A new look literary festival is a great excuse for a new look at the West Country

Cornwall’s popular Du Maurier Festival has a new name for 2013.

The Fowey Festival of Words and Music is the new name for Cornwall’s most popular festival of arts and entertainment, formerly The du Maurier Festival, Fowey. Taking place on the 8-18 May, its organisers say the ‘new image reflects the vibrancy and energy of the event, which will continue the eclectic mix of events which gives the festival its widespread appeal and makes it one of the most popular festivals of its kind in the country.’

Located in the heart of Cornwall and surrounded by great seaside and countryside landscapes, it represents a real opportunity to see some of the county’s scenery as well as lapping up its culture.

The line-up includes writer and broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, star of musical theatre Ruthie Henshall and bestselling author of the worldwide hit War Horse, Michael Morpurgo.

Talks by leading writers, performances by star names from the worlds of music and comedy, workshops, guided walks, river cruises as well a range of community events the Fowey Festival will continue the tradition of the du Maurier Festival, pleasing existing fans and enticing first time visitors to what has become a leading event in Cornwall’s cultural calendar.

Running since 1997, the festival is not forgetting its du Maurier roots and will include as many du Maurier related events as ever, reflecting the strong links between the author and town, where she spent a large part of her life, and Cornwall, which inspired many of her celebrated books.

For more information, visit the website or facebook page, or follow the festival twitter account @foweyfestival.

Focus on Fowey…

Fowey Harbour. Photo courtesy Martin Pettitt

Nestling at the mouth of the river Fowey, on the south Cornwall coast, the picture-postcard seaside town of Fowey (pronounced ‘Foy’) is very much focused on the water. It’s also a hive of cultural activity, with a packed events schedule. Here are a few examples:

From 9th to 20th May, the annual du Maurier Festival (inspired by author Daphne du Maurier, who was a Fowey resident for many years) is a mix of star names, talks, walks and community events. Amongst some of the famous names appearing in the packed programme are Sir Terry Wogan, Esther Rantzen, Julian Clary, Richard and Judy and the BBC's Trevor McDonald. Plenty of musical offerings are included, such as guitarist John Williams, 80s pop icons Nik Kershaw and crooner Georgie Fame.

A new event for 2012, the Fowey Mussel Fest (23rd June) will feature live cooking demonstrations by local chefs in a covered area of the Town Quay in the centre of Fowey. Also on offer are Champagne tasting, cream teas and live music to round off the event in style.

Fowey’s natural harbour is a haven for yachtsmen, and as a result the Fowey Royal Regatta (19th to 25th August) is regarded by many as one of the best local regattas in the country. Daily events are held on the Town Quay, and there are also carnival processions, the Red Arrows, gig racing, two firework displays and – one not to miss - the hotly contested children's crab catching competition.

With lovely long views over the estuary and village to the wooded hills beyond,

7 Park Road is an impressive semi-detached house on three levels, hugely improved and extended in recent years to provide modern comfort and style. Both back and front gardens have decking with table and chairs to take advantage of the sun and the views.  A handy pathway means you’re just 800 yards away from all the action, so this is a perfect base from which to explore all of Fowey’s events and charms. Sleeps 7.

Beam Reach is nestled in the heart of Fowey, just yards from cafés, shops, pub and quayside. This end-of-terrace fisherman’s cottage on three floors has likely 17th century origins, a nautical blue and white theme, original lumpy stone walls, half-spiral narrow stairs and oak floors, making it a really characterful place to stay. Sleeps 6.

A little further out, in nearby St Veep, Wyvell Cottage is a detached, 300-year-old cob/slate cottage with lovely long rural views. Here you have plenty of space, with a big, totally private, mostly lawned garden on three sides with table and chairs and barbecue for those long summer afternoons. Beyond the garden is a tidied barn with table tennis, and a footpath going prettily down to the river Fowey and along to Lerryn (a 4 mile round trip). Sleeps 9.

Why not browse all our holiday cottages in south Cornwall, or call us on 01647 433593 and we’ll help you find the best cottage for you and yours.