The Low Tide Event
A unique 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. Part way across is a long sandbar, usually under 20 feet of seawater. Never ones to pass up an opportunity for a shindig, we thought: that sounds like a good spot for a party!
Shortly before low tide, our Tresco Team hop 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 experience.
The Low Tide Experience may be a race against the tide, but there is always plenty to do in such a short space of time!
As our 2021 date is a little later in the season the atmosphere may be a little different but we aim to offer the usual feast of food and drink teaming up with Bryher's Island Fish selling fresh fish, shellfish lobster burgers and chowder (the stall usually takes the form of their fishing boat, the Emerald Dawn!)
As the season is changing so will our autumnal offerings from the bar with a hot-toddy option on the menu! Please note: food and drink at the event is cash only.
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.
The October 2021 Event
The Low Tide Event has always been a celestial celebration of sea and land, so it’s rather fitting – if disappointing – that we must sadly cancel this October’s event due to the weather.
Sadly, the forecast deep Atlantic low moving through over the coming days will prevent the fishing vessels of Island Fish from taking to sea to provide the food for the event.
In addition, the forecast for the date of the event (Thursday 7th October) is showing further wind and rain – a poor combination for a mid-channel celebration!
Of course, it’s still perfectly possible to walk between Tresco and Bryher on this day, with low tide falling at 12:17 pm. You should be able to make the crossing approximately half an hour either side of this time. Most people choose to walk to Bryher and then catch the Tresco Boat Services transfer back later in the day.
We’re sorry for the disappointment caused by the cancellation of this event, but we’re already looking to 2022, when events are planned for Monday 18th April and Sunday 11th September.
When are the 2022 Low Tide Events?
In 2022, we hope to hold Low Tide Events on Easter Monday 18th April and on Sunday 11th September.
Please note that all these events are subject to weather.
