The one-of-a-kind Cornish Golowan Festival returns to Penzance next week

One of Cornwall’s most popular festivals is back this month to be a ‘beacon of light in difficult times’ for people. Penzance’s Golowan Festival is the seaside town’s annual community event, bringing together schools, artists, musicians and community groups.

This year’s theme – Together We Shine – will aim to celebrate all that is bright and inspiring – both past and present – ​​in the Penzance and West Cornwall community. A Golowan spokesman said: “In difficult times, with a world seemingly in turmoil, it is with joy and gratitude that in its 34th year of rebirth, we celebrate the beacon of light that is Penzance’s Golowan Festival .

“That light is reflected in our theme for 2024, ‘Together We Shine’, as we seek to celebrate all that is bright and inspiring – both past and present – in our wonderful community here in West Cornwall” .

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Stephen Reynolds, Mayor of Penzance, added: “ This year’s Golowan theme couldn’t be more fitting – celebrating the union that not only makes us shine, but also builds our resilience and community spirit in an uncertain world. The team at Golowan CIC and the countless volunteers and friends of Golowan perfectly embody that spirit of togetherness.

“I am particularly pleased that this year we are welcoming the bagad brass band from Concarneau, our twin town in Brittany, who will this year lead the Mazey Day Civic Parade – shining a light on our shared Celtic traditions and heritage.

“Golowan is a unique, unique festival that brings generations together in a celebration of who we are. I am proud and honored to participate in it again this year.”

Golowan is a whole week of events taking place across the town throughout the week, culminating in parades and music through the streets of Penzance on Mazey Day (Saturday 29 June).

The organizers said that the crowd liked favorites such as Mock Mayor, Snake Dance, fireworks, music and parades – along with the successful innovations in youth music that have been introduced in recent years, will return this year for the 34th edition of the Golowan festivities.

Here’s what to look out for

• On Sunday 23rd June at 10.30am the civic parade leaves St John’s Hall and at 9.30pm we gather at the top of Chapel Street for the Torchlight Procession.

• On Thursday 27th June from 7pm in the Golowan marquee in St Anthony’s Gardens we will be voting for this year’s Mock Mayor.

• On Friday 28th June at 10.45pm fireworks will light up Abbey Slip and Ross Bridge and at 11pm Penglaz will be summoned from his lair at The Barbican on Battery Road and lead us in The Serpent Dance.

• Saturday, June 29 is Mazey Day. Parades are at 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Marvel at the creativity of Penzance as the incredible structures pass by on Market Jew Street. There will be music, dancing, good food and stalls, and the Morrab Gardens Bunch of Bands will be in full swing.

• Sunday June 30 is Key Fair Day. Down at the ball and around the harbour, music and stalls abound. Don’t forget your dancing shoes. The community showcase will be in Morrab Gardens.

• The fair will be on the quays from Wednesday the 26th until the end of quay fair day on Sunday.

For more information and a downloadable programme, visit www.Golowanfestival.org