A new pilot programme will help young people embrace traditional folk music and be a part of the Cornish Youth Folk Ensemble.

Known as Perghenegi, Cornish for 'claim' or 'takeover', the initiative is a partnership between Lowender and ASONE Perform.

It is funded by the Youth Music Trailblazer Fund and targeted at individuals aged six to 25.

The scheme aims to reach throughout Cornwall offering opportunities to engage with Cornish folk musicians, tutors and learn from peer mentor groups.

Mercury Prize nominee Gwenno's popularity attests to the rising interest in Cornwall's culture and language.

The Perghenegi programme increases opportunities for cultural exchange, offering access to Cornish folk music scene's instruments and tutors.

Jowdy Davey, trustee of Lowender expressed hope that the ensemble could be a creative catalyst for the next generation of local musicians.

She said: "Too often young people can only engage with Cornish folk music if their parents are involved in it, which means lots of children and young people in Cornwall are missing out on an important part of their heritage."

Falmouth Packet: It is known as Perghenegi, Cornish for 'claim' or 'takeover'

The Cornish Youth Ensemble hopes to extend this engagement through the Perghenegi programme, using the example set by the Celtic Festival 2023 headliners, Welsh group AVANC, The Youth Folk Ensemble of Wales.

The year-long pilot programme aspires to create a Youth Advisory Board consulting with young people and music teachers, to build a programme best suited to their needs.

Five youth folk music hubs will be created throughout Cornwall, culminating in an event to showcase their creativity.

Ms Davey reinforced the importance of folk songs for expressing social, cultural and political issues.

She said: "Through the programme we will be encouraging young people to write their own lyrics and express what is important to them within this genre."

She also noted a need for more diversity in youth musical programmes, with economic constraints often limiting access to instruments and tutoring, adding: "We think Perghenegi has the power to change this".

The programme plans to involve local musicians with schools, providing music lessons over 10 weeks aiming to build students’ confidence and familiarity with traditional folk music.

The first Perghenegi committee meeting took place at Murdoch House in Redruth on February 10.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Lowender for information on becoming a part of the programme ahead of future meetings.