Join us at the winter solstice
and together we’ll turn the world
upside down
The Winter Solstice in Penzance
Not so much a cultural revival as a complete re-imagining
of the old traditions of the twelve days of christmas
guize dancing and the mock (our yule log)
a living, breathing and evolving legacy
unique to us, here in Penwith.
Help the Montol Magic Burn Bright!
This year, costs have risen sharply
And we urgently need your help to make Montol 25
safe, inclusive and unforgettable
Any donation, however small or large, really makes a big difference
Somehow a subtle blend of scaffolding and anarchy means that the best party of the year organically emerges from the chaos.
Keep up to date with all things Montol.
Find out a bit more about the history and origins of Montol.
Guise Dancing doesn’t have anything to do with dancing at all but disguise is the most important part of the festival.
Photo Credits: 1 Lee Palmer, 2 Ian Mayou, 5 Greg Huckfield
Montol really is a community Festival – each component is fully autonomous – there’s nothing prescribed or proscribed … within reason.
How all the participants, planning, making and practicing in secret,
just turn up and spontaneously put on such a magnificent party …
is a mystery.
But it happens every year on the same day, rain or moon-shine.
Raffidy Dumitz Band
The glue which holds the festival together.
Their hypnotic music leading all the parades and ceremonies.
The Guilds
Groups who get together to choose a theme for their disguise and a plan to entertain and amaze throughout the revels.
Strange Beasts
Flowing through the crowds like dark fires. Freelance and feral, the Beasts are not pets. Beware!
The Ceremony of The Sun
Join us in calling back the sun, to bring dark and light into balance and keep the wheel of the year turning.
Special Guest Stars
Mummers and morris dancers, fire dancers, a constellation of starlets and Tas Nadelik – our Father Christmas.
The MOC
The Montol Organising Committee – behind the scenes, planning, juggling, wrangling and whispering – making sure it all works.
Photo Credits: 1-3 Ian Mayou, 4 Greg Martin and 5 Wikimedia Commons
The Montol Blog
Keep up with all the latest news
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Talking Keepies
That time again – talking about sustainability, clean and safe streets. Talking reusable cups We’ll be checking in with all the pubs in town about filling your own vessels – they’ve been great the last few years – but as a festival we…
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The Montol Sun
The willow is here. The sun WILL be reborn. Had a really clear idea this year and then I made a maquette and went: Oh! It might fit through the double doors on the workshop but there’s no way to get it down…
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Cornish Dance Workshop
Do you know your toes from your heels, never mind your Crowshensas from your Reels?Tros an Treys together with Montol are very pleased to present a Cornish Dance Workshop On Sunday 14th December 3:00-4:15pm Upstairs in the Ballroom at The Union Hotel, Chapel…
Costumes
This is Penzance – there’s no dress code
civvies, full fig or sky-clad
but this is MONTOL
so it’s not FANCY DRESS either.
We have some guidelines and suggestions to help you plan your look.
Masks
Traditionally, the guise dancers chose to hide their faces
which makes sense if you’re up to mischief or breaking taboos.
We have a few ideas to get you started and inspire you.
Photo Credits: 1 Greg Martin, 2 Ian Mayou