
Join us at the winter solstice
and together we’ll turn the world
upside down
Photo: Jory Mundy
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.
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 to include dancing at all but disguise is the most importatnt part of the festival.
Photo Credits: 1 Lee Palmer, 2 Ian Mayou, 5 Greg Huckfield

Spotlight
All the important information
you might need
A Fond Farewell to Our Beloved Beast – Kasek Nos

After an extraordinary decade of dedication, creativity, and heart, we’re saying goodbye to one of our most cherished Beasts, Kasek Nos, as she embarks on an exciting new adventure in show-business.
Kasek Nos has been the beating heart of our festival since its earliest days. Her gentle spirit and boundless kindness touched everyone who worked alongside her, from first-time volunteers to seasoned performers. She had this remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued, creating the warm, inclusive atmosphere that has become Montol’s signature.
Her passion and stamina helped transform what started as a small community gathering into the vibrant cultural celebration we know today.
Kasek Nos always understood that the best festivals aren’t just about the performances and set-pieces — they’re about creating magical moments of connection between strangers, fostering new friendships, and giving our community a space to dream together.
While we’re heartbroken to see her go, we couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter in her life. If anyone was born to light up the lives of jaded seekers after enlightenment, it’s her. We’re sure she’ll bring the same passion, creativity, and generous spirit, that made Montol so special, to everything she does next.
Kasek Nos, thank you so much for ten incredible years of inspiration, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Team Montol and the rest of our festival family will miss you terribly but we can already see you dancing wild magic and spinning beautiful dreams.

The Winter Solstice in Penzance
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!

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: 1-4 Ian Mayou, 5 Wikimedia Commons

The Montol Blog
Keep up with all the latest news
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A Fond Farewell to Our Beloved Beast – Kasek Nos
After an extraordinary decade of dedication, creativity, and heart, we’re saying goodbye to one of our most cherished Beasts, Kasek Nos, as she embarks on an exciting new adventure in show-business. Kasek Nos has been the beating heart of our festival since its…
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Participation
A guest post from the Raffidy Dumitz Band You remember us. You’ve seen us at Montol since 2015 and at Golowan, Redruth Wassail, Penryn Mock Mayor and othe Cornish events. Like Montol, we’re fully inclusive and all about participation – if you are…
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Why do we burn the sun?
OK, so why DO we burn the sun? Time to ruffle the feathers we wear in our hair and in our hats. Good time to ask.Life full, as it is for 10 days now, of bending and sticking, thinking and planning, papering and…
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