The Tresco Low Tide Event
A uniquely Scillonian experience: a truly pop-up festival, mid-channel between the islands of Tresco and Bryher...
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.
What's on at The Low Tide Event?
Over the years, the event has evolved and changed, much like the sand bars themselves! Each event varies, with different stallholders joining us for our sandbar shindig.
There are 'Sand Bars' by Tresco and Hell Bay Hotel serving locally-produced island spirits, and Island Fish from Bryher dry out their boat Emerald Dawn right on the sandbar to serve up 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 our last event on Easter Monday 2022, 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.
Event Dates
Below are the dates we expect the next Low Tide Events to occur. We'll give more details about what's on at each event shortly beforehand!
We've enjoyed our final Low Tide Event for 2023; we're planning 2024 events on Tuesday 9th April and Thursday 19th September 2024.
Please note that the Low Tide Events are subject to weather conditions.
We ask that dogs be kept on leads at this event.
