A COLOURFUL line-up of cultural events to celebrate Cornish towns is in full swing this month – including samba dancing in Liskeard today (Wednesday) and a Victorian-style flea circus in Bodmin this weekend.

Hall for Cornwall has been commissioned by Cornwall Council to co-create and design the busy and varied Welcome Back Fund programme to showcase local talent and culture.

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project – supported by the Government and Cornwall Council– aims to breathe new life into our high streets and town centres, following the COVID pandemic.

Helen Tiplady, deputy creative director for Hall for Cornwall, said: “As well as helping to attract people back to the high streets, the varied programme of events, which has included everything from interactive pop-up performances to drawing lessons and street theatre, has given so many of our new artists the chance to perform in public for the first time. We are delighted to be providing this support.”

The full programme of events across the ten Cornish towns - Bodmin, Camelford, Hayle, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Mevagissey, Newquay, St Austell and Wadebridge – is available here: https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/welcome-back

Coming up in East Cornwall towns are:

- Liskeard: Samba sessions in Liskeard Hillfort Primary School today (Wednesday, March 16) plus a Community tea dance day with a swing band and shows on Saturday, March 26.

- Bodmin: Bodmin Charrette is a full day’s entertainment on Saturday (March 19), including performances by Uncle Taco’s Flea Circus. The events take place in Shire Hall and Mount Folly.

- Camelford: Take part in a Manga and Anime workshop with artist and illustrator Keith Sparrow on Saturday (March 19).

- Launceston: Skate ramp, parkour and music day on Saturday, March 26. Plymouth Parkour Team will be in the town centre performing throughout the day and offering free workshops (for ages 8+). King Ramps will be bringing along one of their mobile skate ramps for open public sessions and free skateboard workshops.

- Wadebridge: Every Saturday throughout March there will be various performances from local theatre and dance companies, plus musical walkabouts, street performers and stilt walkers.