Twenty-one new bards will be welcomed into the College of Bards of Gorsedh Kernow at Bodmin on 5th September 2026 by the Grand Bard of Cornwall, Jenefer Lowe, Gwythvosen, in recognition of their outstanding work in serving Cornwall.
Gorsedh Kernow was established with the aim of celebrating and promoting Cornwall’s distinctive Celtic culture and many of this year’s new bards are honoured for working in their community to nurture and promote Cornish culture.
The new bards for 2026 are:
1. Jim Christophers, Trencreek, Newquay
For the promotion of Kernow through Music.
2. Bridget Collinge, Tavistock
By examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow
3. Jane Cunio, Montacute, Somerset
By examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow
4. Elizabeth Dale, Perranworthal
For preserving local heritage and our cultural history
5. Emma Gibson, Paul
For promoting the Cornish language, culture and identity in the community.
6. Paul Haas, Grass Valley, California, U.S.A
For promoting Cornish Identity in the U.S.A.
7. Rosalyn Hayward, Luxulyan
For promoting Cornish cultural life, encouraging community participation in Cornish customs, history and identity.
8. Fin Irwin, Bodmin
For working on projects that strengthen the distinct Cornish Identity in Bodmin and its environs.
9. Will Keating, Falmouth
For the promotion of Kernow through Music.
10. Judith Lawrence, Penzance
For promoting Kernewek in her community.
11. Phil Lokan, South Australia
For promoting Cornish Identity in Australia.
12. Robin McCarthy, Grampound Road
By examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
13. Mark Mitchley, Gorran Haven
By examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
14. Susan Opie, Newlyn
By examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
15. Stephen Polglase, Ashton, Helston
For promoting Kernow by sharing his knowledge of Cornish history, mining and heritage.
16. Ann Preston-Jones, Truro
By promoting Cornish culture through care, conservation and management of archaeology
17. Catherine Quayle, Diamond Springs, California U.S.A.
For promoting Cornish Identity in the U.S.A.
18. Tamara Rosenwyn
For the promotion of Kernow through drama and arts in the Lizard community.
19. Francesco Trejo, Hidalgo, Mexico
For promoting Cornish Identity in Mexico.
20. Cathy Woolcock, Redruth
For her dedication to Kernow and its heritage.
21. Francesca Churchill-Zerilli
For working on projects that strengthen the distinct Cornish identity in Bude and its environs.
Further notes for Editors
Gorsedh Kernow exists to promote and maintain the Celtic Spirit of Cornwall and to give expression to such spirit, to encourage the study of Cornish history and literature, the Cornish language, to foster Cornish art, music, dance and sport and to link with other Celtic countries.
The annual procession of bards and installation of the 21 new initiates into the College of Bards will take place on Saturday 5th September at 2pm. The ceremony will be held in Bodmin and is part of the Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture. The ceremony will be led by the Grand Bard of Cornwall, Jenefer Lowe, Gwythvosen.
The bardic names of the 21 new bards will also be made known for the first time at this ceremony, which will be conducted in the Cornish language although it can be followed easily with the English translation in the Ceremony Booklets. All are welcome to attend the ceremony and there is no charge for this event.
For more information about Gorsedh Kernow visit the Gorsedh Kernow website www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk and for more details on events please visit the Gorsedh Kernow Facebook page.
**********************