The Feast
of
St John
Golowan
20-29 June 25
Golowan is a 10-day festival of arts, performances, culture and parades.
The theme this year is chosen for its air of optimism and for the plethora of images that it conjures! It is a celebratory reflection of the power of our Cornish coast and its environment. Our coastline tells of arrivals, an Irish Saint surfing a granite millstone, of unique sea life, leisure activities, industry, myths and legends!
- Pirates
- Galleons
- St Piran the first Cornish surfer
- Olympic surfers and paddle boarders
- Sharks, whales, dolphins
- Cornish marine wildlife
- Maritime seaborne trade and naval matters
- Sea monsters
- Pools fed by the sea
We invite everyone taking part to share their appreciation and love for the unique bountiful riches that our Cornish Coastline has given on the “Crest of a Wave!”
THE GOLOWAN LAUNCH PARTY:
Friday 20 June
Dy'Gwener 20 mis Metheven
CIVIC CHURCH PARADE FOR THE FEAST SERVICES:
Sunday 22 June
Dy'Sul 22 mis Metheven
TORCHLIT PROCESSION:
Monday 23 June
Dy'Lun 23 mis Metheven
MOCK MAYOR ELECTIONS
Thursday 26 June
Dy'Yow 26 mis Metheven
GOLOWAN FIREWORKS
Friday 27 June
Dy'Gwener 27 mis Metheven
MAZEY DAY CELEBRATIONS
Saturday 28 June
Dy'Sadorn 28 mis Metheven
QUAY FAIR DAY
Sunday 29 June
Dy'Sul 29 mis Metheven
Golowan - On the Crest of a Wave
How will you dress for Golowan in 2025?
It’s not just about helping out with Golowan (though please do if you can) more importantly-
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO WEAR?!!
Shiny, sparkly, shimmering, glowing, radiating… Or shining a light on your favourite community hero or heroine, past or present?
What’s it going to be?
Here are five tips to shine, without casting a shadow on the environment
1. Check out local charity and vintage shops in Penzance and put together a unique outfit. Upcycling and reusing saves money, waste and throwaway buys
2. Think twice on the glitter and stick-on face decorations. Even the ‘biodegradable’ stuff is bad for the sea and soil. Opt for brilliant make-up or face paint instead
3. Get creative on head dresses, masks and accessories – head to Buttons and Bows for the extra glimmer in things like buttons, ribbons and sew on items
4. Do a clothes swap with your mates. Dig out the fancy dress box and festival gear and between you we guarantee you’ll concoct some new and dazzling designs
Make sure you leave a belt hook for a carabiner clip, so you can attach a refill bottle for your water from home. Even better if it’s a shiny one!
The Mock Mayor will be keeping their beady eyes on to scout for those Shining Together, to choose the Shiniest people out and about – will it be you and your mates or family?
We can’t wait to see what you come up with
Golowan
Pictures by John Stedman
Volunteer For Golowan
Golowan needs YOU!
Volunteers play a major part in Golowan celebrations.
Volunteering is a great way to participate and to feel connected and supportive of our community festival.
By giving your precious time, Golowan volunteers help bring our community together in celebration and Mazey madness, making Penzance a place we love to live in.
Volunteer roles we need to fill are:
stewarding the processions; collecting donations; litter picking; giving out water during the processions; running the Golowan pop-up shop and stall PLUS The Golowan Green Brigade who wake up early on Mazey morning to decorate Market Jew Street with greenery and bunting for Mazey Day
Golowan 2025 is getting closer by the day and if you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at community@golowanfestival.org
Penzance Council
Penzance Council is our lead supporter and Golowan Festival is very grateful for its continued support of the festival, contributing both financial support and advice, and assistance in other ways.
Finances are tight for all of us so we are also thankful to the following organisations and businesses for their continued help and support.
If you are a business or an individual interested in becoming a supporter or sponsor of Golowan, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Our supporters and sponsors
