Golowan Festival in Penzance brings week-long celebration

The festivities kicked off with Town Crier Philip Northcott and the Penzance Silver Band at the helm of a grand parade that travelled through the town, starting from St John's Hall and ending in a service at the church of St John the Baptist.

Comprising the civic parade were local figures including the mayor of Penzance, mace bearers, the town clerk, visiting mayors and councillors from neighbouring parishes, town councillors, honorary freemen and prize winners, community groups and the Golowan Festival team.

Town crier Philip Northcott and Penzance Silver Band lead the parade (Image: Howard Phillips)

As night fell, a torch-lit procession took place at the top of Chapel Street.

People of all ages, dressed accordingly, enjoyed the spectacle as they paraded to rhythmic beats from the Golowan Band.

The procession concluded by the harbour, close to the Dock Tavern, where the merry sounds of music and dance continued.

A similar event is said to have been described in The Cornish Telegraph in 1875, putting forward that the festival has deep-set historical roots.

The festival is due to finish this Sunday (Image: Howard Phillips)

The word ‘Golowan’ comes from the Cornish words ‘Gool’ and ‘Jowan’, Gool meaning 'feast' or 'festival' and 'Jowan' meaning 'John'.

'Feast of John' refers to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Penzance.

The Golowan Festival promises a week of joy and unity, culminating in Mazey Day on Saturday, June 29 and Quay Fair Day on Sunday, June 30.