The Feast
of
St John
Help Secure the Future of Golowan
Golowan
19-28 June 26
Golowan Festival is Penzance’s vibrant 10‑day celebration of Cornish culture, creativity and community, transforming the town each June into a colourful hub of music, art and midsummer magic. Rooted in the revived Feast of St John, it’s now one of the South West’s most loved festivals, drawing thousands for its unique mix of heritage, performance and joyful street celebration.
Penzance comes alive with parades, street theatre, live music, dance, workshops and makers’ markets. The iconic Mazey Day procession fills the streets with giant sculptures and community creations, while the Quay Fair and festival markets showcase local makers, food producers and independent traders.
Golowan’s thriving Fringe scene adds grassroots arts, spoken word, comedy, exhibitions and intimate gigs, championing emerging talent and diverse voices. In the evenings, Marquee Nights bring live bands, DJs and performances ranging from traditional Cornish music to contemporary and global sounds.
At its heart, Golowan is powered by community spirit. Created by and for Penzance, it celebrates local creativity, cultural heritage and inclusive participation, a joyful midsummer festival where tradition, imagination and community come together in spectacular style.
WHAT'S ON
Friends of Golowan Launch Party
7pm @ The Ritz, Penzance
Entry: £7.50 – Tickets On Sale Now
Kick off the Golowan season with a night of music and community spirit featuring:
The Golowan Band
Amelia Acheson
Wild Blue and Yonder
No Rif Raf
Joe Doyle
Marmalade Shed
All artists are performing for free to support the festival that “makes Penzance – Penzance!”
CIVIC CHURCH PARADE FOR THE FEAST SERVICES:
Sunday 21 June
Dy'Sul 21 mis Metheven
10.30am START
Civic Parade and Church Service at St Johns.
Leaves St Johns Hall at 10.30am – service starts at 11am.
TORCHLIT PROCESSION:
Tuesday 23 June
Dy'Meurth 23 mis Metheven
9.30pm START
Top of Chapel Street to celebrate St. Johns Eve and the Midsummer Solstice.
The torchlit parade is always held on St John’s Eve, which is traditionally 23 June each year.
MOCK MAYOR ELECTIONS
Thursday 25 June
Dy'Yow 25 mis Metheven
FREE Event 6pm START
Mock Mayor Elections – 18:00–23:30
A riotous Golowan tradition where locals lampoon civic life in an evening of satire, mischief and music. Expect big laughs, bold characters and a full-tilt community celebration, with performances from The Regalos, Mock Mayor Elections Band and Night Motor.
FREE event
MAZEY EVE FIREWORKS & PENGLAZ 2025
Friday 26 June
Dy'Gwener 26 mis Metheven
FREE Event
10:45pm | Penzance Harbour & 11pm | Barbican next to the Dolphin
Quieter fireworks using low bursting effects.
FREE ENTRY (Donations to Golowan Welcome)
Come and be dazzled by the Golowan Fireworks, lighting up the harbour in a burst of midsummer colour. The best views can be found along Abbey Slip and Ross Bridge, where the reflections dance across the water.
Then, as night deepens, be drawn into the magic of knocking for Penglaz at 11pm by the Barbican beside the Dolphin Pub. Crowds gather as musicians strike up and dancers begin to twirl, crying “An Eye! An Eye!” while the serpent dance weaves through the narrow streets. Hands join, the head of the serpent rushes forward, and the whole procession threads its way through Penzance before returning to the harbourside.
Traditionally held on St John’s Eve (23 June), these midsummer fires once marked the turning of the year, warding off mischief and celebrating renewal. Today, the tradition lives on with the Mazey Eve Fireworks at Albert Pier, drawing hundreds to witness this spectacular burst of light. When the final sparks fade, the Serpent Dance winds into motion, a joyful, communal procession that keeps this ancient Cornish custom alive in the heart of the town.
MAZEY DAY CELEBRATIONS
Saturday 27 June
Dy'Sadorn 27 mis Metheven
FREE Event 10am START
Mazey Day Parade Times
Mazey Day Parade Times
10.00 – Civic Procession From St John’s Hall → up Clarence Street → round and down Causewayhead → along Market Jew Street → Market House for the Mayor & Mock Mayor address.
11.00 – Crowst Parade From St John’s Hall → down Market Jew Street → return.
13.00 – Dinner Parade From St John’s Hall → down Market Jew Street → return.
15.00 – Crib Parade From St John’s Hall → down Market Jew Street → return.
16.45 – Men and Maids Serpent Dance through the streets of Penzance with the Golowan Band, starting at St John’s Hall.
Please see our Golowan Festival Programme for a full list of events.
Mazey Day Music & Performance Stages
Acorn Theatre Steps
11.00 – Just Ukes
12.00 – Grace & Johanna
12.50 – SCAMPZ!
13.40 – No Riff Raff
14.30 – Hannah Johnson
15.15 – The Gleaves
15.50 – Liam Jordan
16.30 – Petty Criminals
Queen’s Square Mazey Day
12.00 – Beauty of Diagrams
13.00 – Joe Smith
14.00 – Fungus
15.00 – What the Goose?
16.00 – Du Glas
17.00 – Hanterhir
The Globe & Ale House, Queens Square
12.30 – Mr. T
13.30 – Tony Fox
14.30 – End of the Line Blues Band
15.30 – Firewalk (Jon Jones & Ged Kingsford)
16.30 – Guy Harandon
The Union Hotel, Chapel Street
12.00 Dave Miller
13.00 The Meadowlarks
14.00 Dan Levine
15.00 Fishing for Compliments
16.00 Pagan Teapot
17.00 IGNATZ
Farmer’s Arms Mazey Day Stage, Causewayhead
12.30 – Pendans
13.40 – The Ghost of Fishboy Tractor
14.50 – Mint
16.00 – The Electric Timothy
17.10 – The Lagan
Morrab Gardens Bandstand Mazey Day
11.00 – St. Erth Concert Band
12.00 – Barbed Choir
13.00 – Cape Cornwall Singers
14.00 – Richard Gibbons & Malcolm Star
15.00 – George Wakfer
16.00 – Tim Ridley
17.00 – St. Erth Concert Band
Sea Shanty Crews – Penlee Park Community Stage
Month’s Advance
The Perraners
The Rusty Tubs
Cork An Barbor
Wild Blue & Yonder
Folk Stage Line Up Mazey Day
10:00 – Pensans Morris
10.40 – John Warburton
11.10 – Bagas Crowd
11.50 – Du Glas
12.30 – Dalla Duo
13.10 – Tros An Treys
13.50 – Bagas Fellyon
14.30 – Red River Singers
15.10 – Kekezza
15.50 – Richard Trethewey And Molly Biscoe
16.30 – Henavek
17.10 – Hayle River Band
For the full festival schedule: Please see the Golowan Festival Programme for all events, activities and venue details.
QUAY FAIR DAY
Sunday 28 June
Dy'Sul 28 mis Metheven
FREE Event 10am START
Quay Fair Day fills Penzance with music, performance and summer energy across the harbour, the Quay and Penlee Park. Enjoy live music outside the Boatshed, street performers along the waterfront, and both Penlee Park stages running throughout the day. Wherrytown hosts the Model Boat Display and the high‑energy Plaza Skate Jam, while the Golowan Marquee in the harbourside car park offers a full weekend of live music.
Exmouth Shanty Men
Wild Blue & Yonder
Month’s Advance
Rumbellion
Pensans Morris
Order of the Geep
Dartmoor Border Morris
Morris Lowenek
Carn Brea Morris
The Wad
11.00 – Robin Shaw
11.50 – Pitch & Holler
12.40 – Sarah Ménage
13.30 – Fishing for Compliments
14.20 – Rob Boughton
15.10 – East Meets West
16.00 – Rio Riva
10.30 – Youth Folk Ensemble
11.10 – Tros An Treys
11.50 – Pendans
12.30 – Golowan Band
13.10 – Foxes Fair
13.50 – Penzance Guizers
14.30 – Heb Mar
15.10 – Martha Woods
15.50 – Salt and Sky
16.30 – Shindig
17.10 – Raffidy Dumitz
For the full festival schedule, please see the Golowan Festival Programme for all events, activities and venue details.
PENLEE PARK RETURNS FOR 2026!
Saturday 27, and Sunday 28 JuneFREE Event 10am START
After a brilliant debut in 2025, Penlee Park is back, bigger, brighter, and bursting with family fun. Enjoy a full programme of music, shows, and activities, all served up with great food and a welcoming bar. Escape the town centre buzz and unwind in the park’s relaxed, leafy atmosphere.
Lower Field – Qube Records Stage
Expect live music, your favourite food stalls, ice cream, quality coffee, local crafts, inflatables, and the children’s play park.
11am – 6pm | Qube Records in the Park
Catch the incredible musical talent from Mounts Bay School, showcasing the next generation of local artists with fresh sounds and festival spirit.
6 pm | Bagas Fellyon
Get ready to move! Bagas Fellyon bring the rhythm of Nos Lowen to Penlee Park, traditional Cornish music and dancing to round off Mazey Day in true local style.
Plus: Drop into Liz’s workshop and craft something Flying High to carry in the 3 pm parade.
Upper Field – The Big Tree Stage
11 am – 4 pm | Sea Shanty Festival
The park comes alive with the rousing sound of Cornwall’s finest shanty crews, sing along and soak up the maritime spirit!
2 pm | Seamus Carey – Community Service
Join Seamus for his brand‑new show, blending humour, heart, and music in true Golowan style.
Elsewhere in the Field – 11 - 5 pm | PZN Youth’s Tree Lounge
a chill‑out zone packed with activities and space to relax, created especially for young people.
Lower Field – Qube Records Music Stage
11 am – 6 pm | Qube Records in the Park
Turn up for a full day of next‑gen sound! Qube Records brings the stage alive with the rising stars of Mounts Bay School, bold beats, fresh voices, and unstoppable festival energy filling Penlee Park.
Upper Field – The Big Tree Stage
Compered by the inimitable Annabelle Holland
(Timings subject to change – check announcements on the day)
11.30 am | The Believe Academy
A dazzling dance showcase from all ages, pure energy and joy on stage.
12.15 pm | Fox Rox Choir
A vibrant community choir open to anyone who loves to sing, feel the harmony!
12.45 pm | Minack Theatre – The Rising Stars
Penzance’s own musical theatre group perform favourites from beloved shows.
1.30 pm | Penzance Makaton Signing Choir – Keur Arwodha Kemeneth
Beautifully expressive performances in song and sign.
2.00 pm | Burning Embers Choir + Joe Doyle
Vicky Abbot and co bring their latest singing venture to life.
2.30 pm | Seamus Carey – Community Service
A witty, heartfelt new show from one of Cornwall’s most original voices.
3.30 pm | Goldie Fiasco
Hold your breath for Goldie’s thrilling knife‑throwing spectacle!
Elsewhere in the Field
Hotch Potch Circus Skills Workshop – try juggling, balance tricks, and even tightwire!
Penzance Fencing Club – watch demonstrations and have a go, from beginners to seasoned athletes.
THE GOLOWAN MARQUEE
Thursday, June 25, to Sunday, June 28
Ticketed evenings of Friday 26th & Saturday 27th see link below.
Tickets on Sale now
Hosted by Pengelly’s Cornish Bar, the Golowan Marquee promises a vibrant line-up, local ales and a look and feel designed to keep the groove going.
The weekend kicks off Thursday with the riotous Mock Mayor Elections, followed by a Cornish-powered Mazey Soirée, a punk-charged Mazey Day afternoon followed by a DJ takeover in the evening, and a Quay Fair Day finale of local bands and DJs to see the weekend out in style.
Mock Mayor Elections – 18:00–23:30
A riotous Golowan tradition where locals lampoon civic life in an evening of satire, mischief and music. Expect big laughs, bold characters and a full-tilt community celebration, with performances from The Regalos, Mock Mayor Elections Band and Night Motor. Free event
Mazey Soirée – 18:00–00:00
A Friday night feast of Cornish talent, blending roots, rhythm and festival-night energy. Featuring Jam & Meme, Flats & Sharps, Bailey Tomkinson and The Locals and DJs Jago Pengelly and Jack Maylem. Tickets on Sale Now
Mazey Day (afternoon) 14:00–19:00
A high-energy Mazey Day line-up packed with local noise, punk spirit and grassroots power. Featuring DJ No Future, Piecework, Half Kut and the legendary Dië Spanglë. Free event
Mazey Day (evening) 19:45–02:00
The Marquee transforms into a late-night dancefloor with a groove-heavy line-up. Expect deep cuts, disco heat and festival-night euphoria from Groove Lounge, Love Love Musica Discoteca and headliner Greg Wilson. Tickets on Sale Now
Quay Fair Day – 12:00–23:30
A full day of live music and DJs celebrating Cornwall’s creative spirit. Featuring Susannah Sail, The Odd Folk, Fay Love, Iron5ide, Robbo, Flo the DJ, Pauly, King Louis, Ry Spenceley. Free event
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
