A CEREMONY in Bodmin saw 21 new bards welcomed into the College of Bards of Gorsedh Kernow at the weekend.

The annual bard-naming ceremony, which is part of the Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture, saw the new bards be honoured in recognition of their outstanding work in serving Cornwall.

More than 220 bards gathered at Priory Park, Bodmin, for the initiation which was led by the Grand Bard of Cornwall, Jenefer Lowe (Gwythvosen), with Stephanie Wilson as the Lady of Cornwall, accompanied by ceremonial sword carrier (known in Cornish as the Kledhevyas) Rob Tremain of Launceston.

Wearing their distinctive blue robes for the first time, each recipient chose a bardic name at the installation which was conducted in the Cornish language and could be followed with an English translation in the ceremony booklets.

The day’s celebration also included a parade of banners by the Old Cornwall Societies from across Cornwall, accompanied by Cornish wrestling demonstrations and performances from Bodmin Town Band.

The new bards for 2026 are:

  • Jim Christophers (Trencreek, Newquay) for the promotion of Kernow through Music.
  • Bridget Collinge (Tavistock) by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
  • Jane Cunio (Somerset) by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
  • Elizabeth Dale (Perranworthal) for preserving local heritage and our cultural history.
  • Emma Gibson (Paul) for promoting the Cornish language, culture and identity in the community.
  • Paul Haas (USA) for promoting Cornish Identity in the USA.
  • Rosalyn Hayward (Luxulyan) for promoting Cornish cultural life, encouraging community participation in Cornish customs, history and identity.
  • Fin Irwin (Bodmin) For working on projects that strengthen the distinct Cornish Identity in Bodmin and its environments.
  • Will Keating (Falmouth) for the promotion of Kernow through Music.
  • Judith Lawrence (Penzance) for promoting Kernewek in her community.
  • Phil Lokan (South Australia) for promoting Cornish Identity in Australia.
  • Robin McCarthy (Grampound Road) by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
  • Mark Mitchley (Gorran Haven) by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
  • Susan Opie, (Newlyn) by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
  • Stephen Polglase (Helston) for promoting Kernow by sharing his knowledge of Cornish history, mining and heritage.
  • Ann Preston-Jones (Truro) by promoting Cornish culture through care, conservation and management of archaeology.
  • Catherine Quayle (USA) for promoting Cornish Identity in the U.S.A.
  • Tamara Rosenwyn for the promotion of Kernow through drama and arts in the Lizard community.
  • Francesco Trejo (Mexico) for promoting Cornish Identity in Mexico.
  • Cathy Woolcock (Redruth) for her dedication to Kernow and its heritage.
  • Francesca Churchill-Zerilli for working on projects that strengthen the distinct Cornish identity in Bude and its environments.

Following the event, the ‘Gorsedh Concert’ was held in the Shire House Suite, with performances from Hireth, Ralph Nell and Jen and Toby Kessell.

The next Gorsedh Kernow will be hosted in Liskeard for the first time since 1996. The return of the Gorsedh in 2027 is expected to provide a significant cultural and economic boost to Liskeard as visitors from across Cornwall and the wider Celtic community descend on the town.

For more information about Gorsedh Kernow, visit: gorsedhkernow.org.uk