The Lizard, Cornwall celebrates return of Midsummer Bonfire

The St John's Eve traditional celebration was last held in 2019 - but due to the Covid pandemic, the event was cancelled over the past two years.

Residents of The Lizard still preserve this annual event and a large crowd gathered on the village square to watch performances from the Landewednack School Country Dancers, led by their class teacher James Green.

Landwednack Country Dancers led by teacher James Green

Following the dancing, the procession was led across to the village green by the "Lady of the Flowers" Kerensa Vincent for the traditional lighting of the bonfire, which this year was lit by Darren Thirlaway.

The lighting ceremony was introduced by Nick Pryor and was also spoken in the Cornish language by Esther Johns.

There was support from The Lizard Community Group, The Top House Inn, Nick Pryor, Darren Thirlaway, and Esther Johns for making the event go ahead.

And The Lizard wasn't the only place in Cornwall to be taking advantage of the St John's celebration. 

The dancers perform for the crowds

The Golowan Festival in Penzance was created in 1991 to revive the celebration of the Feast of St John.

Today is it marked by a torchlit procession, but in the 19th century and earlier the town was the scene of bonfires, burning tar barrels, and homemade fireworks on the principle streets.

Kerensa Vincent as the Lady of Flowers