THE Grand Bard of Cornwall, Merv Davey, has expressed his delight at the support of the new Gorsedh Kernow scheme.

Designed specifically to take an even greater account of Cornish culture, the new awards are more flexible and less prescriptive, allowing entrants to demonstrate creativity in a variety of ways, including the use of digital media.

Mr Davey said: “Our new awards scheme is truly open to one and all, but there is still time for more entries. My fellow bards are as keen as anyone to help make it easy for people to show their love for Cornish culture and help us maintain the Celtic spirit of Cornwall.”

The new scheme merges the former children’s and adults’ competitions with the long established Gorsedh Kernow Council awards, creating a new range of awards for adults and a sperate range for young people under the age of 18.

He added: “Entries have been arriving in the inbox, through the postbox and in some cases by personal delivery through the letterbox of the awards secretary, since the new scheme was launched earlier in the year.”

Awards will be given to entries that express the Celtic spirit of Cornwall and demonstrate exceptional endeavour or quality of work, whether it is in the arts, sports, Cornish studies or community service.

The new Gorsedh Kernow Awards will be presented at a special evening event on September 1 during Esedhvos week and prior to the Gorsedh Kernow Bardic Ceremony on Saturday, September 3 at St Keverne.