Celebrating Autumn Tide
Join us in celebrating the shift in the seasons with our first ever Autumn Tide Festival - the perfect way to mark the end of summer and ease into winter...
Autumn Tide Festival is a week long event aimed at celebrating the rich food, art and cultural heritage we have here on the Isles of Scilly. At the forefront, will be locals with long - if not lifelong- ties to the island who are passionate about keeping the island spirit alive.
Join us for garden tours, strolls along the sand bar and alfresco food in the autumn sunshine. There is something for everyone this October - find out more here.
Autumn Tide Festival
Before you learn about some of the practitioners below, browse the event page and book your events
Find out more
Learn about the people involved in making our festival come to life
All passionate about the Isles of Scilly and all determined to share their island knowledge, find out about our event leaders below...
Andrew Lawson
Head Gardener of Tresco Abbey Garden Andrew Lawson has worked on Tresco for 40 years and there is no better person to talk you through the plant species that thrive in October as well as the history of the garden.
Island Fish
The family run Bryher business will be on the sand bar to serve up their latest catch as well as their oldest family recipes.
Eleanor Dorrien-Smith
Eleanor Dorrien-Smith worked as a fashion and textile designer for over a decade and her creative work has continually been inspired by the Isles of Scilly. Building on her love of drawing and colour, in 2021 Eleanor held her first exhibition of a collection of charcoal drawings and has been painting and exhibiting ever since
Jilly Halliday
Tresco beekeeper Jilly is passionate about the honey bee and it's future on Scilly. She has worked with scientists alongside the community to engage Scillonians in protecting the bee and eventually ringfencing the islands, and will be on hand to talk about her latest projects
Scary Little Girls in partnership with St Mary's Museum
Scary Little Girls’ Artistic Director Rebecca Mordan and Lydia Bassett, Director of the Isles of Scilly Cultural Centre and Museum will be sharing 'No Woman is an Island' - a project using interviews with Scillonian women to portray island life
Ella Mclachlan
Founder of seaweed skincare brand Phoenix and Providence Ella knows her fair share about seaweed, its properties and its history. An islander living on St Martin's, she is passionate about this local product and what it can do
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust - represented by Jay Cowen - will be on hand to talk about the wildlife that can be found on Tresco and what makes our environment different to that of the other islands
Fiona Hufton
Tresco local Fiona has been making pots on the island for several years and will be opening up her studio to talk about her process and the inspiration she finds on the islands
Katalin Borbely
Katalin is our resident yogi and sea swimming enthusiast and would love to share the sea with you throughout the festival. Join her for a rejuvenating autumnal dip!
Kate Hale
Local researcher Kate holds a wealth of knowledge on the islands and the secrets that lie under the sea. Her shipwreck talks will reveal tragic and heroic island tales that you will never forget
Emma Bagnall-Oakeley
Islander Emma is passionate about keeping Tresco beautiful but she is also a lover of art. Combining her passions, she turns trash into treasure so you can join her for a beach clean and a craft!
Liam, Jamie and The New Inn team
The New Inn grill is being fired up for alfresco dining this October so join head chef Liam and his team for local delicacies and autumnal treats
Marco Amura
Founder of St Ives Brewery Marco will be at The New Inn throughout the festival to introduce to his Cornish beers and talk you through the beer making process
Our islanders
Some of our islanders and long-standing Tresco residents will be on hand to tell a yarn about Tresco old and new. Henry Birch and others will be at The New Inn to talk through the portraits that adorn the walls
Westward Farm
The St Agnes gin distillers will be at our meet the sellers event to talk about their island product, process and history
Jof Hicks
Withy lobster pot maker Jof who hails from St Agnes, will be around to talk through his unique sustainable pots and his view for the future of fishing
SC Dogs
Join rum distiller Andrew to learn about his process and evolution over the years. A St Martin's local, he will have a range of products for you to sample at the meet the sellers event
Veronica Farm
Join Issy from Veronica Farm on Bryher to learn about their family fudge making business and their island processes
Troytown Farm
The team from Troytown farm on St Agnes will be at our meet the sellers event to talk through their ice cream and their history
St Martin's vineyard
Holly and James from St Martin's Vineyard will be sharing some of their tips and tricks for creating beautiful brews and beverages with beer, wine and cider to try
Tresco & Bryher Gig Club
The local gig crews will be around to get you out in one of our historic island gigs for a row around New Grimsby harbour. An amazing experience and a chance to better understand the Scillonian national sport!
Agnes Chapman Wills
Tresco local Agnes is going to share her love of lino cutting and print making. Spend a couple of hours carving and inking and leave with your favourite scenes in print form
Graham and Ruth Eggins
Having just taken on the challenge of reinvigorating our island farm, Graham and Ruth are keen to talk through their plans for a more self-sufficient Tresco
Alasdair Moore
Head of Estate & Gardens Al will be uncovering the secrets behind some of the plants in Tresco Abbey Garden - their hidden properties and unexpected delights
Will Wagstaff
Will will be jumping aboard the Firethorn to showcase Tresco from sea with a 360 tour. Join him to learn about the history of the island but also the wildlife that thrives here
Kate Lawson
Abbey kitchen gardener Kate will be around this October to share the beauty of the domestic gardening space and help you put together a beautiful bouquet to take away with you
Rachel Greenlaw
St Mary's based novelist Rachel will be relaying tells of her writing processes and inspiration over tea and cake. Don't miss out on a chance to hear her talk about her books
