Golowan Festival CIC has not announced dates for a 2027 Penzance festival or Mazey Day.
The organiser’s site currently covers the completed 19 to 28 June 2026 edition, which included processions, music, performance, workshops and markets, with Mazey Day on Saturday 27 June and Quay Fair Day on Sunday 28 June.
The name comes from the Cornish for the feast of St John, and the festival revives something Penzance actually did in the 19th century: celebrations opened on St John’s Eve, 23 June, with bonfires, fireworks, dancing and music, then moved to a fair around the town quay on Midsummer Day. The modern version dates from 1991, when Stephen Hall and people from the Penzance community restarted it. Penglaz, the horse figure that leads the processions, is a reworking of a Cornish ‘obby oss made for the festival by David and Julia Twomlow in 1992-93, so the two anchor days on the current programme - Mazey Day and Quay Fair Day - still follow the older shape of the feast.
Visitor information
Date: The 2027 dates have not been announced. Golowan typically confirms its festival week and Mazey Day date a few months ahead, so check golowanfestival.org before booking travel.
Venue: Events traditionally use streets, parks, halls, harbour spaces and other locations across Penzance; the 2027 programme will confirm each site.
Admission: Unknown for the next edition. In 2026, outdoor activity such as Mazey Day and Quay Fair Day was free, while the launch party (£7.50) and some evening marquee sessions were ticketed.
Programme: Giant processional artwork, parades, community music and markets are part of Golowan’s established ten-day format around St John’s Day in late June. Exact 2027 dates, routes and performers are still to come.
Where to stay
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