There’s a myth that says all the cells in our body are replaced every 7 years and yet we stay who we are.In fact our red blood cells have a life span of about 4 months, muscle cells last for about 15 years and some of the neurons that survive mahogany are never replaced.But the average is somewhere between 7 and 10 years.We’re never the same but we don’t become someone else either. To be alive, an organism must be able to regulate it’s own internal environment, it should have some sort of structural organisation, it will use energy to…

We’re all supposed to subscribe to this shit. It happens every year: “Don’t you want Montol to grow?” “Have thought about sponsorship?” “Would you be interested in a partnership?” To be honest: not really.We have thought about it – we are not complete morons or yokels thank you.But asking around Team Montol, the answer seems to be the same:love it and get very excited when hoards of people turn up but … don’t want to lose that unique party atmosphere.And we’re not for sale. We would love to broaden and deepen participation. But it’s not a numbers game – it’s…

Even out here we have running water, electricity (intermittently) and webby-nets but we couldn’t live without DPD and Evri.The box was labelled, I knew what was inside, but I still stared at it for 10 minutes before opening it. What if they were rubbish?They weren’t. Step one. Breathe … move on. We launched our 2024 Crowdfunder on Saturday morning. Pitched everything right – donation suggestion, reward and target – we were pretty confident.Crowdfunder has an amazing system that’s really easy to set up with lots of advice at every stage but they’re like a drug-dealer or a casino – the…

Having finished the new Montol website at last, I just want to say a big thank you to all the photographers who’ve contributed so much.I wanted the site to be as visual as possible – to capture the overwhelming impact, the spirit, of the event – and I think it’s worked.I’ve tried to credit each one where I could – if you find I’ve made a mistake, or missed a credit, do get in touch.I’m making a separate page with names and links to honour that contribution – you make us all look awesome.If there are specific links you’d like…

So – we have a new website! It might be a bit rough around the edges but it’s a start and it’s live. The idea is that it will be a little bit of Magic – transmogrifying the interested/curious into fully fledged Guisers. it’s been a lot of work but it does seem to work. Thankyou so much to Team Montol for their contributions. And to all the photographers for the beautiful pics. Do go have a look around … and enjoy! We’ll set up a redirect from the old site and eventually retire it. Thanks so much to Tom…

At last we can say … We got it! A huge thank you to Penzance Council for awarding Montol grant funding again.The money will ensure that this year’s festival goes ahead and is bigger, brighter and safer than ever before. On Monday 11th November the council voted to award the grant and we are enormously grateful. We are now looking forward to delivering a fantastic Montol for everyone in Penzance – and beyond. See you all on the 21st December!

So, what is the Gathering? For Montol, traditionally groups of friends get together to help each other to make costumes and masks and devise their contribution to the Revels – songs, games, satire whatever you want. On the 1st December we look forward to meeting you all – new guilds, old guilds, musicians, dancers and mummers, new peeps and old hands – so you can sign the Ancient Montol Ledger – a record stretching back into the mists of time (all the way back to 2023 in fact). Join the Cornmarket Revellers, the ‘Gyptians, Raffidy Dumitz Band, the Physicians, the…

Just a quick update from Team Montol … Road closures in – and in – and in again – but seem to be finalised now.Fire Service charmed and on board – brilliant again.Bus companies on board – they’ve been lovely.Insurance is done.Marshaling is almost sorted.Workshops are arranged.New venues are set but … still a few things to iron out – more on that later.New Instagram account is up and going – I know there’s not a lot of overlap with FB but, if you’re interested, you can find us here – please follow –https://www.instagram.com/montol_festival/Special Guest Stars falling into place –…

Up before the Beak – Penzance Council Finance and General Purposes Committee. I really hate these things.Not good at being grilled. My instinctive response to authority is a dangerous mix of belligerence and blind panic.But we all prepared and thanks to Nicole’s scribbled notes and Paul’s carefully constructed arguments, and the forbearance of some of the councillors, we weathered the night.We won’t be able to tell you how things went until it’s ratified, or not, by full council on 11th November. But we did our best. Hold your breath.