Lowender Festival: Celebrating Cornish Culture and Celtic Connections
The historic mining town of Redruth, Cornwall, is gearing up for the annual Lowender Festival, a vibrant celebration of Cornish culture and its Celtic connections.
Lowender, meaning 'celebration' or 'mirth' in the Cornish language, truly lives up to its name, bringing together music, dance, and cultural activities that showcase the joy and community spirit of the region.
From Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th October, Redruth will be transformed into a lively hub of activity, with events taking place across a range of venues throughout the town. Whether you are a newcomer eager to explore Cornish and Celtic traditions or a long-time enthusiast, Lowender offers something for everyone. The festival will feature a variety of activities including music sessions, dance performances, singing workshops, Cornish language classes, and family-friendly events.
One of the main venues is Redruth School, which will host the popular evening ceilidhs and the Thursday night concert. With a spacious hall perfect for dancing, and a fully stocked bar with food available, it promises to be an ideal place to enjoy the festivities. The school will also be the location for shinty demonstrations over the weekend, providing an exciting introduction to this traditional Celtic sport.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, The Oxford Inn will be the place to be on Saturday, offering Irish and Scottish music sessions at 3:30pm and 5pm. Fore Street, Redruth's pedestrianised high street, will be bustling with street performances and entertainment throughout the day, allowing visitors to soak up the festival atmosphere as they wander past historic locations such as the Market Hall and St Rumons Gardens. With plenty of cafes along the high street, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while watching performers, or simply immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Kresen Kernow, Cornwall's renowned archive centre, will host the Cornish Music Symposium, which this year will focus on the Cornish diaspora. It offers a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into the history and cultural impact of Cornish music and its influence across the globe. Additionally, Wesley Buildings will be the venue for the Celtic Service on Sunday 27th October, bringing the community together in celebration of shared heritage.
The festival is committed to being accessible to all, with all venues wheelchair accessible, apart from Redruth Albany RFC, which has a staircase. Festival organisers are keen to accommodate any specific access needs, ensuring everyone can take part in the celebrations.
Redruth, with its rich history and commitment to culture and heritage, is the perfect setting for Lowender Festival. Centrally located in Cornwall, the town is easy to reach by public transport. Redruth Train Station, located on Station Road, offers connections to Penzance, Truro, and beyond, while several bus routes, including services to Falmouth, Truro, Pool, Camborne, and Portreath, make travelling to and from the festival convenient.
Lowender is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of Cornish heritage that unites people through music, dance, language, and community spirit. Whether you are dipping your toe into Celtic culture for the first time or are a regular visitor, the festival promises a joyous and welcoming experience for all. Come and join in the celebration in the heart of Cornwall, and be part of a unique and unforgettable event.