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We are proud to host our second gathering of Dark Folklore enthusiasts on 20th March 2027, marking Ostara and the Spring Equinox at The Arborist, Killiow Estate. Set within a beautiful woodland nature park just outside Truro, this remarkable venue gives us everything we need to bring the Dark Cornwall Fête to life.
We have chosen to call it a Fête not just for the spirit of the event, but because the word simply felt right for a day shaped by folklore, craft, creativity and shared tradition.
We are utterly mad about the monsters and creatures of folklore. If you joined us for our experience with the National Trust, you will have a sense of what we love to create, but for the Dark Folklore Fête, we are taking it further, transforming the area into a space where you can meet some of our creatures, including our epic Morgowr, dragons and something brand new, which we are crafting right now...
Whether you want to live out your cosplay and live action role playing dreams, or simply bask in the magic of the space, this intimate and truly unique setting makes it possible. Here be dragons.
We were blessed with so many brilliant speakers and contributors in 2025, and we’re excited to welcome even more voices to the Fête in 2027. Throughout the day, you’ll be able to hear fascinating talks and conversations exploring folklore, heritage, nature and the strange, alongside hands-on workshops where you can learn new skills including foraging, mask making and model making.
We’re delighted to announce the first speakers joining us at the Dark Cornwall Fête, with many more still to be revealed, so keep checking back as the line-up grows.
If this sounds like you and you would like to host a talk at the Dark Folklore Fête, we would love to hear from you.
Throughout the day, we’ll be joined by a brilliant mix of speakers, storytellers and spoken word performers, alongside hands-on craft workshops inspired by folklore, tradition and the natural world. Bring the whole family, get involved, discover something new and spend the day with like-minded folk who share a love of stories, creativity and folklore.
Once again, we are hand curating a truly magical group of craftspeople and artists for the Makers Market. Every piece is handmade, shaped by this land, and brimming with charm and exceptional talent.
If you would like to join our Makers Market, please do get in touch. There are also further notes below.
As the Fête draws to a close, the celebrations continue with live music from local bands and artists, alongside our ceremonial Ostara bonfire, where you can add your own blessings and wishes for the coming spring. Settle in, grab a drink and join us as we dance into the evening and welcome the new season together.
If you would like to express an interest in performing, please contact Get Folk'd Productions here.
The Arborist at Killiow Estate is a unique cafe bar and music and events venue set within a beautiful nature park. Family-friendly and dog-friendly with designated covered outdoor seating and field walking areas, it offers everything we need and more to create the Dark Cornwall Fête. Alongside its welcoming indoor spaces, we will transform the estate’s vast field into a magical world of canvas tents, marquees and covered stages where you can meet our makers, enjoy live music, encounter performers and puppets, embrace cosplay or take in the woodland surroundings. At the centre of the field, a great bonfire will bring our Samhain ritual to life for all to share. The site is wheelchair-accessible, has parking for up to 150 cars, and includes a dedicated relaxation space to rest and recharge. Eco lodges on the estate provide stylish accommodation for those wishing to stay.
For more directions and tips on how to get here, please see below
Makers Market notes
The Makers Market at the Dark Folklore Fête is a hand-curated space celebrating exceptional craft, creativity and storytelling. If you would like to be part of this gathering of makers, visit this page and follow the steps.
Tickets
Tickets for the Dark Cornwall Fête are £35, giving you access to the full day of folklore, talks, performances, workshops, makers and celebrations.
Every ticket also includes a free A3 art print, with a selection of our commissioned Dark Cornwall artworks for you to choose from on the day.
Capacity is limited, so we recommend booking early to secure your place.
Getting to the Fête
By road
The Arborist at Killiow Estate is easy to reach by car, just off the A39 at Playing Place, a short drive from Truro and with excellent connections to the A30. There is on-site parking for up to 150 cars, so you can arrive and park conveniently close to the event location.
By train
The nearest mainline railway station is Truro Railway Station, served by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry services on the Cornish Main Line. Trains run regularly from across Cornwall and beyond, including direct services to Plymouth and London, and the station is the junction for the Maritime Line to Falmouth.
From the station, you can take a taxi or local bus (service 32/32A or U1) to Playing Place.
By bus
Regular local bus services run between Truro, Playing Place and Falmouth, stopping close to the venue at the Bus Shelter stop on the tree-lined drive towards Killiow Estate.
The Transport for Cornwall 32/32A service connects Falmouth – Penryn Campus – Carnon Downs – Playing Place – Truro, with frequent daily departures (including buses roughly every hour).
From Truro Bus Station, you can catch this service and alight at Playing Place, from where The Arborist is a short walk or taxi ride away.
Another option is the First Kernow U1 service between Falmouth and Truro, which also stops at Playing Place along the route.
