It was a beautiful, sunny, autumn day, and the Cornish flag was flying on Launceston castle, high above the town.
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Many of the shops were proudly decorated with the colours and symbols of Cornish culture.
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The initiates joined the procession through the streets of Launceston to the castle grounds.
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Representatives of many Old Cornwall Societies were present.
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Many people wore the Cornish tartan and carried the flag of St Piran.
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Delegates and visitors came from Brittany for the occasion.
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The Red Dragon leads the way: the Welsh flag led the delegation from Wales.
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The forty Welsh visitors formed a colourful addition to the ceremony.
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John Bolitho entered the circle for the last time in his role as Grand Bard.
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The Archdderwydd of Wales, Dr Robyn Lewis (Robyn LLyn), was one of the distinguished guests. He was followed into the circle by the (then)
Deputy Grand Bard, Rod Lyon (Tewennow).
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The Mayor of Launceston opened the proceedings with a welcoming message in Cornish and English.
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Bards, dancers and visitors joined in the singing in Cornish.
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The Lady of Cornwall, accompanied by her attendants,brought the offering of the Fruits of the Earth to the Grand Bard.
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The Swordbearer greeted the new bards and accompanied them to their initiation.
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The Secretary held the copper plastrons that would be worn by the new Grand Bard and his deputy.
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In a moving ceremony, John Bolitho (Jowan an Cleth) crowned his successor,
Rod Lyon (Tewennow).
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The sun was still shining as the bards left the castle grounds.
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The Breton and Welsh delegates joined the new Grand Bard, Rod Lyon (Tewennow), his deputy, Vanessa Beeman (Gwenenen), and retiring Grand Bard, John Bolitho (Jowan an Cleth), outside the Methodist Church.
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