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 second cavern into a living world of 25-foot-long dragons, towering giants, subterranean Knockers, an underground forest, a host of undead Bronze Age warriors and live performers protecting you along the way.
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 the presence of so many gifted and knowledgeable speakers in 2025, and we are excited to welcome even more voices to the Fête. From earth energies and ley lines, to expert insight and live eyewitness accounts of Cornish phenomena, we will also be honouring the elders of Cornwall through fireside conversations on mining heritage and surf culture, both fast becoming the next layer of folklore from this place we call home.
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.
We are crafting some truly unique droll telling experiences, with droll meaning story in Kernewek, especially for the Fête. Blending live music, circus skills, poetry and puppetry, we will bring some of our favourite Cornish folklore to life in ways rarely seen before. All performances will be family-friendly.
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 we approach the first day of November, a time once marked by the ancient people of this land as the beginning of winter and the moment when dark overtakes light, we invite you to join us for an educational and spiritual ritual to honour this turning of the year. This is not a frightening experience, but one filled with meaning, quiet magic and reflection.
Hosted by the brilliant Get Folkd Productions, we will be welcoming local bands and artists to help us dance long into the night once the Fête festivities draw to a close. With acoustics unlike anywhere else, the caverns come alive with music and energy that will leave you utterly entranced.
If you would like to express an interest in performing, please contact Get Folk'd Productions here.
Set within ancient oak woodland in the steep sided Loveny Valley on the edge of Bodmin Moor, Carnglaze Caverns offer a truly extraordinary setting for the Dark Folklore Fête. Shaped by over three centuries of hand cut mining, the site leads you deep into the hillside through three vast caverns, sixty metres below ground, where slate, stone and water tell the story of Cornwall’s industrial past. As Cornwall’s only slate mine, Carnglaze played a vital role in the region’s mining heritage, with its distinctive blue slate roofing communities far beyond the county.
During the Fête, the caverns become a place to explore, wander and immerse yourself, equipped with safety helmets and guided routes that allow you to move freely through these remarkable underground spaces. With constant cool temperatures, dramatic acoustics and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else, Carnglaze offers both wonder and comfort, alongside woodland walks and facilities above ground. There are a limited number of camper van spaces available during the festival, which must be booked directly with Carnglaze Caverns, so please contact them in advance to secure your place.
For more directions and tips on how to get here, please see below
Accessibility
Due to the historic nature of the site, some areas of the gardens and lower caverns have limited access for visitors with reduced mobility. The upper cavern, known as The Rum Store, is fully accessible, including for wheelchair users, and this is where the majority of concerts and events take place. The lower cavern offers limited access via a ramp leading to a viewing platform, while the deeper levels and underground lake are reached by a historic flight of steps with handrails. Above ground, the Terraced Gardens are partially accessible for gentle exploration, with benches throughout, while the Woodland Walk is steeper and more natural in places and is not fully accessible.
Four legged friends
Well-behaved dogs on leads, accompanied by respectful owners, are welcome at all times in the outdoor areas. Dogs are not permitted underground, except for registered, trained assistance dogs. Please be considerate, clean up after your dog, and take any waste away with you. Shaded parking spaces are available.
Makers Market notes
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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 Folklore Fête are being released in three stages, with prices increasing as the event approaches. Capacity is limited, so we recommend booking early to secure your place.
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• Early Dragon ticket: £35 until 24 February 2026
• Standard ticket: £45 from 25 February to 24 June
• Final release ticket: £55 from 25 June until the day of the Fête
Getting to Carnglaze​​
By bus
Buses from both Liskeard and Bodmin regularly travel along the A38. The nearest shopping stop is Trago Mills, although some drivers will set passengers down on request at the Valley Road junction. From there, it is a one-mile walk up Valley Road to Carnglaze.
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Please note that this is a narrow road with no footpaths and no street lighting.
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From Liskeard
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Barras Street, near the main post office
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Bus number 283 to St Neot
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For more details, call 01822 834571 or visit www.daccoaches.co.uk
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Buses run Monday to Saturday at 9.45 am, 11.35 am and 1.35 pm
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Return buses run Monday to Saturday at 10.05 am, 12.05 pm and 2.05 pm
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This service does not run in the evenings, on Sundays or on Bank Holidays
Please request to be dropped off at the Carnglaze entrance and ask the driver to confirm your pick-up time. Alternatively, there is a pleasant one-mile walk up the green lane, off-road, to the bus terminus in the village car park at St Neot if you prefer. Times and frequency vary throughout the year.
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By train
The nearest mainline stations are Liskeard, five miles away, and Bodmin Parkway, seven miles away.
Tickets and timetables can be found at www.trainline.com
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By bike
We have a secure, dry area where you can lock your bike.
Local bike hire companies include:
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Bridge Bike Hire, Wadebridge, 01208 813050
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Bike Smart, Wadebridge, 01208 814545
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Trail Bike Hire, Padstow, 01841 532594
On foot
Carnglaze Caverns is linked to the village of St Neot by a green lane following the old pack horse route. There is also a tarmac road option, and it is possible to walk from several local bed and breakfasts. Please see our accommodation page for details.
If you are walking to a concert, remember to bring a torch as there are no street lights. Reflective clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
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However you choose to travel, we look forward to welcoming you.
