We are proud to host our second gathering of Dark Folklore enthusiasts on 26 October at The Arborist, Killiow Estate. Set within a beautiful woodland nature park just outside Truro, this remarkable venue gives us everything we need and more 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 story, craft 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 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 Folk'd 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.
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 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.
• 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 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.
