Crowds take to the streets for the torchlit celebration of midsummer
The streets of Penzance were packed on Monday 23rd June as people came out in force for the St John’s Eve Torchlit Procession, part of the week-long Golowan Festival.
Starting at the top of Chapel Street, the traditional midsummer celebration saw torchbearers led through the town by the Golowan Band, eventually meeting the town’s iconic summer ‘oss, Penglaz.
Celebrating 35 Years Since the Revival
This year marks the 35th year since the revival of Penzance’s ancient Feast of St John. Once lost at the end of the 19th century, the tradition was brought back to life in 1991 as a one-day event known as Mazey Day. With the continued support of Penzance Council, the festival has since grown into a week-long celebration, with Mazey Day still at its core and now attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
The theme for this year’s Golowan is “On the Crest of a Wave”, a nod to the town’s strong connection with the sea, celebrating Cornwall’s powerful coastline, marine life and deep-rooted love for the ocean.
Mazey Day Still to Come
The highlight of the festival takes place this coming Saturday, 28th June. The day kicks off with the Mayor and Mock Mayor addressing crowds from the Mayors’ Platform, followed by the much-loved parades at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. These parades will feature hundreds of school pupils and community groups showcasing giant wicker models, accompanied by the sound of live marching bands.
Golowan is currently run by Golowan Festival CIC, who won the tender to deliver the event and are contracted to do so until 2027.
Penzance Council continues to fund and support the festival in partnership with the Golowan Festival CIC team.
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
📷As part of the week-long Golowan Festival in Penzance, the St John's Eve Torchlit Procession takes place on Monday 23 June, with the Midsummer 'Oss Penglaz. Photo by Penzance Council
