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

Olivier Vergnault

21 June 2024 at 10:02 am·3-min read

Golowan festival is returning to Penzance for the 34th time this month — -Credit: (Image: Cam de pete)

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

This year's theme - Together We Shine - will aim to celebrate all that is brilliant and inspirational – both past and present – in the community of Penzance and West Cornwall. A spokesperson for Golowan said: "In difficult times, with a world seemingly in turmoil, it is with joy and gratitude that, in the 34th year of its revival, we celebrate the beacon of light that is the Golowan Festival in Penzance.

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

Stephen Reynolds, the mayor of Penzance, added: " This year’s Golowan theme could not 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, embody that spirit of togetherness perfectly.

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

"Golowan is a unique, one-of-a-kind festival that brings the generations together in a celebration of who we are. I am proud and honoured to part of it again this year.”

Golowan is a whole week of events taking place throughout the town over the week and concluding with parades and music through the streets of Penzance on Mazey Day (Saturday June 29).

Organisers said the crowd pleasing favourites such as Mock Mayor, the Serpent Dance, the Fireworks, music and parades – together with the successful Youth Music innovations that was introduced in recent years, will be back again this year for the 34th edition of the Golowan festivities.

Here's what to look out for

Sunday June 23 at 10.30am sees the Civic parade leave from St John’s Hall and at 9.30pm we gather at the top of Chapel Street for the Torchlit Procession.
Thursday June 27 from 7pm in the Golowan marquee in St Anthony’s Gardens, we will vote for this year’s Mock Mayor.
Friday June 28 at 10.45pm, the fireworks will illuminate Abbey Slip and Ross Bridge and at 11pm Penglaz will be called 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 10am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Amaze at the creativity of Penzance as the incredible structures pass down Market Jew Street. There will be music, dancing, good food and stalls and the Bandstand in Morrab Gardens will be in full swing.
Sunday June 30 is Quay Fair Day. Down on the prom 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 Quay from Wednesday 26 through to the end of Quay Fair Day on Sunday.

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

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Here's what to look out for

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