Carn to Cove, Cornwall’s rural touring scheme and performing arts programme for rural communities, is preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a quarter of a century of bringing music, theatre, dance, comedy, storytelling and family performances to village halls, schools, libraries, churches and community spaces across Cornwall.
Founded in 2001 following a successful pilot project, Carn to Cove was established with funding secured from Arts Council England and Cornwall Council by Amanda Harris and Ross Williams. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of rural touring in the South West, helping communities across Cornwall access high-quality live performance close to home.
Over the past 25 years, Carn to Cove has worked with an extensive network of volunteer promoters and partner venues, supporting local communities to choose, host and enjoy professional performances in familiar and welcoming places. Its work has also connected Cornwall to wider national rural touring initiatives, including the Rural Touring Dance Initiative, The Inn Crowd and Create Tour Connect, as well as collaborations with other South West rural touring schemes.
Carn to Cove is part of Creative Kernow, based at Krowji in Redruth. Together, they champion creativity as a force for positive change in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, supporting cultural activity that reaches people in every corner of the region.
Carn to Cove’s 25th anniversary programme, events and community celebrations will be announced in due course