Experience Bodmin

Our team has been working in partnership with IntoBodmin to bring new life to a previously vacant shop unit at 79 Fore Street (next to McAuley’s Barber Shop) on Bodmin High Street, marking an exciting milestone in our mission to revitalise the town centre.

The space has already been successfully activated, launching with a vibrant art exhibition featuring a community-led collective of talented local makers and artists who came together through the Bodmin Art Circle initiative.

Coordinated by artist Aimiee Swatton, Bodmin Art Circle was created as a welcoming space where people can simply enjoy making art—free from pressure or expectation. The group offers a friendly and supportive environment where individuals can connect with others, build confidence, and develop their artistic skills while strengthening community ties.

Running until 28 June and open every day from 10am to 2pm, the exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the creativity on display. Guests can enjoy the artwork or purchase beautiful, unique pieces—all locally made and affordably priced. With artists staffing the shop on a weekly rota, visitors also have the opportunity to meet them, learn more about their work, and hear about their connection to Bodmin.

Following the exhibition, the space will be reimagined as a working studio for professional artist Emma Digerud-White.

Over the coming months, it will continue to evolve into a dynamic, community-focused hub—showcasing Bodmin’s identity through creative displays, hosting inclusive activities, and testing new ideas to support high street regeneration. Take a virtual tour of the shop.

By bringing fresh energy and meaningful experiences into the town centre, Experience Bodmin aims to increase footfall, strengthen community connections, and play an active role in the town’s ongoing regeneration. Other recent initiatives supporting this goal include the launch of the More To Bodmin campaign and the Murals of Bodmin trail.

Photos: Emma Digerud-White (bottom left) - Open Circle Youth Forum (top right)

Powered and supported by our team, the session was organised by Access Cornwall in partnership with organisations including Cornwall Mobility, iSight Cornwall and Equally ABLED, inviting decision-makers to step directly into the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Participants took on everyday journeys through the town centre—routes many of us take for granted. Yet when approached in a wheelchair or with restricted vision, those same journeys quickly became far more challenging. Cornwall Council leader Cllr Leigh Frost travelled a short 0.3-mile stretch along Fore Street—something that would normally take just a few minutes. However, the experience revealed how navigating Bodmin can feel more like negotiating a maze when accessibility is limited. And when an unexpected downpour set in, the reality of those challenges became even more apparent.

While tools like wheelchairs and impairment goggles provided a glimpse into accessibility barriers, organisers were clear: nothing can fully replicate the real, daily experiences of disabled residents. Still, even this brief insight proved eye-opening. Councillors described feelings ranging from frustration to fatigue and even anxiety—emotions many people with mobility or vision impairments encounter regularly. The goal wasn’t to “replicate” disability, but to build empathy, awareness, and urgency for change.

Leadership Backed by Lived Experience

The day was supported by Deputy Mayor Cllr Peter Skea and Cornwall Councillor Steven Webb, both wheelchair users and strong advocates for accessibility. For them, this wasn’t just an exercise—it was a chance for colleagues to experience first-hand the barriers they navigate every day. Their message was simple: understanding leads to better decisions.

Building a More Accessible Bodmin

According to Access Cornwall Director Viki Carpenter, there is strong momentum behind efforts to make Bodmin more inclusive, with accessibility now a clear priority for the town council.

This work forms part of the wider Experience Bodmin project—an initiative led by Cornwall Council to position the town as a vibrant, year-round destination. Through events like this, alongside free accessibility training for local businesses, the project is shining a spotlight on the need for greater inclusivity and helping to ensure Bodmin works for everyone—residents, visitors and businesses alike.

Planing a visit? Check out More To Bodmin Website

Photos: Bodmin Mayor and local councillors engaging throughout the day (top right and bottom right)

Bodmin is gearing up to welcome back one of Cornwall’s most treasured traditions, as the Bodmin Riding & Heritage Festival returns next month – bringing with it centuries of history, colour, and community spirit. Taking place over the first weekend in July (Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th in 2026), the festival promises a lively mix of heritage, performance, and family-friendly fun, continuing a legacy that stretches back hundreds of years.

Bodmin Riding is widely regarded as one of Cornwall’s oldest living traditions, with the earliest written reference dating back to 1469—though even then it was already described as an established custom, suggesting much older origins. At the heart of the festival lies a powerful piece of local history: the story of St Petroc, Bodmin’s patron saint. In 1177, his relics were stolen and taken to Brittany, only to be recovered and triumphantly returned. Today, the symbolic procession of St Petroc’s casket remains a central and moving element of the celebrations.

What to Expect in 2026

The festival weekend begins on Friday evening, bringing people together for a shared feast with local food, live music, and the traditional ‘Riding Ale’—a chance to gather and celebrate ahead of the main event.

On Saturday, Bodmin town centre transforms as roads close and the streets fill with life:

- A grand procession led by Bodmin Town Band

- Children performing the traditional Furry Dance

- Medieval costumes, bringing history vividly to life

- Craft stalls, local traders, and artisan displays

- Historical re-enactments and interactive experiences

- Live entertainment and activities for all ages

Visitors are encouraged to dress up and get involved, helping to create a festive atmosphere that feels both historic and joyfully contemporary.

As the streets once again fill with music, colour, and centuries-old tradition, Bodmin invites residents and visitors to come together and celebrate its unique heritage.

Find out more

Photos: Kindly provided by Bodmin Camera Club from the 2019 festival -Roy Reynolds (top right) -Peter Hicks (bottom left)

We’re delighted to share the launch of the More to Bodmin blog – a new space dedicated to exploring the people, places and stories that make Bodmin such a distinctive and welcoming town. The blog brings together features, insights and updates that shine a light on what makes Bodmin special. From local creativity and culture to heritage, landscape, community life and new developments, each post offers a deeper look at the town and the experiences it has to offer. Whether you live in Bodmin, work locally, run a business, or are planning a visit, the blog is designed to help you discover more – more stories, more connections and more reasons to feel proud of this place.

What you’ll find on the blog

Stories from local people, organisations and businesses

Highlights of events, projects and initiatives in and around Bodmin

Reflections on the town’s heritage, culture and natural environment

Ideas and inspiration for exploring Bodmin in new ways

The blog forms part of the wider More to Bodmin initiative, which aims to celebrate the town’s strengths, challenge outdated perceptions and encourage people to look a little closer at everything Bodmin has to offer.

Explore the blog

You can read the latest posts and explore past articles on the More to Bodmin website:

👉 https://moretobodmin.co.uk/blog/

We invite you to take a look, share posts that resonate with you, and join the conversation about what makes Bodmin a place full of stories worth telling.

We have partnered with Access Cornwall to offer free Disability Awareness Training for businesses and organisations in and around Bodmin.The training is designed to help local businesses and community organisations become more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for disabled customers, visitors and colleagues.

Why inclusion benefits your business

Becoming more inclusive helps businesses to access the Purple Pound by making it easier for disabled people to shop locally, visit venues, and recommend services to others. Inclusive businesses are more likely to:

- Attract new customers and retain existing ones

- Increase repeat visits and customer loyalty

- Receive positive reviews and recommendations

- Strengthen their reputation as welcoming and community‑focused

- Support local economic growth while meeting social responsibilities

Accessibility improvements often benefit many other customers too, including older people, families with pushchairs, and people with temporary injuries.

What the training covers

The CPD‑accredited session provides practical guidance to help participants:

- improve confidence when supporting disabled customers and colleagues

- Understand and reduce barriers in customer‑facing and workplace environments

- Create a more welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone

- Strengthen your business by reaching a wider customer base

The training is suitable for shops, cafés, hospitality venues, offices, attractions, and community organisations in and around Bodmin.

Training dates and formats

Two delivery options are available:

Online (Zoom)

📅 Tuesday 9 June

⏰ 12:00pm

🕒 Approx. 1–1.5 hours

Face to face

📅 Thursday 11 June

⏰ 10:30am

📍 The Old Library, Bodmin

🕒 Approx. 1.5–2 hours

Both sessions are free to attend and cover the same core content.

Book your place

Places are limited and booking is essential.

👉 Book online

📞 Call: 01326 350805

✉️ Email: hello@accesscornwall.org.uk

By taking part, you’ll be helping to make Bodmin a more accessible and inclusive place for everyone.

When Experience Bodmin began, residents told us they wanted to see more colour and creativity brought into the town centre. In response, we worked closely with talented artists, local landlords, Cornwall Council and Bodmin Town Council to deliver mural artworks that everyone can enjoy.

We’re delighted to mark the completion of the first stage of an exciting new public art programme in Bodmin, with three large‑scale murals now unveiled across the town. Drawing on Bodmin’s heritage and creative energy, the artworks celebrate local identity while adding colour, character and a renewed sense of place to key locations.

Together, the murals create new visual landmarks, transforming everyday spaces into engaging points of interest for residents and visitors alike.

At Dennison Road Car Park (Stillmoor Surgery), Cornwall‑based street artist Koe One has created a striking, photo‑realistic mural depicting wildlife found across Cornwall. Rich in detail and atmosphere, the artwork reflects the natural environment that surrounds Bodmin while adding a vibrant splash of colour to the space.

On Crockwell Street, at the Cornwall Hospice building, artist Claire Prouvost has delivered a bold, cubist‑inspired mural that references the site’s Art Deco cinema heritage. The dynamic design brings contemporary energy to the street while honouring the building’s cultural history and its place within the town.

As the murals appear throughout the town, they invite people to pause, look again and experience familiar streets in a new way. The artworks form part of a wider creative programme using public art to enrich Bodmin’s streetscape and strengthen its sense of place.

This work was made possible thanks to Cornwall Council’s Town Centre Revitalisation Fund.

Look out for the artworks as you explore the town over the coming weeks — and watch this space for what’s still to come.

Bodmin is a town full of stories, skills and surprises. From independent shops and cafés to cultural venues, attractions, services and events, there is far more happening here than many people realise.

The More to Bodmin campaign and website has been launched to change how the town is seen — locally and beyond — by collectively celebrating what Bodmin already does well. Customer‑facing businesses in the local area (PL31 and PL30) have a vital role to play.

Why does your business matter?

People often form their impression of a town through its businesses. Shop windows, cafés, hospitality venues, studios, attractions and service providers are the everyday touchpoints that shape how Bodmin feels.

When visitors and residents see businesses proudly associated with a shared message — that there is more to Bodmin — it builds confidence, curiosity and pride. It helps challenge outdated perceptions and encourages people to explore further, stay longer and support locally.

Getting involved is simple

You don’t need to overhaul your branding, redesign your website or follow strict rules. More to Bodmin is designed to be flexible, practical and inclusive.

Here are a few easy ways to take part:

1) Make the campaign visible

One of the simplest ways to show your support is by displaying campaign materials in your physical space.

2) Add More to Bodmin online

You can also show your involvement digitally.

You can choose to co‑brand (your logo alongside the campaign) or simply use the logo as an association mark. Either approach is welcome.

3) Start using the language

You don’t need to copy campaign wording word‑for‑word. Instead, you can weave the idea of “More to…” into your existing marketing in a way that feels natural to you.

For example: More to explore, More to eat and drink, More creativity, More heritage, More community

4) Talk about why you’re involved

You might mention More to Bodmin in:

• Social media posts
• Email newsletters
• Blog posts
• Event promotions
• Printed brochures

Tell people why Bodmin matters to you, what you love about working here, or what makes your offer part of the town’s wider story. Using the hashtag #MoreToBodmin helps link everything together.

More to Bodmin marketing toolkit has been developed to make participation even easier. It includes ready‑written social posts, downloadable posters, simple templates, imagery and guidance for co‑branding alongside your existing look and feel.

You can use as much or as little as you want. The campaign is designed to support you — not restrict you.

Together, those small, consistent actions will build something far bigger than any one business could do alone.

TIMEPIECE: Tempus Fugitives! -The Crew

Several of vibrant cultural, creative and community events have recently taken place in and around Bodmin, some supported through Experience Bodmin’s Events Grant scheme. Designed to boost footfall and local livelihoods while showcasing the town’s creativity, history and independent spirit, the programme aims to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the town during a traditionally quieter time of year. By investing in live music, illuminated arts, outdoor activities and creative workshops, Experience Bodmin has helped animate the town centre, attract new audiences and offer fresh reasons to visit, stay longer and discover more of what the area has to offer.

TIMEPIECE: Tempus Fugitives! – An Illuminated Journey Through Time

- Bodmin town centre came alive on the Spring Equinox with TIMEPIECE: Tempus Fugitives!, an immersive, free, roving arts event that invited audiences to step into a playful world of time travel. Taking place across multiple town‑centre locations, this experimental performance blended storytelling, light and local heritage into a sequence of short pop‑up moments, all linked by an illuminated trail and guided map. Participants followed the “Tempus Fugitives” - accidental time travellers lost in Old Bodmin — uncovering clues and discovering famous and lesser‑known characters from the town’s past along the way. Delivered by a small team of local artists and performers, the event offered a fresh and imaginative way to experience Bodmin’s relationship with time, history and place, while encouraging people to explore the town on foot and see familiar spaces in a new light.

Battle of the Bands– A Soundtrack to Spring in Bodmin

- Live music was firmly in the spotlight with Battle of the Bands Bodmin, a multi‑round competition hosted at The Beat. Held across four dates — 25 January, 1 February, 8 February and the grand finale on 22 March - the event brought together 21 bands from Bodmin, across Cornwall and even further afield. Over the course of the competition, around 360 audience members attended in person, with many more reached through radio broadcasts and online promotion. Spanning genres from grunge and spoken word to acoustic and easy listening, the event created an energetic and inclusive atmosphere where musicians could connect, collaborate and share their stories. Beyond the music, Battle of the Bands had a strong community focus, helping to raise awareness of mental health through performances and personal journeys shared by participating artists. The success of the event - both creatively and socially - has laid strong foundations for future live music activity in Bodmin and reinforced the town’s growing reputation as a hub for grassroots talent.

Cotton Wood Easter Downhill Race - part of Cornwall Bicycle Project special events programme

- Outdoor adventure was also high on the agenda, thanks to The Cornwall Bicycle Project’s special events programme, which continues to provide inclusive and accessible cycling opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Recent and upcoming activities near Bodmin have included friendly, entry‑level downhill races at Cotton Wood near Nanstallon, alongside family‑focused and adaptive cycling sessions designed to build confidence and encourage participation. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability and enjoyment, these events support healthier lifestyles while helping people connect with Cornwall’s outdoor spaces. By combining sport, community engagement and environmental awareness, The Cornwall Bicycle Project is creating welcoming pathways for more people to get active and explore the landscape around them.

Bodmin Gallery Heritage Workshops

- Creativity took a more hands‑on form at Bodmin Gallery with a series of workshops exploring the town's history and heritage. From silver jewellery to felting, calligraphy and willow weaving, participants have been able to develop new creative skills. The grant has funded equipment that have been used in 10 workshops so far with many more planned and to come in future months. Make sure to check out their programme and book yourself into a creative workshop to learn something new.

St Petroc's Heritage Adventures

-Bodmin Way recently invited families and visitors to explore one of Bodmin’s most important historic spaces in a fun and engaging way. Through interactive storytelling, creative activities and guided discovery, the event brought the history of St Petroc’s Church to life, encouraging people of all ages to connect with local heritage in an accessible and playful setting. It offered a fresh way to experience the building, while inspiring curiosity about Bodmin’s past.

The Shadow Lounge Brings Town Untold Stories to Life

The Shadow Lounge recently transformed St Petroc’s Church in Bodmin into an atmospheric, multi‑sensory experience, offering audiences a unique way to engage with heritage, storytelling and place. This immersive promenade event combined shifting light, shadow, sound and spoken word to re‑imagine local myths and untold stories within the historic setting of Cornwall’s largest parish church. Guided through a series of evocative installations, visitors experienced the building in a completely new way, as architecture, imagination and performance came together to create moments of surprise, reflection and connection. The event showcased how historic spaces can be activated through contemporary creative practice, drawing in new audiences and encouraging people to see familiar landmarks afresh.

A Town Full of Ideas and Energy

Together, these events reflect the breadth of activity happening in and around Bodmin - from large‑scale, town‑wide arts experiences to intimate creative workshops, from live music to outdoor adventure. Each one plays a part in building a vibrant, connected community and reinforcing Bodmin as a place where culture, creativity and participation are thriving.

And there’s more to come, so watch this space!

Nicola Bealing's Hanging Baskets at Bodmin Railway General Station

When Flamm, Cornwall’s contemporary visual arts festival, arrived in Bodmin at the end of February, it did far more than bring exhibitions and installations to town. For one vibrant weekend, it reshaped how Bodmin was seen – by visitors, by national media, and, perhaps most importantly, by its own community.

Writing in The Guardian, Steven Morris described Flamm as an “eclectic festival” bringing high‑quality contemporary art to a town often bypassed by tourists on their way to Cornwall’s coast. The article highlighted how Bodmin’s most characteristic buildings and public spaces were reimagined as places of creativity and encounter – from sound installations on station platforms to sculptural works inspired by Bodmin Jail’s folklore and the archives of Bodmin Keep.

But behind the headlines was a deeper impact: Flamm helped Bodmin see itself differently.

A Town Alive With Creative Energy

Delivered across 15 venues, Flamm 2026 featured 28 free exhibitions, installations and events, making contemporary art accessible to all and embedding it directly into the everyday life of the town. Historic landmarks such as Bodmin Jail, Bodmin Keep, St Petroc’s Church and Bodmin Railway became cultural stages, while shops, pop‑up spaces and community venues welcomed new audiences.

Over the festival weekend, more than 3,100 visits were recorded across Flamm activity sites, with Discovering42, IntoBodmin and Bodmin Keep among the busiest locations. Crucially, many attendees moved organically between multiple venues, exploring areas of the town they might not usually visit.

Flamm’s reach extended well beyond the weekend itself. The festival website attracted over 6,000 new users and more than 23,000 page views, while social media activity reached tens of thousands across Instagram and Facebook, amplifying Bodmin’s cultural story far beyond Cornwall.

Local Stories, National Attention

A defining strength of Flamm was its grounding in local narratives. Artists worked closely with Bodmin’s collections, histories and communities – from reinterpreting objects held in Bodmin Keep’s archives to drawing on legends associated with Bodmin Jail, railway workers and the town’s watery past.

This approach resonated nationally. The Guardian coverage explicitly framed Bodmin as “unsung” rather than lacking, positioning art and culture as catalysts for pride, wellbeing and renewed confidence in place.

Bodmin Speaks, Bodmin Open Circle at The Pop Up

Building a Legacy, Not Just a Moment

Flamm 2026 was never intended as a one‑off spectacle. Conceived and delivered by Creative Kernow and its network of creatives, with the support of the Experience Bodmin team and local partners, the festival forms part of a wider, long‑term vision for Bodmin.

That vision is now taking clearer shape through Captain Culture – Bodmin’s emerging narrative and bid framework for UK Town of Culture 2028. Captain Culture positions creativity not as an “add‑on”, but as a foundational tool for regeneration, participation and confidence‑building across the town.

Flamm demonstrated this in practice:

- Empty or overlooked spaces animated with people and ideas

- Young people and local communities collaborating directly with artists

- Increased footfall supporting local businesses and venues

- A strengthened sense of pride in Bodmin’s identity and potential

These are exactly the conditions Captain Culture seeks to grow – showing that culture in Bodmin is already happening, and that with sustained investment, its impact can multiply.

Looking Ahead

The legacy of Flamm 2026 is visible in new partnerships, renewed confidence and a growing recognition of Bodmin as a place of creative ambition. It showed that when contemporary art meets local story – and when culture is made open, welcoming and embedded – change feels possible.

Flamm lit the spark. What happens next is about keeping that flame alive.

We’re delighted to announce the launch of our brand‑new website, www.moretobodmin.co.uk - a one‑stop hub designed to help you discover everything Bodmin has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for what’s on, planning a day out, or simply want to explore your town in new ways, More to Bodmin brings it all together in one easy‑to‑use place. From upcoming events and activities to local places to visit, scenic trails, and things to do in and around town, the website is your go‑to guide for staying connected and inspired.

More to Bodmin also celebrates Bodmin’s rich heritage, sharing stories that highlight the town’s history while shining a spotlight on the warm, welcoming community that makes it such a special place to live and visit. It’s a platform created for residents, visitors, families, creatives, and anyone curious to explore more.

We encourage everyone to take a look, bookmark the site, and check back regularly - new events, discoveries, and opportunities will be added all the time. With More to Bodmin, you’ll never miss out on what’s happening in your town again.

Start exploring today and discover just how much there is to love about Bodmin.