Fire & Folk

10:00–17:00 (arrive any time)

A midsummer celebration of dancing, music, and fireside feasting with Black Friday and WAD.

book fire and folk

Each summer, as the days stretch long and possibility fills the air, we gather for Fire & Folk—our joyful August celebration blending Cornish folklore with warm South African hospitality.

On Saturday 2 August at The Story of Emily, traditions old and new unite through music, movement, and shared connection. Folk melodies float gently, dancers weave around the maypole, and the inviting aromas of woodsmoke and flame-cooked delights welcome all to join in.

Each summer, as the days stretch long and possibility fills the air, we gather for Fire & Folk—our joyful August celebration blending Cornish folklore with warm South African hospitality.

book fire and folk

If you're booked for Fire & Folk, you'll be able to visit the Rectory and War Rooms on a walk-in basis during the event. However, if you have a specific timing in mind, please book in advance as only 30 slots will be available for pre-booking in each space.

Pre-Book Rectory and War Rooms

🎶 Black Friday

Repeat Performances – 11:00-11:45 & 13:30-14:15

Taking centre stage is Black Friday, the vibrant folk band from St Germans, bringing over a decade of performance experience—from intimate Cornish pubs to the stages of Glastonbury. Their spirited set blends Cornish influences with infectious original songs and dynamic interpretations of beloved folk classics. Joyful, energetic, and irresistibly danceable, their music promises to bring the meadow stage to life.

✨ wAD

Repeat Performances – 12:15 - 13:00 & 14:45-15:30

Also performing are WAD, an all-female traditional dance troupe from Falmouth. Their bold, spirited routines draw inspiration from Cornish folklore—especially the untamed spirit of Joan the Wad, Queen of the Piskies. Every stick clash and ribbon twirl channel her fearless energy.

🏏 Alongside the performances, enjoy a touch of vintage fun with outdoor family games — perfect for all ages.

🔥 Enjoy generous plates of South African fare, slow-cooked over open flames and served with warmth and heart. Savour your meal beneath open skies, with the gentle flicker of flames adding atmosphere in the background. Raise a glass to summer, to stories, and to the joy of celebrating together.

Your Admission to Fire & Folk includes:

Fire & Folk is included at no additional cost with your valid admission to The Story of Emily. This means that if you're an Annual Pass or Neighbours Pass holder, you simply show your pass upon entry and join the festivities.

Our Restaurant will be specially catering this exclusive passholders only event, offering a one-day-only menu designed to complement the spirit of the celebration—freshly prepared, full of flavour, and served with warmth. As this is a dedicated event, our usual menu won’t be available, and complimentary guest access to the Restaurant will not apply on this day.

If you’re not yet a pass holder, you're warmly invited to join us by selecting from our standard admission options:

Day Pass: £25 per adult, £12 per child (aged 5–17), under 5s free.
Annual Pass: £35 per adult, £15 per child(aged 5–17), under 5s free.
Family Passes: See full details here

If you’re not yet a pass holder, you're warmly invited to join us by selecting from our standard admission options:

Day Pass: £25 per adult, £12 per child (aged 5–17), under 5s free.
Annual Pass: £35 per adult, £15 per child(aged 5–17), under 5s free.
Family Passes: See full details here

If you’re not yet a pass holder, you're warmly invited to join us by selecting from our standard admission options:

Day Pass: £25 per adult, £12 per child (aged 5–17), under 5s free.
Annual Pass: £35 per adult, £15 per child(aged 5–17), under 5s free.
Family Passes: See full details here

Whether you’re local or travelling in, this is an afternoon to savour — a time to dance, to gather, to connect. Come alone, come with friends, come curious. Let the music move you, the flames warm you, and the stories stay with you.

Spaces are limited. Book your place today, and be part of the dance.