Expressing extreme concern at the lack of recognition of the importance of real Cornish culture in Cornwall Council’s recent budget plans and proposals the Grand Bard of Cornwall, Merv Davey, Telynyor an Weryn has written to the Council urging them to show support wherever possible for this important but often overlooked aspect of Cornish life.
“We recognise that the Council faces a very serious challenge in meeting the budget targets for the next five years,” said the Grand Bard, “but Gorsedh Kernow would nevertheless remind the Council that respecting, promoting and capitalising on Cornwall’s distinct cultural identity is also part of the Council’s business.”
Dr Davey acknowledged the obstacles faced by those who want to show support for Cornish culture in a tangible way, and now encourages people of all ages to take the opportunity to share their creative skills by entering this year’s Gorsedh Kernow Adults Awards and Competitions and Young People’s Awards.
Grand Bard Merv Davey and Corolyores, Alison Davey, Welsh Eisteddfod 2017 Anglesey
“We enjoyed a very successful Awards evening during the Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture last year,” said the Grand Bard, “and we would really like to build on that success this year at Newquay and make it a regular highlight of the Cornish cultural calendar.”
Awards are given to entries that express the Celtic spirit of Cornwall and demonstrate exceptional endeavour or quality of work, whether it be in the arts, sports, Cornish studies or community service. Designed specially to take an even greater account of Cornish culture, the Awards and Competitions scheme is more flexible and less prescriptive and allows for entrants to demonstrate creativity in a variety of ways, including the use of digital media.
“Our Awards and Competitions scheme is truly open to one and all”, said the Grand Bard, expressing his delight at the support the Gorsedh Kernow scheme was already receiving, “but there is still time for more entries and I strongly encourage everyone to spread the news about real Cornish culture by supporting our work and helping us maintain and grow the Celtic spirit of Cornwall.”
Gorsedh Kernow Awards will be presented at a special evening event on the Thursday during Esedhvos Festival week and prior to the Gorsedh Kernow bardic ceremony at Newquay and award-winners’ work will be shown and displayed during the event, together with selected performances. Information and entry details for the scheme can be found on the Gorsedh Kernow website www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk
End of press release
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The new Gorsedh Kernow Awards and Competitions scheme is still open to further entries in both the Adults Awards and Competitions section and the separate Awards scheme for those aged under 18 years of age. This revised, more flexible system will enable Gorsedh Kernow to recognise and celebrate a much greater range of Cornish cultural activity alongside the more traditional arts and literary entries. It will also open the doors to new media technologies.
The closing date for entries is Saturday 31st March 2018.
Information about entering can be downloaded from the Gorsedh Kernow website https://gorsedhkernow.org.uk/awards.html
or by email request to enquiries@gorsedhkernow.org.uk
To listen to a selection of winning entries 2017 please visit https://gorsedhkernow.org.uk/Images/GorsedhAwards2017.mp4
Entries may be submitted in a variety of ways including paper submission, text, image and audio files as email attachments, shared link, dvd or memory stick. There is no restriction on who may submit an entry.
For further information about Gorsedh Kernow please contact Delia Brotherton, Myrghwyn Melynor, Honorary Secretary, Gorsedh Kernow,
email hon.secretary@gorsedhkernow.org.uk
or visit our website www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk
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