your creativity!
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, St. Mary’s
TIME: 10am - 12.30pm
PRICE: £60.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: oriel@taterdu.plus.com | 01720 422900
Tuesday 20th
INTRODUCTION TO TABLE LOOM
WEAVING
A 2 1/2 hour workshop is the ideal way to try weaving on an 8 shaft Ashford table top loom.
The looms will already be threaded up with a lovely soft neutral lambswool, giving you the chance to experiment with a variety of weft yarns and weaving patterns. By the end of the workshop, you will have produced your very own completely unique piece of handwoven fabric. No experience necessary - this is suitable for complete beginners!
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, St. Mary’s
TIME: 4.30pm - 7pm
PRICE: £75.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: emilymarywoventextiles.com/workshops
Tuesday 20th
PAINT THE DAY
Draw inspiration from Tresco’s varied landscape and ever-changing light with this creative challenge. ‘Paint the Day’ invites you to spend the day capturing your favourite Scilly scene in whatever medium appeals.
Basic art supplies will be available from Gallery Tresco from 10am, and all ages and skill levels are invited to participate. Head out for the day and capture your scene inspired by the island’s nature.
Finished works can be returned to the Gallery by 4pm. Artwork displayed the next day (Wednesday) in the gallery, and can be collected if you wish to take home on the Thursday.
LOCATION: Gallery Tresco
TIME: 10am - 4pm
PRICE: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Tuesday 20th
TAMARISK OPEN EVENING
Pop into Tamarisk gallery and chat to local creatives Oriel and Erica Hicks, the mother and daughter duo who curate the popular gallery on St Mary’s. Both Erica and Oriel also create their own work, inspired by their island home. Come along and ask questions about the reality of living and working on Scilly or just pop in and chat about your favourite places to visit on the islands - friends and visitors all welcome!
LOCATION: Tamarisk Gallery, Hugh Town, St. Mary’s
TIME: 5.30pm - 7pm
PRICE: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Wednesday 21st
CONCERT BY CANDLELIGHT WITH SOPRANO NANCY MAY
Currently touring with renowned tenor Russell Watson, soprano Nancy May is transforming the shape of the classical music scene. Nancy’s unique voice can be heard in concerts around the UK, join her in the beautiful candlelit St. Mary’s Parish Church as she sings a selection of popular opera, songs from musicals, classical favourites and more, for an atmospheric evening to remember.
LOCATION: St. Mary’s Parish Church
TIME: 6.30pm
PRICE: Adult £16.00, Child (under 16) £7.50
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Wednesday 21st
FUSED GLASS WORKSHOP WITH ORIEL HICKS
Come and explore the art of kiln-fired glass fusing! In this hands-on session, you’ll have the opportunity to create either one larger piece or several smaller ones, using vibrant glass materials. Our expert guide will be there to assist you every step of the way, ensuring you craft something unique and beautiful. Please note that you’ll need to be available the following day to pick up your finished piece, as the glass will need time to cool and set. All materials are included in the price, so you can focus entirely on unleashing your creativity!
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, St. Mary’s
TIME: 10am - 12.30pm
PRICE: £60.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: oriel@taterdu.plus.com | 01720 422900
Wednesday 21st
CRAFTERNOON AT THE
GIG SHED
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of creativity, as local crafters come together to share their passion for making and creating. We’re excited to welcome Popplestone Studios, who will be bringing along a range of unique and inspiring craft projects for all to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone to get involved with! The bar will be open, serving refreshing drinks, while hot beverages and scrumptious cakes will be available to keep you cosy and fuelled throughout the day. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, get creative, and connect with fellow craft enthusiasts!
LOCATION: Gig Shed Café, St. Mary’s
TIME: 3pm - 6pm
PRICE: £35.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: gigshedcafe@gmail.com
Wednesday 21st
ST. MARY’S MAY DAY
St. Mary’s children celebrate May Day with songs and dances.
The Isles of Scilly may have been celebrating the traditional songs and dances of May Day longer than any other place in England! Come to The Park to see and hear our joyous celebration of May, during which the May Queen is crowned. The parade will start from St. Mary’s Church Pavilion at 1pm and proceed down Church Street to The Park. There will be an hour of singing and dancing, followed by the return of the procession to the Chaplaincy Gardens. Local food and drink stalls will offer a range of refreshments after the main attraction.
LOCATION: The Park at the Strand, Hugh Town, St. Mary’s
TIME: 1pm - 3pm
PRICE: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Thursday 22nd
CANVAS AND COCKTAILS
Step into an evening of creativity with our resident artist, guiding you through a delightful painting session, where your artistic spirit can truly shine. Enjoy a light supper, thoughtfully prepared to complement your creative journey, and indulge in cocktails and other refreshing drinks available throughout the evening. It’s the perfect blend of art, food, and fun - an unforgettable night awaits!
LOCATION: Gig Shed Café, St. Mary’s
TIME: 7pm
PRICE: £40.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: gigshedcafe@gmail.com
Thursday 22nd
SIMPLE CERAMICS
In this creative workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to craft a variety of charming ceramic pieces, from simple thumb pots and slab pots to small animal figures. You’ll also explore the technique of printing plant materials onto clay, adding a unique and natural touch to your work. Since the ceramics will need to dry for several days before being fired, we may need to send your creations to you so you can decorate them at home. But don’t worry – we’ll provide clear, step-by-step instructions and guidance on how to finish your pieces beautifully. You’ll leave with a personalized masterpiece to cherish, and we’ll ensure the whole process is fun and easy from start to finish!
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, St. Mary’s
TIME: 10am - 12pm
PRICE: £50.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: oriel@taterdu.plus.com | 01720 422900
Thursday 22nd
FOLK FESTIVAL
WELCOME SESSION
Enjoy lively, informal music sessions in a welcoming and relaxed setting. Whether you’re playing solo or jamming with a group, everyone is included!
LOCATION: Lyonesse Bar at the Scillonian Club
TIME: 8pm - until late
COST: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Friday 23rd
TROUBADOUR STAGEWORKS
PRESENTS THE ODYSSEY
A musical adaptation to be enjoyed by all the family.
Penelope has ruled Ithaca for 20 years. The evening before she must choose a new husband a stranger arrives at the palace. He says he has news of Odysseus.
Returning after its successful 2023 tour, our adaptation is full of monsters and gods, interweaving music and modern dialogue with Alexander Pope’s poetical translation of this Ancient Greek epic. Classic yet accessible, this musical adaptation is an introduction to this epic tale designed to be enjoyed by all the family and, we hope, spark a curiosity in the original!
LOCATION: Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s
TIME: 6pm - 7.15pm
COST: £10.00/£5.00
HOW TO BOOK: oldtowninn-scilly.co.uk/arts
This is a ‘Culture on Scilly’ event funded by Arts Council England
Friday 23rd
DALLA (AND FRIENDS)
A celebration of Cornish Celtic Music. This is a seated event.
Dalla were key to the growing awareness of Cornish Celtic music, celebrating its unique and extraordinary treasures and encouraging evermore people to join the party!
LOCATION: The Lantern, Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s (seated concert)
TIME: 8pm
COST: £12.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: oldtowninn-scilly.co.uk/arts
Saturday 24th
ALL FOR JOLLY (AND FRIENDS)
Cornish Celtic folk punk rockers, ALL FOR JOLLY, are hitting the UK to tour their new album!
All For Jolly have been turning heads with their infectious sound that merges foot-stomping folk with a buoyant punky edge. The eclectic alternative crew have toured throughout the UK and Europe on numerous occasions, and to date, the band have graced stages at a number of prominent festivals such as: Glastonbury, Boomtown Fair, Boardmasters, Bearded Theory, Lindisfarne Festival and Festival Medieval (Germany) and now... the Festival Stage at the Old Town Inn!
LOCATION: The Festival Stage, Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s (This event will take place outside - weather permitting - mostly standing with some seating)
TIME: 8pm
COST: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: oldtowninn-scilly.co.uk/arts
Saturday 24th
LUNCHTIME SESSION
Enjoy lively, informal music sessions in a welcoming and relaxed setting. Whether you’re playing solo or jamming with a group, everyone is included!
LOCATION: The Garden, Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s
TIME: 12pm
COST: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Saturday 24th
TROUBADOUR STAGEWORKS
PRESENTS THE ODYSSEY
A musical adaptation to be enjoyed by all the family.
Penelope has ruled Ithaca for 20 years. The evening before she must choose a new husband a stranger arrives at the palace. He says he has news of Odysseus.
Returning after its successful 2023 tour, our adaptation is full of monsters and gods, interweaving music and modern dialogue with Alexander Pope’s poetical translation of this Ancient Greek epic. Classic yet accessible, this musical adaptation is an introduction to this epic tale designed to be enjoyed by all the family and, we hope, spark a curiosity in the original!
LOCATION: Valhalla, Abbey Gardens, Tresco
TIME: 3pm - 4.15pm
COST: £12.00/£6.00
HOW TO BOOK: Pay on the door
This is a ‘Culture on Scilly’ event funded by Arts Council England
Saturday 24th
ON THE WATER, IN YOUR WORDS
Draw inspiration exploring the beauty of the islands reflected into a short story writing session.
Spend the morning exploring the crystal-clear waters around the island aboard one of St Martin’s Watersports’ kayaks or paddleboards. Visit uninhabited islands, explore Bronze Age settlements, drink in the sights and sounds of nature. Find inspiration for the afternoon where you will learn how to write about your experience.
LOCATION: Par Beach, St. Martin’s. Workshop will be at the Island Hall. TIME: 11am - 4.30pm
COST: £45.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: info@stmartinswatersports.co.uk
Sunday 25th
TROUBADOUR STAGEWORKS
PRESENTS THE ODYSSEY
A musical adaptation to be enjoyed by all the family.
Penelope has ruled Ithaca for 20 years. The evening before she must choose a new husband a stranger arrives at the palace. He says he has news of Odysseus.
Returning after its successful 2023 tour, our adaptation is full of monsters and gods, interweaving music and modern dialogue with Alexander Pope’s poetical translation of this Ancient Greek epic. Classic yet accessible, this musical adaptation is an introduction to this epic tale designed to be enjoyed by all the family and, we hope, spark a curiosity in the original!
LOCATION: Seven Stones Inn, St. Martin’s
TIME: 3pm - 4.15pm
COST: DONATIONS
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
This is a ‘Culture on Scilly’ event funded by Arts Council England
Sunday 25th
NOS LOWEN WITH
SKILLYWIDDEN
Nos Lowen is Cornish social dancing and traditional music subgenre.
Nos lowens are less formal than ceilidhs, generally more trancy but also quite upbeat and energetic at times too: With a strong sense of place here in Cornwall, including some very ancient traditional Cornish elements, but also much that comes from the vibrant living tradition of nos lowen dancing that has exploded here in recent times. SKILLYWIDDEN are amongst the leading lights of the nos lowen style of Cornish Celtic dance music.
LOCATION: The Lantern, Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s
TIME: 8pm
COST: Adult £10.00, Child (under 16) £5.00
HOW TO BOOK: oldtowninn-scilly.co.uk/arts
Sunday 25th
LUNCHTIME SESSION
Enjoy lively, informal music sessions in a welcoming and relaxed setting. Whether you’re playing solo or jamming with a group, everyone is included!
LOCATION: The Garden, New Inn, Tresco
TIME: 12pm
COST: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Monday 26th
LUNCHTIME SESSION
Enjoy lively, informal music sessions in a welcoming and relaxed setting. Whether you’re playing solo or jamming with a group, everyone is included!
LOCATION: The Garden, Seven Stones Inn, St. Martin’s
TIME: 12pm
COST: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Monday 26th
BANJOVIAL
Forged on the rugged North Cornish coast, Banjovial was brought to life by friends Calum, Jamie and Tom, with the sole intention of merging time served seagoing experiences with exquisite musicianship and delivering to audiences far and wide. As the music developed, Celtic passion and a love of old time found its natural place, and out of the melting pot came an identity that blends the region’s rich maritime heritage with infectious rhythms and melodies, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and exhilarating.
LOCATION: The Lantern, Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s (seated concert)
TIME: 8pm
COST: £12.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: oldtowninn-scilly.co.uk/arts
Tuesday 27th
FAREWELL SESSION
Enjoy lively, informal music sessions in a welcoming and relaxed setting. Whether you’re playing solo or jamming with a group, everyone is included!
LOCATION: The Mermaid Inn, St. Mary’s
TIME: 12pm
COST: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Tuesday 27th
STEVE KNIGHTLEY
WINTER INTO SPRING TOUR
Folk legend and former Show of Hands frontman Steve Knightley is back with his eagerly anticipated solo tour, Winter Into Spring. Following the phenomenal success of this Autumn’s Winter Yards album and tour, this brand-new show will take Steve back to intimate, out-of-the-way venues, where he honed his craft. The ‘Winter Into Spring’ tour features songs from the critically acclaimed Winter Yards album, described as “a deeply atmospheric journey” (Spiral Earth) and “a must-have for anyone seeking unforgettable music” (Here Comes the Song). Alongside these new favourites, Knightley will revisit and reimagine some of his most iconic songs in a completely fresh performance.
LOCATION: The Lantern, Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s (seated concert)
TIME: 8pm
COST: £15.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK: oldtowninn-scilly.co.uk/arts
Wednesday 28th
ROUGH ISLAND BAND DUO
Scilly songs and tunes at Old Town Church.
Piers and Joe from the Rough Island Band will play the songs and tunes of Scilly in the stunning candlelit atmosphere of Old Town Church. The building’s intimate acoustics will provide the perfect setting for songs of the sea, local stories and island-inspired tunes. The performance will last an hour, after which everyone is encouraged to pay a quick visit to the nearby Old Town Inn for a drink to round off the evening.
LOCATION: Old Town Church, St. Mary’s
TIME: From 7pm
COST: FREE, donations welcome HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
15th - 28th May
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF MAY DAY
Museum on the Move celebration of May Day on Scilly.
Scilly Arts and Heritage is creating a Mini Museum at the front of Steamship House to celebrate 150 years of May Day on the islands. Stop by to explore our free exhibition, featuring stunning photos of May Queens and their attendants over the years. Open during Steamship Company office hours from Thursday, May 15th, to Wednesday, May 28th.
St. Mary’s
EMMA HUMPHRIES AT GARRISON LANE MAKERY
FIND OUT MORE: popplestonestudio.com
LIZZIE SLOANE
FIND OUT MORE: lizziesloanedesign.com
MADE ON SCILLY HONESTY SHOP
Church Street, St. Mary’s
PHOENIX CRAFT STUDIOS
FIND OUT MORE: facebook.com/phoenixcraftstudios or 01720 422900
SOPHIE HOOPER
FIND OUT MORE: sophiehooper.co.uk
TAMARISK GALLERY
FIND OUT MORE: tamariskscilly.co.uk
BRYHER GALLERY
FIND OUT MORE: bryhergallery.com
RICHARD PEARCE STUDIO
FIND OUT MORE: bryherartist.com
FAY PAGE
FIND OUT MORE: faypage.co.uk
Tresco
GALLERY TRESCO
FIND OUT MORE: tresco.co.uk/enjoying/ gallery-tresco
St. Agnes
ST. AGNES CHURCH
Oriel Hick’s stained glass window
Introducing our Gigs Might Fly campaign
Let’s raise £35,000 together to lift up the Klondike and celebrate Scilly’s gig-rowing history
Donate now to help us put the much-loved Klondike at the heart of our museum
