Becoming a bard of the Gorsedh Kernow is a long journey, and each new bard has been recognised for outstanding service to Cornwall.
A ceremony in Bodmin welcomed 21 new bards into the College of Bards of Gorsedh Kernow at the weekend. The annual bard-naming ceremony, part of the Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture, honoured the new bards for their exceptional work serving Cornwall.
More than 220 bards gathered at Priory Park, Bodmin, for the initiation, led by Grand Bard of Cornwall Jenefer Lowe (Gwythvosen), with Stephanie Wilson as Lady of Cornwall. Ceremonial sword carrier Rob Tremain of Launceston, known in Cornish as the Kledhevyas, also took part.
Wearing their distinctive blue robes for the first time, each recipient chose a bardic name during the installation, which was conducted in the Cornish language. An English translation was available in the ceremony booklets.
The day's celebrations included a parade of banners by the Old Cornwall Societies from across Cornwall, along with Cornish wrestling demonstrations and performances from Bodmin Town Band.
Afterwards, the Gorsedh Concert took place in the Shire House Suite, featuring 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 2027 event is expected to give Liskeard a significant cultural and economic boost, as visitors from Cornwall and the wider Celtic community gather in the town.
For more information about Gorsedh Kernow, visit gorsedhkernow.org.uk.
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Gorsedh Kernow Ceremony Welcomes 21 New Bards