LostFest 2026 Lostwithiel, United Kingdom
Overview
LostFest is a vibrant, one-day community arts and music festival that transforms the historic town of Lostwithiel into a bustling hub of creativity and entertainment. Held annually in May, the event takes over the streets, riverside, and various local venues to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Cornwall. Visitors can expect a diverse array of live performances ranging from folk and blues to contemporary rock, alongside eclectic street performers, traditional Morris dancers, and a wide variety of interactive workshops.
The festival is deeply rooted in community spirit, with all proceeds traditionally supporting local charities and emergency equipment trusts. Beyond the music, the town is filled with hundreds of stalls featuring local artisans, antique dealers, and high-quality food producers. Whether you are browsing the vintage treasures in the antique quarter or enjoying a performance in the shadow of the medieval St. Bartholomew’s Church, the festival offers an immersive experience that captures the unique charm of this riverside town.
Event Highlights
- Diverse Live Music: A packed schedule of performances across multiple stages featuring everything from community choirs and Spanish guitarists to high-energy headline bands and traditional Cornish folk groups.
- Artisans and Crafts: Hundreds of independent stalls line the streets, offering handmade jewelry, local pottery, original artworks, and unique vintage finds from the town’s renowned antique dealers.
- Family Entertainment: Dedicated areas for children featuring carousels, inflatable fun on the playing fields, and engaging activities like bird-of-prey demonstrations and medieval battle reenactments.
- Gourmet Food Market: An extensive selection of local food and drink vendors serving everything from traditional Cornish pasties and cream teas to global street food like fresh paella.
Why Attend
LostFest is the perfect destination for families, music lovers, and art enthusiasts who want to experience the authentic heart of Cornwall. The festival provides a rare opportunity to explore the picturesque streets of Lostwithiel while they are closed to traffic, creating a safe and festive atmosphere for all ages. It is an ideal event for those who enjoy discovering new musical talent, as the organizers prioritize showcasing both established local favorites and emerging young performers in a stunning riverside setting.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Euro Travelo:
- Secure and easy ticket booking for concerts, festivals, theaters, and business events.
- Complete travel planning including flights, trains, and local transportation.
- Accommodation arrangements near event venues, tailored to your needs.
- Convenient local transfers, from airport pickups to private shuttles.
- On-site concierge support to help you navigate venues and schedules.
- Custom itineraries and experience packages combining multiple events, tours, and activities.
- Secure payment process, making it safe and convenient to book all services online.
- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
Additionally, attending the festival is a way to support a meaningful cause, as the event is run by volunteers to raise funds for vital community initiatives. International visitors looking for a quintessentially British festival experience will find LostFest to be a welcoming and high-energy introduction to Cornish culture. Whether you are there to dance in the streets, shop for unique crafts, or simply enjoy the riverside views with great food, the festival offers something for every type of traveler.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: Sunday, May 17th, 2026.
- Daily Schedule: Festivities typically begin at 10:00 AM and run until 6:00 PM, with live music continuing in local pubs late into the evening.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Lostwithiel, United Kingdom.
- Venue: Throughout the town center, riverside, and King George V Playing Fields.
- Google Maps Address: Fore Street, Lostwithiel, PL22 0BL, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: No physical tickets are required for entry to the main festival areas; however, visitors are encouraged to purchase a festival programme to support the event.
- Admission Type: Free Admission for all street performances and market areas.
- Ticket Pricing: The entry is $0, though a digital or physical festival programme is typically available for approximately $2 to $5.
- Price Range: Minimum $0 to Maximum $0 for general attendance.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: There are no VIP tiers, as this is a public community event, but accessible parking and seating are prioritized for Blue Badge holders near the town center.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: info@lostfest.co.uk
- Phone: +44 1208 873117 (General Town Enquiries)
- Website: https://www.lostfest.co.uk/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/pages/LOSTFEST-Official-Lostwithiel-Festival-Fan-Site/261553269511
- https://www.instagram.com/lostfest.lostwithiel
- https://twitter.com/#!/lostfest
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Newquay Airport (NQY), 25 km (~30 minutes by taxi); Bristol Airport (BRS), 200 km (~3 hours by train/car).
- Public Transport: Great Western Railway provides direct services to Lostwithiel Station from London Paddington or Penzance; extra trains are scheduled specifically for festival Sunday.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Local taxi services like KP Cabs or Andy’s Taxis are available; rides from Newquay Airport cost approximately $50 to $70.
- Parking: No parking in the town center due to road closures; a dedicated “Park and Walk” is located at Gillyflower Farm on Cott Road for approximately $5 to $10 per vehicle.
- Other Access: A shuttle minibus service (LAMA) operates between the official festival car parks and the town center from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Fowey Hall Hotel (4-star luxury, 12 km, historic manor with spa and sea views, $350-$550/night); Boconnoc House (Private estate, 5 km, exclusive accommodation in a grand historic setting, $400-$650/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Best Western Fowey Valley (3-star, 0.5 km, modern rooms with heated outdoor pool, $130-$220/night); The Royal Oak Inn (Traditional inn, 0.2 km, elegant rooms and local gastropub, $110-$180/night).
- Budget Stays: Penrose B&B (Victorian guest house, 0.3 km, cozy rooms with breakfast included, $90-$140/night); Eden Valley Holiday Park (Campsite/Lodges, 4 km, quiet rural setting for families, $60-$120/night).
Reviews
- Atmosphere was incredible and the street dancers were so energetic that the whole crowd joined in.
- The selection of local food stalls was massive and everything we tasted was absolutely delicious.
- It is a perfect day out for the kids with so many free activities and a really safe vibe.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Is there a charge to enter the festival area or watch the bands?
The festival is a free community event and there is no entry fee to access the streets, market stalls, or music stages. Visitors are simply asked to consider buying a programme or making a small donation to the event's chosen charities. This makes it one of the most accessible and affordable family days out in the Cornwall region.
Where is the best place to park if I am driving to Lostwithiel?
The town center is closed to all traffic on the day of the festival to ensure the safety of the thousands of pedestrians. Visitors should use the official festival car park at Gillyflower Farm, which is well-signed and located just off the A390. A shuttle bus runs frequently from the car park to the town center for those who prefer not to take the 20-minute walk.
Are dogs allowed to attend the festival with their owners?
Yes, the festival is a dog-friendly event and many visitors bring their pets along to enjoy the outdoor festivities. Owners are expected to keep their dogs on a lead at all times as the streets can become very crowded during peak hours. Water bowls are often provided by local shop owners and vendors throughout the town center for the comfort of the animals.
What kind of music and entertainment can I expect at the event?
The festival features a wide range of entertainment including live bands, community choirs, Spanish guitarists, and buskers. In addition to music, you will find Morris dancers, medieval battle reenactments, and street performers throughout the day. The evening usually culminates with a high-energy performance from a headline band on the main stage located in the town center.
Is the festival accessible for people with mobility issues or wheelchairs?
While the town has some historic cobbled areas, the main festival sites are located on flat ground and are generally accessible. There is dedicated Blue Badge parking available closer to the town center, though it is recommended to arrive early as spaces are limited. The shuttle bus from the main car park is also equipped to assist visitors who may have difficulty walking long distances.
