An annual celebration of the traditions of May Day in Penzance

Next celebration of the May Horns - Sunday May 3rd 2009.

The Penzance May Day Celebrations were once as famous as their celtic cousins in Padstow and Helston. Described by famous writers such as Sir James Frazer in the "Golden Bough" and others. The people of Penzance would welcome in the Summer by blowing horns and sycamore may whistles, picnicking, dancing and banging drums. In 2008 a small group revived these customs for the benefit of the people of Cornwall

2009 details join us for our celebration of the coming of summer for full details of the traditions of the May Horns click here

Sunday May 3rd

May Horns Picnic at 12pm

At Trereife house on the main a30

Woodlands, Beautiful house and lovely grounds

Bring your own food, open music session and May whistle making to follow.

All welcome


Main Event

May Horns Procession 8pm

Leaving from outside the Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn at 8pm proceeding through the back lanes of the town blowing horns, banging drums and calling in the spirit of summer as is the ancient tradition.

Led by a master of ceremonies the lady of the may and the green man. Please wear white or green, decorate yourselves with greenery or flowers and bring a horn – all welcome

Pictures from 2008

Green man and Lord of the May 2008 - Mr John Thomas

The Mayers Assemble at the Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn.

Into Penzance.

Mock Mayor the "Worshipful" Fi Read and Band.

An original 1930's Mayhorn

Processing across Newlyn Green

Dancing in the Greenmarket around the Maypole as the people of Penzance did prior to the 20th Century as described by antiquarians.

The assembly of Mayers led by Master of Ceremonies Mr Dennis Dowrick the Green man and Lady of the May.

The Mayers cross into the ancient Borough loudly blowing their May horns in defiance of the proclamation made in the 1930's against the celebrations of Mayday in Penzance.

Sundown on Newlyn Green the band leads on.
 
Montol Festival Penzance Information Cornish Culture Guide
 
The Pictures used on the site are released to the public domain without copyright restrictions.