Dawn Mystery: Why People Gathered at Sunrise in Penzance Today

Published On: 1 May 2025Last Updated: 1 May 2025By

Photos have captured a stunning May Day celebration at sunrise this morning (Thursday 1st May) at Battery Rocks in Penzance.

As the sun broke over the horizon, Pensans Morris marked Beltane, the halfway point between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, with their traditional crowning of the May Queen.

Beltane Welcomed with Tradition

The event began as dawn arrived, as part of ancient Beltane customs which celebrate light, fertility, and the changing seasons. Onlookers gathered at the coastal spot to watch Pensans Morris lead the occasion.

Crowning of the May Queen

A highlight of the morning was the crowning of the May Queen, a symbolic gesture steeped in tradition and performed by the group as the sun rose over Penzance.

See the Photos

Photos of the event have been shared, showing the vibrant scenes from this morning’s celebration.

All photos credited to Penzance Council.

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

📷Beltane, the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, is celebrated as the sun rises on Thursday 1 May at Battery Rocks in Penzance with Pensans Morris crowning their May Queen. Photo by Penzance Council

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

To keep up with the latest cornish news follow us below

Leave A Comment

Follow CornishStuff on Facebook - Like our Facebook page to get the latest news in your feed and join in the discussions in the comments. Click here to give us a like!

Follow us on Twitter - For the latest breaking news in Cornwall and the latest stories, click here to follow CornishStuff on X.

Follow us on Instagram - We also put the latest news in our Instagram Stories. Click here to follow CornishStuff on Instagram.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Daily Cornish news by email

The latest daily news in Cornwall, sent direct to your inbox.

Other News In Cornwall

Got A News Story Or Event To Share With Cornwall?

Want to share your event or story with cornwall?
Send us the details and we will spread the word!