We are so proud to have the amazing Patrick Gale as our Cultural Ambassador of the Month this May! A talented and hugely successful writer who features Cornwall in his novels, Patrick is also the chair of the North Cornwall Book Festival, and patron of Penzance Literary Festival and the Charles Causley Trust. Read on to find out his top tips and cultural secrets!
Patrick Gale/North Cornwall Book Festival, Penzance LitFest and Penzance Orchestral Society/Land’s End
I’ve regularly featured Cornwall in my novels one of which (watch this space) is now being developed into a feature film which could really celebrate Penzance. I’ve been artistic director of North Cornwall Book Festival for four years now as well as patron of Penzance LitFest both of which are great ways to show that Cornish tourism isn’t just about sandcastles. Cornwall is a powerhouse of creativity and these festivals are a great way of celebrating that. Really proud (as its secretary) and excited (as a cellist) that this July will see Penzance Orch Soc mark its 110th year by being one of 100 orchestras in the country to accompany a screening of the legendary Battle of the Somme film, to mark the battle’s centenary.
North Cornwall Book Festival always features a couple of gigs – this year we’ve got one by amazing jazz singer, Liane Carroll – and Cornwall 365 is the perfect way of selling those beyond the book community.
Being blasted out of my seat by an opera performance at the St Endellion Summer Festival or watching the sun set while swimming at Nanjizal, the last beach on the south coast, which just happens to be on our farm!
A long clifftop walk with the dogs followed by a few hours’ happily weeding in our garden (open to the public on June 25!) sustained by tea and saffron buns then a delicious fishy supper and a film at the wonderful Newlyn Filmhouse.
I think I’d like Montgomery Clift on one side and Daphne Du Maurier on the other.
I reckon St Endellion Church and St Mary’s in Penzance come first equal.
Trevescan to Porthgwarra across the fields and then back along the coast path.
Sennen Farmer’s Market is hard to beat. I’ve yet to be disappointed at The Gurnard’s Head or Ben’s Cornish Kitchen.
Tremenheere Sculpture Garden is utterly wonderful – both as garden and sculpture collection – and lays on a fine lunch too!
We have the best autumns in the country, when the sea is at its warmest and the crowds have thinned out.
Hampshire, where I grew up. I miss proper bunches of properly peppery watercress!
Patrick Gale’s website: www.galewarning.org
Follow Patrick on Twitter: @pnovelistgale
North Cornwall Book Festival: www.ncornbookfest.org
Follow them on Twitter: @ncornbookfest
Find them on Facebook: @NorthCornwallBookFestival
Penzance Literary Festival: www.pzlitfest.co.uk
Follow them on Twitter: @PenzanceLitfest
Find them on Facebook: @Penzancelitfest
Photos of Patrick Gale and Jackie Kay © Dan Hall