The traditional Golowan Festival in Cornwall (Photo: John Stedman).
When: 17th – 26th June 2016
Where: Penzance, Cornwall
£: Free
What is it?
The 26th annual Golowan Festival will take place in Penzance, Cornwall, from Friday 17th to Sunday 26th June 2016.
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 colourful parades.
The festival kicks off with community boat making and banner making workshops, followed by a Cornish wine and food event on Friday 17th June. On the Saturday there will be linocut printmaking, live music, and a Pirate Day to enjoy. Sunday will see the Civic Church Parade for the Feast Service, leaving from St. John’s Hall, take place; along with a special cricket match, and a screening of The Never Ending Story.
During the week there will be more live music, art classes, art exhibitions, an arts and crafts festival, book launches, a fun fair, theatre performances, and a beer tent for all important refreshment.
Parades are a big part of the Golowan Festival (Photo: John Stedman).
The highlight of the festival is Mazey Day, on 25th 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.
The parades begin with the Golowan Civic Procession at 10am, followed by the Crowst Parade, the Dinner Parade, the Crib Parade, and finally the Men and Maids, who dance the Serpent Dance through the streets of Penzance, accompanied by the Golowan Band.
During Mazey Day there will be market stalls and quirky Cornish street entertainment. There will also be more live music and beer available.
The ‘Mock Mayor of the Quay’ is elected the day before, on Mazey Eve. The event usually features a spectacular fireworks display, and the appearance of Penglaz (Penzance’s ‘Obby ‘Oss), accompanied by the Golowan Band. Visitors should expect anarchy and misrule!
Then on Sunday 26th June, the Quay Fair Day takes place, with stalls, activities and entertainment. Have a go at the Cornish game of Petanque, join in with some Cornish songs or simply enjoy a cheeky Cornish Stout.
And finally, look out for the elusive Golowan Mermaid, who may be found on the rocks during the festival.
More info: www.golowanfestival.org