About Golowan
Our commitment to a community festival
About Golowan Festival CIC
Golowan Festival CIC is the community‑run organisation behind Penzance’s much‑loved midsummer celebration. It is one of Cornwall’s most vibrant and historic festivals. Since 2016, Penzance Council has trusted our community interest company to deliver the event. We have proudly guided its growth ever since.
Our team works year‑round to protect Golowan’s identity and future. We focus on keeping the festival inclusive, accessible and rooted in Cornish culture.
Our core team leads the planning, partnerships and creative direction behind each year’s programme. We work with local venues, artists and organisations to create a diverse and engaging festival. We also collaborate with schools and community groups to ensure Golowan reflects the spirit of Penzance.
The Golowan Team
Alan Shepherd
Following four years as a director of Rough Coast Community Arts, including two years as Chair of the St Ives September Festival, Alan was appointed festival director by Penzance Council in 2015.
As one of the founding directors of Golowan Festival CIC in 2016, Alan has been involved in the running of the festival ever since. Formerly the chief executive of Cornwall Marine Network and chair of Penwith Housing Association, he is currently chair of Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC) and chair of Coast FM, West Cornwall’s community radio station.
A poet, artist and accountant, Alan has run a weekly music night at The Crown in Penzance since 2013, and within Golowan, his specific responsibilities include finance, bid-writing and entertainment.
Martin Venning
Martin grew up in Penzance and first engaged with Golowan in the late 1990s as a warm up DJ for the bands performing in the festival marquee. In 2013, he joined the Golowan team as onsite markets manager and has been involved with Golowan every year since, He is currently the operations director.
Martin continues to work with the traders and is also responsible for event planning, road closures, health and safety and operations. Martin has more than 15 year’s experience in event production and has roles at other festivals and events in the UK throughout the year.
Kim Tilbrook
Kim joined the Golowan team in late 2023 her role is to bring people, artists, community and organisations together to deliver community involvement in the Golowan Festival.
Kim has more than 30 years’ experience producing and performing in Outdoor Arts, arts events, festivals and community projects. She is a member of the Lafrowda Festival committee and co-director of Red Herring Productions.
Kim will be collaborating with schools, artists and community groups to organise the Mazey Day parades, the Mazey and Quay Fair Day Penlee Park Event and recruiting and coordinating the festival volunteers.
Nadine Tonner
Nadine is a business, events and marketing professional with extensive experience delivering community events across Penzance and West Cornwall. She has managed programmes for Penzance Council and Penzance BID, including the Humphry Davy Lantern Parade, and previously served as a director of Golowan Festival CIC.
As Strategic Development, Marketing & Communications Officer, Nadine supports Golowan’s long‑term growth. She secures funding, develops new initiatives, leads marketing and publicity, and strengthens the festival’s digital presence. She also co‑produces the printed festival programme with Laura Jewell.
Nadine brings broad cultural and media experience to the role. She has worked in local galleries supporting operations and volunteers, served as a Penzance Town Councillor, and volunteered with several community groups. Earlier in her career, she developed strong communication skills through roles with the BBC, Granada Television and The Times.
Our Commitment to the Community
Alongside our core team, Golowan thrives thanks to a wide network of artists, performers and volunteers. Their creativity and commitment power the festival every year, strengthening its connection to the town and the people who make it special.
We’re also grateful for the support of residents, visitors and long‑standing partners across West Cornwall. Their enthusiasm helps keep Golowan a joyful midsummer celebration that everyone can enjoy.
Golowan Festival CIC has received recognition for its impact on the community. In 2016, our work earned the What’s On Cornwall Award for Best Family Event. This award highlights the Golowan Festival’s importance to families, visitors and the wider community.
Over the years, Golowan has continued to grow in reputation. Local organisations, artists and schools regularly praise the festival for its creativity, inclusivity and strong community spirit. Moreover, our long‑standing partnerships across Penzance reflect the trust placed in the festival and its team.
These achievements reinforce our commitment to delivering a festival rooted in Cornish culture. They also show how Golowan continues to inspire pride, participation and celebration across the town.
Our Supporters and Sponsors
