The Tresco Low Tide Event
A uniquely Scillonian experience: a truly pop-up festival, mid-channel between the islands of Tresco and Bryher...
Upcoming Dates (always subject to the great British weather!)
| Tuesday 29th April 2025 |
| Tuesday 9th September 2025 |
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 sandbars themselves! Each event varies, with different stallholders joining us for our sandbar shindig.
There are 'Sand Bars' by Tresco and Hell Bay Hotel serving refreshing drinks and locally produced island spirits, and Island Fish from Bryher dries out their boat, Emerald Dawn, right on the sandbar to serve 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 previous events, we had live music from Cornish singer/songwriter Will Keating and three man band Scuppered, 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.
Please note: dogs must be kept on leads at this event.
The Next Event: Tuesday 29th April 2025
Our next Low Tide Event of 2024 is planned for Tuesday 29th April 2025, but as usual, the event is subject to weather conditions.
The event will start at around 11:50 am but is subject to air pressure, which can impact the tidal flow and height. We recommend waiting on the beach and keeping a keen eye on the sandbar!
