The Low Tide Event

For a few extraordinary hours, the sea between Bryher and Tresco disappears – and right in the middle, we throw a party.

Saturday 12th September 2026

The Low Tide Event is one of those occasions that could only really happen on Scilly.

On the lowest spring tides, the water retreats from the channel between Bryher and Tresco to reveal a broad sweep of sand and seabed usually hidden beneath the sea. Islanders and visitors make their way out from both shores, meeting somewhere in the middle for food, drink, music and a wonderfully unusual island gathering.

For just a couple of hours, this normally submerged landscape becomes the venue. Then the klaxon sounds, everyone makes their way back to dry land and the tide quietly takes it all back again.

Food, Drink & Island Life

At the heart of the event is a changing collection of pop-ups from Bryher, Tresco and across Scilly.

The Hell Bay Hotel and Tresco teams set up temporary Sand Bars serving G&T, beers and more, while Island Fish brings Emerald Dawn right onto the sand to serve seafood just a stone’s throw from the water.

Around them, you’ll find a changing mix of island food and drink producers, music and entertainment. No two Low Tide Events are ever quite the same – which is very much part of their charm.

From Bryher to the Sandbar

One of the joys of staying on Bryher is that getting to the event requires no boat at all.

As the tide falls, make your way down towards the channel and join islanders and visitors walking out across the newly exposed seabed towards the gathering between Bryher and Tresco.

Low water on Saturday 12th September is at approximately 12.30pm. Exact walking times will depend on the tide, weather and conditions on the day. Please take care, and if you’re getting more than your knees wet, you might want to check you’re on the right route (and not walking too soon!)

You can return to Bryher after the event, or continue walking all the way across to Tresco and spend a little time there before catching a boat home later in the day.

A Few Things to Know

The event is always subject to weather, tide and local conditions.

Wear suitable footwear for walking across wet sand, seaweed and uneven seabed, and expect to get your feet wet.

Please listen for the klaxon, which signals that it is time to leave the sandbar as the tide begins to return.

Dogs are very welcome but must be kept on leads during the event.

Photography and filming may take place for publicity purposes.

Future Low Tide Events

Monday 22nd March 2027
Low water 10.57am – 0.4m
Part of the Festival of Wellness

Thursday 2nd September 2027
Low water 12.51pm – 0.3m