BUDE is aiming to become one of Cornwall’s cultural hubs, as more than 200 events are set to be held in the town in 2026.

With a massive increase in the number and range of arts events taking place this year in and around Bude, the town is shaping up to become the cultural capital of the north coast, with high quality literature, theatre, comedy, poetry and music events and workshops taking place at 20 different community venues across the town and beyond.

Audiences from throughout the region and beyond look set to be drawn to the town to enjoy the extensive range of cultural experiences that are on offer. Promoters including North Coast Arts, Bude Literary Festival, Spare Peg Records, Bude Library, The Castle Heritage Centre and The Parkhouse Centre are together hosting more than 200 arts events, which organisers say will support the local economy and create employment as well as inspire and delight thousands of audience members and workshop participants.

In 2026, Bude Literary Festival celebrates its fifth anniversary, set to run from May 13 to 17, with 89 literary events plus a programme of 34 free author workshops for 12 local schools, made possible by local business sponsorship and a new ‘Friends of the Festival’ scheme.

Headline authors include Nigel Planer - known for his role as Neil in popular 80’s sitcom, The Young Ones - Patrick Gale, Adele Parks, Louise Candlish, Rob Newman, John Crace, Philippa Ashley, and Andrew Wilson, with comedians Janet Street-Porter, Mark Steel, Jo Caulfield and Ed Gaughan set to make appearances.

In addition to the festival, North Coast Arts has also launched a programme of 54 live events across the year, including open air theatre, music, comedy and poetry. Headline acts include the cream of the UK’s open air theatre companies plus music from Paul Jones and Dave Kelly, Tony Christie, The Wurzels, Efford 5, Simon Patrick as Elvis, Steve Knightley, and Joey The Lips.

Organisers have said that 2026 looks to cement Bude as one of Cornwall’s cultural hubs.

Programmer and co-director of Bude Literary Festival Community-Interest Company, Richard Wolfenden-Brown said: “There seems to be a welcome step change in the provision of cultural activities in the town, which will bring multiple benefits plus creative inspiration to locals and visitors alike.

“Bude Literary Festival is proud to celebrate its fifth year and grateful to its 35 ‘Bookworm’ volunteers and to Bude Stratton Town Council for continuing to offer the festival financial and marketing support. We encourage everyone to pick up a distinctive pink programme and book some tickets today!”

"It is encouraging to witness Bude becoming such a cultural hub, with people of all ages and interests supporting the growing arts programme across a wide range of local venues and promoters.

“I have long believed that 'culture makes communities' so it is great that as the town grows and develops there is enthusiasm and support for an enhanced arts infrastructure with audiences trying out new genres and making the most of what is on offer. Long may it continue!"