Gorsedh Kernow welcomed 21 new bards at Bodmin ceremony

The ceremony was at the heart of the Esedhvos Kernow, a week-long celebration of Cornish Culture.

The mayor of Bodmin Mike Barbery welcomed the Gorsedh to the town, noting the importance of Bodmin in Cornish history and especially during the rebellions of the 15th century.

The mayor of Bodmin Mike Barbery (Image: Gorsedh Kernow)

Grand Bard Gwythvosen, Jenefer Lowe, spoke of the achievements in language and culture today of which she hoped the men who stood up for Cornwall in Bodmin at that time would be proud.

Representatives of the Welsh and Breton Gorsedh were welcomed to the ceremony and guests included local councillors and MPs.

This year's ceremony was held in Bodmin (Image: Gorsedh Kernow)

Stephanie Wilson was a Lady of Cornwall while the fanfare was provided by a member of Bodmin Town Band.

Entertainment on the field before the ceremony was provided by Bodmin Town Band, Gwerin Dance Group, Berrycomb School Choir and the Horners.

The Lady of the Flowers (Image: Gorsedh Kernow)

The day finished with a concert in Shire House, which featured local singer Ralph Nel, traditional music from Jen and Toby Kessell, and a performance of close harmony Cornish songs from Cornish language singing group Hireth.

Thanks were given to the local committee and Bodmin Town Council for all their help and to all the volunteers, including the Scouts, the Lions, the ladies who helped with tea and many more.

A total of 21 new bards were welcomed into Gorsedh Kernow, all honoured for celebrating and promoting Cornwall’s distinctive Celtic culture.

This year's new bards (Image: Gorsedh Kernow)

They came from all over Cornwall and further afield, including the USA, Australia and, for the first time, Mexico.

Although their names were published previously, their bardic names were kept confidential until the ceremony.

The new bards for 2026, with their bardic names are:

1. Jim Christophers, Trencreek, Newquay, for the promotion of Kernow through music: Kanor Keur Mawnan (Choir Singer of Mawnan)
2. Bridget Collinge, Tavistock, by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow: Karores Menhiryon (Lover of Standing Stones)
3. Jane Cunio, Montacute, Somerset, by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow: Ahwesydh Porthbud (Bude Lark)
4. Elizabeth Dale, Perranworthal, for preserving local heritage and our cultural history: Edhen Gernewek (Cornish Bird)
5. Emma Gibson, Paul, for promoting the Cornish language, culture and identity in the community: Myrgh Breweni (Daughter of Paul village)
6. Paul Haas, Grass Valley, California, USA, for promoting Cornish identity in the USA: Lev an Nans Gwels (Voice of Grass Valley)
7. Rosalyn Hayward, Luxulyan, for promoting Cornish cultural life, encouraging community participation in Cornish customs, history and identity: Arlodhes an Lowarth (Lady of the Garden)
8. Fin Irwin, Bodmin, for working on projects that strengthen the distinct Cornish identity in Bodmin and its environs: Tevyer a’n Gemeneth (Grower of the Community)
9. Will Keating, Falmouth, for the promotion of Kernow through music: Awen a’n Gemeneth (Inspiration of the Community)
10. Judith Lawrence, Penzance, for promoting Kernewek in her community: Trosyer Tamm ha Tamm (Plodder Little by Little)
11. Phil Lokan, South Australia, for promoting Cornish Identity in Australia: Den an Winlan (Man of the Vineyard)
12. Robin McCarthy, Grampound Road, by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow: Awel Ebrel (April Breeze)
13. Mark Mitchley, Gorran Haven, by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow: Viajyer dre Dermyn (Time Traveller)
14. Susan Opie, Newlyn, by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow: Krefter gans Geryow (Crafter with Words)
15. Stephen Polglase, Ashton, Helston, for promoting Kernow by sharing his knowledge of Cornish history, mining and heritage: Stenor a Hwel Meur (Tinner of Greatwork)
16. Ann Preston-Jones, Truro, by promoting Cornish culture through care, conservation and management of archaeology: Kestylli (Placename)
17. Catherine Quayle, Diamond Springs, California, USA, for promoting Cornish identity in the USA: Gwithyades an Gegin (Keeper of the Kitchen)
18. Tamara Rosenwyn, for the promotion of Kernow through drama and arts in the Lizard community: Rosenwynn an Lysarth (White Rose of the Lizard)
19. Francesco Trejo, Hidalgo, Mexico, for promoting Cornish identity in Mexico: Mab Denbal (Son of a Miner)
20. Cathy Woolcock, Hayle, for her dedication to Kernow and its heritage: Myrgh Pennwydh (Daughter of Penwith)