
The annual Gorsedh Kernow Holyer an Gof Awards were created in 1996 and are so named in memory of Redruth publisher and Cornish Bard Leonard Truran, whose Bardic name was Holyer an Gof – Follower of the Smith. The scheme was established and is organised by Bards of Gorsedh Kernow to promote books about Cornwall, set in Cornwall or in Cornish (Kernewek).
There are 12 categories covering history, fiction, children’s books, poetry, drama, memoir and more, with each nominated book receiving a Gorsedh Kernow certificate. There is a winning book in each class/sub-class, which receives a Gorsedh Kernow Winner’s Certificate. In addition a number of cups are awarded for books of excellence.
Each year about 60 – 70 books are submitted by publishers from Cornwall and beyond and these are read and evaluated by members of a panel of more than 40 Readers. The winning entries are announced at a awards evening to be held this year on July 8th. at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro. Tiffany Truscott from BBC Radio Cornwall will present the occasion in 2020.
The deadline for submission of qualifying books published in 2019 is soon – February 29th. 2020. Publishers and self-publishers are encouraged to visit the website www.holyerangofawards.org.uk for information and an entry form. Anyone who has enjoyed a 2019 book about Cornwall, set in Cornwall or in Cornish is welcome to contact the organisers, Bards Gareth and Pat Parry, with details of title and author so that they can invite the publishers to enter the Scheme (holyerangof@btinternet.com).
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Notes for editors: More information can be found about Gorsedh Kernow at www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk or by emailing enquiries@gorsedhkernow.org.uk. Gorsedh Kernow also has a Facebook page and a Twitter account.