Penzance’s Golowan Festival returns for its 34th year from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 30.
The theme for 2024, ‘Together, We Shine’, seeks to celebrate all that is brilliant and inspirational – both past and present – in the community of West Cornwall.
Since 1991, Golowan has brought all sectors and ages of the local community together in a joyous celebration of Midsummer madness, music and mayhem, including the fantastic images created with love and skill by local artists, students and community groups parading down Market Jew Street on Mazey Day.
Stephen Reynolds, mayor of Penzance, said: “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.”
Old favourite attractions have returned – Mock Mayor, the Serpent Dance, the Fireworks, music and parades – together with the successful Youth Music innovations that were introduced in recent years. Tradition and innovation will always be key to Golowan as the community grow and shine together.
Sunday, June 23 at 10.30am sees the Civic parade leave from St. John’s Hall and at 9.30pm everyone gathers at the top of Chapel Street for the Torchlit Procession.
In the Golowan marquee in St. Anthony’s Gardens, the vote for this year’s Mock Mayor will place on Thursday, June 27 from 7pm.
On Friday, June 28 at 10.45pm, the fireworks will be illuminating Abbey Slip and Ross Bridge. 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, with parades at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Visitors can enjoy the creativity of Penzance as the incredible structures pass down Market Jew Street. There’s music, dancing, food and craft stalls while the Bandstand in Morrab Gardens will be in full swing.
Taking place down on the promenade and around the harbour, the Quay Fair Day is taking place on Sunday, June 30 with an array of stalls. The Community Showcase will be in Morrab Gardens. The Fair will be on the Quay from June 26 through to the end of Quay Fair Day on Sunday.
Golowan buckets will be present at the event with donations going directly to the infrastructure of the festival to make sure it survives for another year.
All information and a downloadable programme is available at www.golowanfestival.org