THE local organising committee has been busy working with bards of Gorsedh Kernow to put the finishing touches to this year’s Gorsedh Kernow Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture, being held in Bude-Stratton, this weekend.

"We are delighted that we are able to hold the Gorsedh ceremony and some of the Esedhvos events in Bude this year, despite the challenges that have faced us all over the past year," said Grand Bard Melennek, Elisabeth Carne. "It is wonderful to be able to welcome new bards into the Gorsedh and celebrate both Cornish culture and the Bude-Stratton area of our country in person and for the second year to also live-stream the event to those who cannot attend."

Friday sees a ceremony for invited guests at which the winners of the 2021 Gorsedh Awards will be presented with their certificates and medals. These awards are presented for work on behalf of Cornwall for achievement in different categories. Local organisation The Blanchminster Trust is among this year’s winners, receiving an Awen medal for its work for the community

On the Sunday there is a chance to try your hand at Cornish in the ’Blas a Gernewek’ taste of Cornish session being held in The in Stratton at 10am, followed by a heritage walk around the town with Ian Saltern at 12pm, and finally Evensong in the Cornish language at Stratton Parish Church.

The centrepiece of the Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture will be the 2pm blue-robed bardic ceremony at Bude Castle on Saturday, September 4, where 13 new bards will be initiated in recognition of their outstanding work in serving Cornwall and her distinctive Celtic identity. Entry is free and there will be plenty of space for the public to come and watch. Stalls with information on Cornish heritage and language will also be in the Castle grounds. The ceremony will also be live-streamed and a link for this will be displayed on the Gorsedh Kernow website www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk

The Gorsedh concert will this year be held on the bandstand in the Castle grounds at 6.30pm and features Falcon Folk, Take 5 and Cousin Jack. It is open to all with no tickets needed.

"We look forward to a great weekend" said the Grand Bard, "and our thanks go to those on the local committee who have worked hard in a short space of time to ensure a successful and safe event."