Places Features

West Cornwall is one of the few places in the Celtic lands where customs, originally celebrating the summer solstice on the year's longest day, the 21st of June, still survive.

Massive paper mache sculptures

On St John's Eve, June 23rd, midsummer bonfires and beacons blaze on hilltops and carns, maintaining continuity with ancient pagan and Celtic traditions.

In 1991, through local archive research and the commitment of a small group of volunteers Golowan was revived and revitalised with new imagery and ritual.

Take a look at photo galleries from the Golowan Festival in 2007:

One day of celebration has grown into a 10-day festival of Cornish, Celtic, and international culture, culminating in Mazey Day's colourful parades, street entertainment and market stalls, under a canopy of flags, banners and greenery.

Life and colour are brought to Penzance

Most importantly, Penglaz, the Serpent Dance, Summer Fire, Quay Fair, the Mock Mayor Elections and Sea and Sail will always be at the heart of Golowan.

The day after Mazey Day, the emphasis moves to the town's harbour area for Quay Fair Day with music and street performers, a Fun Fair and markets stalls as well as a flotilla of visiting boats.