The Tresco Low Tide Event

When lunar forces combine to create dramatic Spring Tides, the channel between Tresco and Bryher is dry enough to cross between the islands on foot. Partway across is a long sandbar, usually under 20 feet of seawater.

Never one to pass up an opportunity for a shindig on the sand, back in 2015 a small group of us from Tresco thought: "That looks like a good spot for a party!" The Tresco Low Tide Event was born!

Shortly before low tide, our Tresco Team hops through the shallows to set up on the sandbar as the water recedes. When the tide is low enough, people will begin making their way across from Tresco and Bryher, meeting in the middle to enjoy this totally unique Scillonian soiree on the sandbar.

After just an hour or so, when the klaxon sounds, it's time to head for dry land as the tide turns! Of course, being mid-channel gives you the option of spending the afternoon on Bryher or Tresco after the event, and Tresco Boat Services will provide a boat between Tresco and Bryher later in the day.

Over the years, the event has evolved and changed, much like the sandbars themselves! Each event varies, with different stallholders joining us for our sandbar shindig.

There are 'Sand Bars' by Tresco and Hell Bay Hotel serving refreshing drinks and locally produced island spirits, and Island Fish from Bryher dries out their boat, Emerald Dawn, right on the sandbar to serve fresh seafood treats.

At each event, we're also joined by a small and varying collection of local producers from across the islands. For example, at previous events, we had live music from Cornish singer/songwriter Will Keating, with lobster pot-making demonstrations from islander Jof Hicks, seabed explorations with the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, and food and drink stalls from SC Dogs rum, Westward Farm and Tarquins gin, cakes from Bryher Bake Box and fudge from Bryher's Veronica Farm.

Please note: dogs must be kept on leads at this event.

Our second Low Tide Event of 2024 is planned for Thursday, 19th September 2024, but as usual, the event is subject to weather conditions.

At the September event, alongside the usual Tresco Sand Bar and Island Fish, there will be live music from Scuppered playing folk, shanties and more from the Tractor Stage, as well as stalls from the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Scilly Chilli and Veronica Farm Fudge from Bryher, and SC Dogs Rum from St Martin's.

The event will start at around 11:30 am but is subject to air pressure, which can impact the tidal flow and height. We recommend waiting on the beach and keeping a keen eye on the sandbar!

If you join us for the September event, there's 10% off travel with Isles of Scilly Travel using code TASC24 (valid on travel by Scillonian III and Skybus from Land's End between 7th September and 25th September 2024) or 10% off with Penzance Helicopters using code TASTESCILLY (valid between 11th September and 23rd September 2024)