Montol celebrates Penzance’s midwinter customs on the winter solstice, which falls on Monday 21 December in 2026. The official Montol site gives the date as “The Winter Solstice - 21st December” and says the festival “happens every year on the same day”, and a Montol blog post from 19 October 2026 reminds readers that “this year Montol is on a Monday”. Guise dancing, music, processions and the Ceremony of the Sun bring masked revellers onto the town’s streets.
The festival began in 2007. Its official history explains that it draws on Christmas and midwinter customs once found in West Cornwall while deliberately creating a modern community event rather than claiming an unchanged ancient ceremony.
Visitor information
Date: Monday 21 December 2026. The 2026 running order has not been published yet.
Location: Central Penzance. Past processions have used Causewayhead, Greenmarket and the seafront at the Jubilee Pool. Wait for the 2026 map before choosing a place to watch.
Admission: The official Montol site says of the festival: “It’s free. It’s for everyone.” The 2026 running order has not been published, so check it for any associated workshops or indoor events that may charge separately.
Programme: Past editions have included the Sundowner Parade, the Summoning of the Sun and the Burning of the Sun. The 2026 running order is still to follow. Different parts of the evening take place around Penzance, so choose your route once the programme is available.
Check the official Montol site nearer the day for the 2026 running order, since the festival is community-led and details can change year to year.
Where to stay
See Penzance visitor information and browse places to stay near Penzance.
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