Tom Bawcock’s Eve is one of Cornwall’s most distinctive winter traditions. Held every 23 December in the fishing village of Mousehole (near Penzance), the evening celebrates the legendary fisherman Tom Bawcock, who is said to have braved a fierce winter storm to bring home a catch that saved the village from starvation.
The centrepiece is stargazy pie - a fish pie with pilchard heads poking through the pastry crust, gazing at the stars. A giant stargazy pie is paraded through the village streets from The Ship Inn, accompanied by lanterns and singing. The atmosphere in the narrow lanes and around the harbour is electric, with locals and visitors packed in for the procession.
Carol singing echoes around the harbour walls, and The Ship Inn serves stargazy pie to anyone who wants to try it. The event coincides with the Mousehole Christmas Lights display, making December visits to this corner of west Cornwall particularly rewarding.
Mousehole is about 3 miles south of Penzance. Parking is very limited - arrive early or use the bus service from Penzance.