Golowan Festival 2024 – Cornwall’s Rewind Radio

How will you shine for Golowan? Fatel wrewgh golowi rag Golowan?

In difficult times, with a world seemingly in turmoil, with joy and gratitude, in its 34th year of rebirth, we celebrate the beacon of light that is Penzance’s Golowan Festival.

This 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.

For more than thirty years, Golowan has brought together all sectors and all ages of our community in a joyous celebration of midsummer madness, music and mayhem, including the fantastic visuals lovingly and skillfully created by local artists, students and community groups marching down Market Jew. Mazey Day Street.

“This year’s Golowan theme couldn’t be more fitting – celebrating the togetherness 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 welcome the bagad brass band from Concarneau, our twin town in Brittany, who will lead the Mazey Day Civic Parade this year – 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.” Stephen Reynolds – Mayor of Penzance

All your old favorites are here – Mock Primary, Snake Dance, fireworks, music and parades – along with the successful youth music innovations we’ve introduced in recent years.

Tradition and innovation will always be key to Golowan as we grow and shine together.

On Sunday, June 23, at 10.30 a.m., the civic parade leaves St. John’s Hall, and at 9.30 p.m. we gather at the top of Chapel Street for the Torchlight Procession.

Thursday, June 27, from 7 p.m., in the Golowan marquee in the gardens of St. Anthony, we’re going to vote for this year’s mock primary. Who will stay? What will they represent?!

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. Grab someone’s hand and hold them tight!

Saturday, June 29th is Mazey Day! Get your shiny shoes and shine and come shine with us. 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’s music, dancing, good food and stalls and the Morrab Gardens Bandstand will be in full swing.

Sunday, June 30 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. Can you shine one more day?!

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

We’re keeping things sustainable with our reusable cups and please travel by train, book your tickets at www.GWR.com – our official travel partners.

And don’t forget to donate to the Golowan buckets. These donations go directly to the infrastructure of the festival and ensure that it survives for another year. If we all put the price of a pasta each…

All the efforts of this Golowan People’s Army would of course be incredibly difficult without the continued support of our main partner Penzance Town Council along with the Arts Council of England, FEAST, Penzance BID, Sustainable Penzance and our sponsors and partners – a huge thank you, everyone!

All information and a downloadable program can be found at www.Golowanfestival.org

Photo credit: Cam de spots