Today, hundreds of spectators turned out in Marazion, West Cornwall to attend the ceremonies of the Gorsedh Kernow. Established in 1928, Cornwall’s Gorsedh comprises 496 bards, those who have been nominated for their service to Cornwall’s culture, language, and politics, 22 of which are new members . The ceremony was attended by family and friends, as well as local MPs, Councillors, and prominent community members.

The events of the day included Cornish wrestling, a procession of the Bards through Marazion, and the Bardic Ceremony in Folly Fields.

The annual ceremony takes place this year in a renewed era for Cornish politics, in which the fight for Cornish autonomy within Britain has become a focal point for many politicians and campaigners. Cobblestone Media spoke to local activists campaigning for the revival of the Cornish language, as well as Andrew George MP for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Matt, a local activist and member of Agan Tavas told Cobblestone Media:

“This is a ceremony of renewal, the Gorsedh sees itself as an embodiment of the spirit of Celtic Cornwall, and so it reaffirms our commitment to Cornwall, to Celtic language and cultural life.

“It can seem anachronistic as you get increasing globalisation, but at the same time – as the world becomes smaller, as transport and communication becomes smaller, so you’ve got the indivisibly local – so you’ve got ‘Glocalisation’.

“Our history is what makes Cornwall unique within the UK. We’re not English, we’re not Welsh, but we’re related to Welsh and English in distinct and unique ways and the Gorsedh emphasises that. It emphasises the specific locality of Cornwall and the Cornish within that.”

On the subject of revived campaigns for Cornish autonomy, they also stated:

“The parallels for Cornwall can be found with trans identity, because like trans people, Cornwall is a minority within a minority. You have the Irish and Scottish who are the big Celtic names, and the Cornish – if thought of at all – is often a contested and sometimes discounted member of the Celtic community. In a similar way you get L, G and B people excluding the T, thereby leaving trans people contested within our own community. So finding this parallel, I think there’s more to learn for us from the trans movement and the Celtic movement.”

Cobblestone Media also spoke to Andrew George MP for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly:

“This is one of those events which is the pulse of the local community. They’re the kind of the central bedrocks of who we are and how we see ourselves. The Gorsedh is one of the many foundations on which our community grows.”

The evening celebrations saw performances by local artists, including Will Keating and John Dowling.

Images Via: Cobblestone Media.