Monday 21 June 2010

Gorsedh Kernow - St Ives Cornwall - September

Gorsedh - St Ives Cornwall (photo Colin Sanger)

The Annual Gorsedh, the full ceremonial Assembly of the Bards of Cornwall, will take place on the Island at St Ives on Saturday 4th September 2010 starting at 2.00 pm.

It is an annual celebration of Cornish traditions and culture. All are welcome to attend, free of charge.

It will include the Procession and Assembly of some 300 robed Bards and local representatives, initiation of new Bards, presentation of awards and prizes, formal presentation of a ceremonial sheaf of herbs and flowers by The Lady of Cornwall and a Flower Dance by children.

A Concert, for which a small charge is made, will be held at St Ives Guildhall at 7.00 pm that evening.

An ecumenical church service in Cornish is held on Sunday afternoon at St Ives Parish Church at 3.00pm, and again public attendance is welcomed.

Gorsedh Berdh Kernow, the Gorsedd of the Bards of Cornwall was inaugurated at the ancient stone circle at Boscawen-Un in the parish of St Buryan on 21st September 1928 by Archdruid Pedrog of Wales. Although independent, it is allied to those of Wales and Brittany. The Gorsedh is non-political, not affiliated to any religion, non-profit making and has no connection with Druidism or any pagan practices.

It exists to maintain and express the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall, to encourage the study of Cornish history and the Cornish language, and to foster Cornish literature, art and music. Also to link Cornwall with other Celtic countries and to promote a spirit of peace and co-operation among those who work for the good and honour of Cornwall.

Each Open Gorsedh begins with the sounding of the Horn of the Nation to the four points of the compass. A symbolic call to all Cornwall. After the ceremony of Peace the Gorsedh is formally declared to be open. The offering of flowers and fruits of the earth is symbolic of God’s gifts to mankind. The event is formally closed after a repetition of the Ceremony of Peace.

More information can be obtained from the Gorsedh Administrator, Colin Roberts: admin@gorsethkernow.org.uk or from the Gorsedh Website at: www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk

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