The Carnglaze caverns consists of three underground caves set in 6.5 acres of breath taking ancient woodland amidst the streams, waterfalls, grottos and outstanding natural beauty of the Loveny valley, St Neot, near Liskeard. Known as "The Rum Store" it has been converted into an auditorium with a seating capacity of 400. "The reason for the name was that it was commandeered by the Navy during the Second World War to store the Commonwealth's rum," explains Kaye Sutton, a local lore expert. Carnglaze, which means "blue rock pile" in Cornish, dates back over 500 million years into the past.

Entering the mouth of the caves leads you down into the spectacular depths of the main cavern, remarkable for its humbling, exquisite cathedral esque proportions. Your sense of awe beings to unfold further as by descending a stare case carved into the age-old rock, the trinity of crystal clear blue-green waters confronts you.

The subterranean lake itself has appeared in various photographs for a variety of reasons, not least of which is its outstandingly pristine natural beauty. A local bridal store hired the tranquil scene for a photo shoot and the venue is becoming increasing popular for Wedding ceremonies. Echo and the Bunnymen produced an album cover here while rowing a small boat across the icy calm waters, although somehow still managed to sink and have to swim back to shore!

Today the Rum Store is used to host gigs and other special events. The vast space stretches out over 90 meters long and is nearly 100 feet underground. It is rumoured that the first concert it ever housed was over 30 years ago, but now there is a regular string of events going on all the time. The natural acoustics of the space combined with the quality of the equipment some poor soul once had to lug down there creates an impressive naturally reverberating, full bodied sound for the talent on offer to utilise. Of course the Rum Store wouldn't be any good without living up to its name and there is also a fully licensed bar on hand

Although to date previous acts have ranged from a long list of tribute bands, playing some of yester years finest retro sounds, more traditional folk and county groups and formal choirs, there's no reason the space can't accommodate what ever the public want to see. And the owners would be inclined to agree and are always welcoming new suggestions for acts and events both public and private. The venue may be situated deep below the ground but the sky really is the limit in terms of the possibilities available!

"Local legend has it that the crown jewels were also kept in here during the war." Kaye comments. And if the caverns are good enough for royalty then they just might be good enough for something really remarkable….