Cornwall and Wales to celebrate ties at Kevrennow Festival in St Austell
Two-day event will be to mark St Piran's Day with music, talks, and storytelling
The upcoming Kevrennow Festival promises to celebrate the connections between the Celtic nations of Cornwall and Wales.
Taking place in St Austell on the 6th and 7th of March, the festival aims to highlight cultural, academic, and economic links through a variety of events.
Organised by researchers from the University of Exeter’s Institute of Cornish Studies and the Rescorla Centre, attendees can expect musical performances, storytelling, poetry, and informative talks.
Welcoming support from both the Welsh Government and Cornwall Council, the festival is set to feature an array of speakers.
Dr Garry Tregidga, Co Director of the Institute of Cornish Studies, said: “This year's inaugural Kevrennow Festival is being held in association with the St Piran's Day event in St Austell. It is a community-based event that brings together an impressive team of speakers who will explore links between Cornwall and Wales in the past and present with a rich programme of music, song and storytelling.”
Performances on Saturday, 7th March, will include Welsh folk singer Catrin O'Neill, The Imerys Mid Cornwall Male Choir, and Ryb An Mor at St Austell Parish Church, starting at 7:30 pm.
On Friday afternoon, 6th March, Dr Merv Davey will discuss the “obby osses” of folklore used to celebrate midwinter in both Cornwall and Wales.
Dr Davey, a past Grand Bard of Gorsedh Kernow, brings extensive expertise in Cornish folk traditions and will shed light on “Osses” like Mari Lwyd in Wales and Pen Glas in Cornwall.
Author Lyndon Sid Allen will share insights into his Cornish-Welsh ancestry and maritime heritage on Friday, while lawyer Dr Huw Evans will address the Cornish and Welsh diaspora on Saturday.
The event will be opened by Jenefer Lowe, a Grand Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh, with festivities including a social event in the White Hart on Friday night.
A St Piran’s Day parade will take place on Saturday lunchtime followed by a music session featuring artists such as Richard Trethewey, Ryb An Mor, Bagas Crowd, and Maryanne Thomas.
Everyone is invited to experience the rich tapestry of Celtic traditions at this inaugural festival.