Activism and Archaeology: bones, stones and breaking the mould
-
18 Jun: Gates open at 9am
Join us for a vibrant day of art, activism, and conversation with acclaimed author and artist Jackie Morris, famed for her enchanting book, “The Lost Words”. She will provide an exclusive live painting session to complement her performance.
Start your Homecoming day aligned with nature, with an 8am invitation to a restoring yoga session held within one of Heligan’s iconic green spaces. Move slowly, breathe deeply, and let your body unwind accompanied by the breeze and birdsong.
Afterward, ease into the day with a freshly brewed coffee and a nourishing breakfast from our warm and welcoming Home Kitchen — the perfect fuel for a day shaped by connection, art and conversation.
Day Five of the Heligan Homecoming Festival unearths the powerful places where creativity, heritage, and activism meet. It’s a day to question, to reflect, and to explore how the stories buried beneath our feet and those told through art and action can spark change out there in the world.
Our headline guest is the beloved author and illustrator Jackie Morris, whose enchanting work The Lost Words has helped rekindle our connection with the natural world. Jackie will take to the stage with a live painting session, blending words, image, and performance in a way that only she can.
Joining her are a host of inspiring voices. Artist and activist John Abell brings his bold, narrative-driven work to the conversation, challenging us to see the world through a different lens. Henry Meacock, CEO of St Petrocs, Heligan’s chosen charity partner for 2025, offers a deeply human talk on homelessness, dignity and hope, grounded in lived experiences. We’ll also hear from author and archaeologist David Gibbins, whose explorations into the ancient world uncover the echoes of past lives and civilisations.
Join Rupert Isaacson, as he shares his Movement Method, a powerful nature-based method using movement, play, joy and connection to reduce stress and unlock potential.
From painting to moving, from ancient stones to bold new visions, this is a day to look closely, listen deeply, and leave feeling inspired to break the mould.

Timetable – Wednesday 18th June
8:00 - Yoga in Nature
9:00 – Gardens open to ticket holders and garden visitors
10:00 - Introduction to Movement Method with Rupert Isaacson
10:00 Home Stage / Festival Area Open
10:30 - Unveiling Heligan: A Journey Through its Stories and Secrets
11:00 - Home Stage- Henry Meacock
11:45 - Home Stage - Panel discussion and Q&A
12:45 - Home Stage - David Gibbins
13:00 - Introduction to Movement Method with Rupert Isaacson
14:00 - Unveiling Heligan: A Journey Through its Stories and Secrets
14:30 - Home Stage - John Abell
15:15 - Home Stage - Jackie Morris
16:15 - Home Stage - Panel discussion and Q&A
17:30 - Home Stage closes
Our Yoga session, walks and talks in bold are free for ticket holders. You'll be prompted to book these sessions at our checkout.