The Stalking of the Beasts

For at least two hundred years the extraordinary Beasts of Penzance have prowled the winter streets after dark, terrifying passersby and performing random acts of kindness for kittens and small children …
secret traditions passed down, mother to daughter, father to son for generations …

At Montol you must be aware that you may encounter one of many strange Beasts, at almost anytime, anywhere in Penzance.

At 2:00pm The Osses will be released from their ethereal realm through the portal of the Star Inn on Market Jew Street
Pen Hood, Maw Bras and Alargh Du will roam the town, causing mayhem and consternation – watch out for them at The Edge of the World Bookshop and stealing sprouts from the Co-op.

At 4:21pm A new Beast will join Pen Hood, Maw Bras, Alargh Du and the rest of the Wild Herd for The Sundowner Parade from the top of Causewayhead – causing havoc as we go.

At 6:00pm Old Ned, Pen Hood and Maw Bras and Alargh Du will be part of The Progress of the Sun, up from the Greenmarket to the Princess May Rec, where they will dance wildly round the fire as the Sun burns.

From 8:00, during The Revels in Chapel Street, you’ll find Ramasses, Sobek, Bastet, Meretseger and a much anticipated new Beast outside The Egyptian House and at 45 Queen Street .

During The Progress of the Mock, at 9:30 Pen Hood, Maw Bras, Alargh Du and Margh Rudh will join Tas Nadelik’s torchlit parade down Chapel Street.

And they’ll be central to The Chalking of the Mock Ceremony on the Triangle outside the Jubilee Pool at 10:30.

Do remember that timings, as always at Montol, are subject to the Law of Misrule.

Beware!

Thanks to Greg Martin and Ian Mayou for the fabulous photos