The traditional Golowan Festival in Cornwall (Photo: John Stedman).
When: 19th – 28th June 2015
Where: Penzance, Cornwall
£: Free
What is it?
The 25th annual Golowan Festival will take place in Penzance, Cornwall, from Friday 19th to Sunday 28th June 2015.
Golowan, the celebration of midsummer, is a Cornish tradition that was revived in Penzance in 1991. Golowan has grown over the years from a one day event to the present day festival. The Golowan Festival now includes the revived traditions of the Feast of St. John, with the Golowan Band, Serpent Dances, the Quay Fair, a Mock Mayor Election, and a colourful parade.
Parades are a big part of the Golowan Festival (Photo: John Stedman).
The highlight of the festival is Mazey Day, on 27th June, launched each year by the Mayor of Penzance and the ‘Mock Mayor of the Quay’. The event sees artists, schools and other community groups fill the streets with music and giant sculptures in a series of parades. A Mazey Day Fair with stalls selling Cornish products ranging from locally produced foods to handcrafted gifts, also takes place.
The ‘Mock Mayor of the Quay’ is elected the day before, on Mazey Eve, and usually features a spectacular fireworks display, and the appearance of Penglaz, Penzance’s ‘Obby ‘Oss, accompanied by the Golowan Band. Then on the 28th June the Quay Fair Day takes place, with more Cornish-themed stalls for visitors to browse.
More info: golowan.org