The traditional Golowan Festival in Cornwall (Photo: John Stedman)
When: 16th – 25th June 2017
Where: Penzance, Cornwall
£: Free
What is it?
The 27th annual Golowan Festival will take place in Penzance, Cornwall, from Friday 16th to Sunday 25th June.
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 Sautrday 24th 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.
This year’s event has an ‘All at Sea’ theme, and throughout the festival the Golowan Mermaid may be seen on the rocks around Mount’s Bay.
The Election of the Mock Mayor will take place on Thursday 22nd June, with entertainment from Justice Lord Socks and The Roustabouts. This will be followed on the Friday evening with a fireworks display and serpent dancing at the habourside.
The Mazey Day parades on the Saturday will begin at 10am with the Civic Procession, followed by the Crowst Parade, Dinner Parade, Crib Parade, and Men and Maids dancing the Serpent Dance through the streets of Penzance with the Golowan Band.
Sunday 25th June is Quay Fair Day with markets, entertainment, music, and children’s activities taking place at the harbourside and Penlee Park. Other events taking place during the festival will include workshops, exhibitions, live concerts, film screenings and fairs.
More info: www.golowanfestival.org