Across the country it can be a bit of a grey start to the year, so I've had a look at some of the lovely things that happen in Cornwall in the first month of 2022. As well as venturing out on the coast path on sunlit days and sipping hot chocolates in our many independent cafes, there are a range of specific events happening in Cornwall this January:
Ice Skating at The Eden Project
The ice rink at the Eden Project remains open until February this year, and also offers skating lessons which sound like so much fun and a chance to improve and develop a new skill.
You have to also purchase a general entry to Eden, so it would be worth making a whole day of it and exploring the famous biomes.
SEEN at The Exchange Gallery in Newlyn
January is a great time for indoor museum days to get out of the cold, and the Exchange has a special exhibition running until the 8th January 2022.
"Seen is co-curated by young LGBTQIA+ people from Cornwall aged between 11 – 19 working in partnership with LGBT+ charity Intercom Trust, and SHARP, Programme Producer.
Through workshops and conversation about contemporary art the young people have explored the importance of representation within art and culture and the many sides of what it means to be seen."
Admission is just £4 and free for U18's.
Hall for Cornwall Shows & Performances
Newly re-opened after refurbishment, Hall for Cornwall has a range of productions throughout January, including the pantomime Cinderella - but only until the 2nd so you'll have to be quick! Hall for Cornwall in Truro is just one of the theatres across Cornwall with performances this January. Depending where you are in the county, do also have a look at The Acorn in Penzance, Princess Pavillion and The Poly in Falmouth and The Minack at Porthcurno.
Wassail at Newquay Orchard
The Winter Wassail is a traditional event to wish blessings and good health on an orchard for the upcoming season!
The event is planned for the 8th January.
You can find out more about how the community orchard at Newquay will be celebrating on their social media pages. They are a fascinating new social enterprise on the North coast, with a big focus on community and education.
Tate St Ives Exhibitions
Cornwall's largest gallery has a range of exhibition on through January, including Modern Conversations, KEMENETH - all about community, and 'Petrit Halilaj: Very volcanic over this green feather' until the 16th January.
Some exhibitions are free and some are paid, but you can also register for a Local's Pass (for anyone resident in Cornwall, not just St Ives!) and have unlimited entry for £5 a year. There doesn't seem to be a way to do this online though, so you have to turn up with two forms of ID. Do check the details of this before you visit! The local's pass also includes entry to the Barbara Hepworth Museum.
Start A New Course or Hobby
January is a new term at many of Cornwall's education centres - Truro College, Cornwall College and Adult Education Centres all offer creative courses in the evening or at weekends. Starting something new can be a huge boost to wellbeing in the winter months, and many are available at low cost.
As well as these specific events, it's also the best time to visit many of Cornwall's museums, activity centres and gardens which are much less busy out of peak season. However, some places do close for the month of January to give staff well-deserved time off, so do check before you visit!
Please check independently before you visit any of these events as changes are still afoot and adjustments might have been made since the time of publishing.