# Montol

> Winter Solstice in Penzance


## Posts

- [Every Cloud ...](https://montol.org/2026/01/17/every-cloud/): Hope everyone has recovered from Storm Goretti, and we can all rejoice that we don’t live in Tunbridge Wells where some people lost their water supply … imagine. We have power and water back and a very degraded broadband has finally been restored – hope you’re all back online too. Though I could do without those people (using the term very loosely) determined to keep our news feeds “interesting”. Whatever … very pleased to have been able to rescue something from all the chaos – we’re only a fortnight into the new year and we have “appropriated” the perfect Mock […]
- [Twelfth Night](https://montol.org/2026/01/05/twelfth-night/): Out, out, brief candle!Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor playerThat struts and frets his hour upon the stageAnd then is heard no more. Sigh … Drama Queen! … until it’s our turn again! Twelfth Night – our Christmastide is done. Traditionally the wildest night of the season – but we’ve already strutted ourselves out. If you’re wassailing, partying or just having a quiet night after a hard day – enjoy. And remember, what a great Montol it was – we all did good – didn’t we? We’ll be a bit quieter here for a while but in the background […]
- [Curation time](https://montol.org/2026/01/03/curation-time/): This is one of my favourite bits – gathering together all the beautiful photos of Montol – for our website and for our socials – and this year to support our grant applications. But also because, on the night, we miss so much – so busy. At the moment I’m looking at Greg Martin, Liz Williams, Kai Greet, Greg Huckfield, Ian Mayou, Cam de Pete, Teddy Munns and Joji Qaranavalu. Is there anyone else you think I should look up? Do you have photos you’d like to share? Looking for hi-res images 2000 to 3000 on their longest edge. I […]
- [Bledhen nowydh da](https://montol.org/2026/01/01/bledhen-nowydh-da/): Still here – Never give up … Never surrender Comfort movie and a bottle of wine Whatever your 2025 was like we hope this year is better Happy new year Thanks to Jonny Weeks and The Guardian for the photo
- [Keeping the Money Happy](https://montol.org/2025/12/30/keeping-the-money-happy/): A little rest. And we have just finished the Reports for Penzance Council and Feast Cornwall. Around 250 performers at 9 venues over 10 hours – actively involving about 5000 people – Wow! When you spell it out … it really is amazing! Deconstructing the traditions of Guise dancing – dressing up, singing, silly and amazing performances, music and dancing, Osses and Beasts and roaming the streets, from pub to pub, playing with fire, turning the world upside down …means that so many more of us can be involved and experience the Magic of Montol.Not just 7 old friends and […]
- [Was it all just a dream?](https://montol.org/2025/12/22/was-it-all-just-a-dream/): OK Montol Where do I start? Every witch from Lands End to Redruth must have spelled their hearts out.We were up at the Rec in the morning and it was like being at sea in a storm. And then … we were all blessed. Thank you all – corporeal and … not. You took the risk and took to the streets in your finery.You all looked amazing and lots of you even amazinger. The atmosphere was gentle and wild, delirious and sometimes misty-eyed, loud and proud and when Tas Nadelik held you all in silence down by the sea – […]
- [Now is the still before the storm](https://montol.org/2025/12/20/now-is-the-still-before-the-storm/): At last, the night before Montol And ancient uncle Aaron is sat in the corner, bent close by the fire cradling a small tankard of warm mahogany in gnarled hands, humming a vaguely familiar tune – (not unaware that he’s playing a part) Would you like to hear a story of old midwinter? Draw near … settle yourself …I shall tell you of Old Ned – the Raven King of Montol. So …My friends the rooks of Penzance, tell it like this … Old Ned — the elusive Raven of Penwith — roosts behind the black clock face of The […]
- [Super Saturday](https://montol.org/2025/12/20/super-saturday/): What a fabulous day! The Montol Workshops were amazing. So many new faces, cunning hands. A fabulous humming atmosphere – we actually ran out of time and almost out of materials. Thanks to Feast for the funding and to Pixel for such a lovely venue To Linus and Charlotte for look after us so well And especially to our emergency crafting mavens: Rosi and Nicole. See you all tomorrow Just one sleep to go – not that we’ll get any!
- [The Stalking of the Beasts](https://montol.org/2025/12/20/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 StreetPen Hood, Maw Bras and Alargh Du will roam the town, causing mayhem and […]
- [Emergency Guise](https://montol.org/2025/12/19/emergency-guise/): Super Saturday Montol Workshops On Saturday 20th December at Pixel at the top of Causewayhead 10:00am – 2:00pm Last Minute Emergency Guise Making! Remember – the fourth rule of Montol (if we were having rules) is: you wear a costume – you’re in disguise. Cross DressMock Posh or FormalRags and Tattersor the Regalia of your Guild See our simple guide. Expert and experienced guides to help you with problem solving and improvisation. We’ll bring sewing machines and some materials – you bring fabric, curtains, ribbons – whatever you can forage.And don’t forget the charity shops in town! See you there! […]
- [Mask-making Workshop](https://montol.org/2025/12/18/mask-making-workshop/): Remember – the third rule of Montol is: you wear a mask – you’re in disguise. Super Saturday Montol Workshops On Saturday 20th December at Pixel at the top of Causewayhead from 10:00am until 2:00pm Bits and bobs and base masks provided – bring anything you think might work – and your imagination whether it works or not. See you there! And big thanks to Feast Cornwall for the funding and Pixel Penzance for the space.
- [Montol Zero](https://montol.org/2025/12/18/montol-zero/): Joy is something we make, not what we consume. I was just checking our socials and I thought … It’s all a bit focussed on alcohol. If there’s one thing you don’t need at Montol, it’s artificial stimulants. There are loads of you out there who don’t drink for personal, historical, medical or religious reasons. Well, derrr! We, who do, just take it all for granted. Our bad. All of the pubs and bars in town are totally geared up to make you feel at home whatever you want to refresh yourself so please don’t feel excluded or unwelcome. Your […]
- [Montol's Weather Eye](https://montol.org/2025/12/18/montols-weather-eye/): Yeah – I looked out the window too … I know. Blowing a hooley up here as well. But the forecast for Sunday is still … not terrible. Know any spells? Willing to offer up any spare organs to the Bucca. Good with prayers? We need all the help we can get. It doesn’t look like it’s going to be windy – so that’s a bonus. And it’s not going to be too cold. That said, in addition to our lovely pubs: The Farmers Arms, The London Inn, The White Lion, the Star, the Globe, the Union, the Turks Head, […]
- [Super Saturday Workshops](https://montol.org/2025/12/14/super-saturday-workshops/): So we’re less than one week out from Montol! If you’re anything like us you might well be a wee bit behind on your prep. So Saturday 20th December is Super Saturday! At Pixel at the top of Causewayhead from 10:00am until 2:00pm There will be speedy sessions to help you with Last minute guise making Making mini lanterns Building Montol bunches Making masks And learning a bit of Cornish And they’re all free If you want to build a bunch please bring some greenery if you can. If you want to make some last minute guise feel free to […]
- [Sun build update](https://montol.org/2025/12/13/sun-build-update/): Who Knew? My workshop is a stellar nursery. Gravid with just the one protostar. Making it up as I go along Now I know why so many jazz greats were off their faces more than half the time – like slack-lining across Niagara Falls … naked … while trying to remember the words to Nine Brave Boys. Ach – it’ll be alright on the night.
- [Talking Keepies](https://montol.org/2025/12/11/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 are not planning to produce our own reusable cups. And we don’t want to add to all the “stuff” in the world. We know that most of you already have at least one.That’s actually … 15 in the photo?!A bit obsessive but they do elevate a chippy tea on the beach to the elegance of a fancy […]
- [The Montol Sun](https://montol.org/2025/12/10/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 into town. Would’ve been cool but … I’m not terrified at all … I’ve got tons of time … it will be fine … So – new plan. It’s going to be beautiful and it WILL be ready in time. And then you lot are going to BURN it! Ah well – the sun must complete – […]
- [Cornish Dance Workshop](https://montol.org/2025/12/10/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 St, Penzance Get your steps ready for Montol with Tros an Treys They will be teaching a furry dance for the Sundowner procession down Causewayhead(with the odd spontaneous serpent around a shop!). Then Newlyn Reel, Mr Martins Reel and Crowshensa for the dancing in the Greenmarket. And the Hedley step for the circle dance around the Burning […]
- [Through the looking glass](https://montol.org/2025/11/27/through-the-looking-glass/): One of the biggest changes we’re making to Montol this year is a complete ban on mobile phones. Well, OK … we’re not … but, believe it or not, it has been seriously suggested. One of the other things that comes up in Team Montol conversations, is a ban on people walking backwards, specifically while focussed on their screens. It’s bloody dangerous. Please be careful. But – we’re skipping that too … this year. Of course everyone wants a record of some of the beautiful sights and sounds, wants to post a lovely pic or reel on their socials, wants […]
- [A Gathering of Guilds](https://montol.org/2025/11/26/a-gathering-of-guilds/): Ever since the Middle Ages, during the Twelve Days of Christmas, groups of guise dancers have been found entertaining each other and their communities all across West Penwith.Guise Dancing was always a sort of mumming, involving complete disguise in ragged and grotesque or elaborate and grand costumes, cross dressing and animal masks – though there was very little actual dancing there was usually a lot of bad music and worse jokes – going from house to house in the dark. Since 2013 we’ve generally got together in more formal Guilds.Because Montol isn’t a fancy-dress party — No Batman but plenty […]
- [What's this Gathering thing?](https://montol.org/2025/11/25/whats-this-gathering-thing/): So wrapped up in Montol prep it hadn’t occurred to me that half of our followers on FB and Instagram are new and weren’t even here last year … looking at their profiles I think a few of them weren’t even born yet. My bad. So, what is The Gathering? For Montol, traditionally groups of friends get together to help each other make costumes and masks and devise their contribution to the Revels – songs, games, satire whatever you want – as they have for the Twelve Days of Christmas in Penzance for generations – and, having developed a theme, […]
- [The Gathering](https://montol.org/2025/11/22/the-gathering-2/)
- [Don't mention the money](https://montol.org/2025/11/21/dont-mention-the-money/): For every cultural event or organisation, outside of the Royal Opera House or Old Trafford, money is the big neon elephant tooting and stamping in the middle of the room.Some of our neighbours have had to pause their events, some have simply died. But we will survive! We’re exploring everything. Tickets are a big no for us, though I totally understand why some friends have chosen that route.The whole point of Montol is to revive and honour what were originally spontaneous, boisterous and unruly expressions of our culture – our job is to enable and facilitate that in a much […]
- [Montol Countdown](https://montol.org/2025/11/21/montol-countdown/): So we’re exactly a month out from Montol and things are starting to fall into place. Woah! Fall‽ Carefully, precisely placed and arranged would be a better way to put it. How are your projects progressing? I had grand plans for a new mask this year – but like so many it’s been put off till next. Time for an update: There’s so much going on behind the scenes – as always.Montol is an ungainly lumbering beast and, like a dinosaur, it needs all the little brains in its shoulders and hips just to keep walking.And it belongs to all […]
- [Montol is home made](https://montol.org/2025/11/11/montol-is-home-made/): We think of ourselves as the Mighty Montol but Penzance is just a little place.Well we are famous – in a little way and getting famouser all the time. This year I’ve had to explain to so many people from around the world that we’re not a Festival … in the way that Glastonbury is.We don’t have stages, our venue is our town, we don’t sell tickets and book acts to entertain us. Montol is really a beautiful party at exactly the time of the year when it’s most needed – it’s cold (for Penwith), it’s dark and it’s wet […]
- [Phew!](https://montol.org/2025/09/16/phew/): 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 brighter, more brimful and safer than ever before. On Monday 15th September the council voted to award the grant and we are enormously grateful. We are now looking forward to delivering another fantastic Montol for everyone in Penzance – and beyond.Can’t wait to see you all on the 21st December!Watch this space! Oh … and thank you so much for all the emails you sent in support of the motion – they really made a difference. […]
- [A Fond Farewell to Our Beloved Beast - Kasek Nos](https://montol.org/2025/06/23/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.
- [Participation](https://montol.org/2024/12/18/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 other Cornish events. Like Montol, we’re fully inclusive and all about participation – if you are able to get to Penzance on a Saturday, find us in the Star at 5 pm join in a couple of practices and if you like the feeling, come along as often as you like. But at this time of year we have a request. Montol is all about participation and we love that so many of […]
- [Why do we burn the sun?](https://montol.org/2024/12/09/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 painting, arty farty and engineering and making do – making the Sun.I made one for the first time last year – in a long line of crafty improvisors. And had to face the weird, cathartic, ambivalent moment we makers have all faced when it goes up in flames … but … it “completed” … it was made […]
- [How Did Montol Get Its Name?](https://montol.org/2024/12/06/how-did-montol-get-its-name/): On our page about the origins of Montol we mention that there has been – how shall we put it – a bit of to-and-fro in the past about the origin of the name. So we did a bit of looking around and talking to people who were there at the start and here’s a summary of what we found out. Firstly, there’s the idea we’ve seen from some that the name has to do with “balance”. There is indeed a word mantol in the Cornish dictionaries, with the English meaning balance. So far, so plausible, until we remember what […]
- [A Living Tradition](https://montol.org/2024/12/02/a-living-tradition/): 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 […]
- [Move fast, grow fast, and break things](https://montol.org/2024/11/24/move-fast-grow-fast-and-break-things/): 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 […]
- [Crowdfunder](https://montol.org/2024/11/18/crowdfunder/): 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 […]
- [Montol has a "Male Gaze"?](https://montol.org/2024/11/14/montol-has-a-male-gaze/): 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 […]
- [New Website](https://montol.org/2024/11/12/new-website/): 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 […]
- [Grant Funding](https://montol.org/2024/11/11/grant-funding/): 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!
- [The Gathering](https://montol.org/2024/10/30/the-gathering/): 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 […]
- [Team Montol Update](https://montol.org/2024/10/30/update/): 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 – […]
- [Grant Funding for this year](https://montol.org/2024/10/21/grant-funding-for-this-year/): 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.
- [The Annual Montol Troyl](https://montol.org/2024/08/30/the-annual-montol-troyl/): Woah! What a fabulous evening.Golowan is done, the year has turned.So good to get the tribe together and slip into Montol mood. Raffidy got every one in the spirit and then Alex led the dancing with Tros an Treys – and loved the audio headset so she could talk to the crowd and keep us all on track. Kasak Nos and Pen Hood couldn’t resist and almost cleared the floor. And then Keskorra took us out on a high – ready for Montol season. Thanks to the Acorn for being such generous hosts – and to you all for coming, […]

## Pages

- [The Ceremony of The Sun](https://montol.org/the-ceremony-of-the-sun/): Photo Credit: Lee Palmer At Winter Solstice as we enter the longest night of the year, the sun stands still and the world is turned upside down. Howlsavla Gwav Cornish for Winter Solstice, comes from howl: sun, savla: to halt or stop and gwav: winter. To our ancestors it seemed the sun had stopped in its journey across the sky.To stave off the darkness they gathered in ceremony to call back the light and bring renewal to the land. Drawing on these roots, we come together for a Ceremony of the Sun, processing with a merrie band of musicians, masked […]
- [Montol Timetable](https://montol.org/montol-timetable/): Montol takes place every year on the 21 December Whatever the dayWhatever the weather You can download a pdf of the map here ↗ and timetable here ↗ 2:00 pm The Raffidy Dumitz Band and a small herd of wild Osses will be prowling the town – taking in The Edge of the World Bookshop and the Farmers on Causewayhead – ending up at the Star Inn on Market Jew Street for well-earned oats and hay.There will be Morris dancers and everyone gearing up for the evening’s festivities. 3:30 pm Communal singing of traditional Cornish Carols outside the Farmers at the […]
- [Credits](https://montol.org/credits/): Thanks to all our fabulous photographers All of the images on this site have been donated by the photographers – we do not own any of the image rights. All the photographs should credit the responsible photographer.Contact them directly using the links on this page. I’m sure this list will grow and grow …
- [Resources Online](https://montol.org/about/resources-online/): Photo: David Iliff Cornish Culture Association The Cornish Culture Association has been set up to to advance the education of the general public in Cornish history, culture and heritage. This page is for all subjects relating to these themes. If you have a post relating to this please share. Traditional Music of Cornwall Cornwall’s geographical position and historical maritime connections have helped to create a wonderful repertoire of both uniquely Cornish and shared tunes with other regions and countries. By Tom and Tehmina Goskar Website YouTube Channel Golowan Festival Website Facebook Instagram Lowender Kernow Website Facebook Instagram Tros an Treys […]
- [Gyptians](https://montol.org/gyptians/): The Glorious Company of the Egyptian House The ‘Gyptians Isis Sobek Thoth Horus Bastet Ramesses Maratsagar
- [Cornmarket Revellers](https://montol.org/cornmarket-revellers-2/): The Corn-Market Revellers were revived in 2013 based on a famous group of Christmas Guisers that existed in Penzance in the 19th Century.   At 8pm on the day of Montol the revellers meet at the door of the Market House to select a “Master of the Corn-Market” who must be an “experienced reveller”. The Master then leads the revellers (including musicians and dancers) to a number of pubs in the town to “test the ale” and perform the utterly baffling spy-the-market game. The Master is surrounded by Mock Officers of State, including Spy-The-Market (Head entertainer), The Chancellor of the […]
- [About](https://montol.org/about/): Photo: Greg Martin You can find more about what actually happens on the night here Find out more about the origins of Montol here. Here are some online resources on Cornish Culture. Here are the credits for the Photographers featured on this site. Every year we come together, on the same night from town and country and the edgelands in between from Gurnards Head, up over Watch Croft, down the Chyandour Brook to the Bay from the Red River, weaving through the stones, across Carn Brae and out to the Cape and we dance through the streets of Penzance, eyes […]
- [Old Ned - The Raven King of Montol](https://montol.org/old-ned-the-raven-king-of-montol/): At Market House, that big domed building in the heart of Penzance, there are four clock faces. The Northern Face is the last remaining original face and is black, unlike the others which are white. For many years Old Ned resided within the workings of the Northern clock. His only company was the occasional visit from a pair of rooks who would wander around Penzance gathering food for Old Ned and pretty, shiny things for his nest. Old Ned was haunted through the winter by the sound of a chiming bell. The sound sent shivers to his very core, for […]
- [The Origins of Montol](https://montol.org/the-origins-of-montol/): The origins of the name Montol are bitterly contested and perhaps even all somewhat spurious. But it is generally agreed that the people who revived the Cornish Christmas custom of guise dancing in 2007 were sure they’d stumbled on a real Cornish word for balance light and dark, the threshold between this year and the next, the pivot point. Our Cornish Language expert, Paul Tyreman, has researched the name extensively and suggests that it must be considered a new proper noun and the only reasonable translation should be: “Winter Solstice or Mid Winter Festival in Penzance”. But the guise dancing […]
- [Blog](https://montol.org/blog/)
- [Home](https://montol.org/): The Winter Solstice in Penzance Not so much a cultural revival as a complete re-imaginingof the old traditions of the twelve days of christmasguize dancing and the mock (our yule log)a living, breathing and evolving legacy unique to us, here in Penwith. Map out your evening make sure you don’t miss a thing and pace yourself Somehow a subtle blend of scaffolding and anarchy means that the best party of the year organically emerges from the chaos. Find out how … Keep up to date with all things Montol. Find out a bit more about the history and origins of […]
- [Special Guest Stars](https://montol.org/special-guest-stars/): Tom – The Dick with the Stick Tom is everywhere – leading the Raffidy Dumitz Band. He’s the only reason we don’t all get lost in the dark. Pensans Morris Pensans Morris will be hosting a crowd of sides all through the afternoon and into the night – from traditional to very not. The Mock Mayor of Penzance The Mock Mayor will lead the Sundowner Parade. Naomi and the Fire Dancers Naomi and her Amazing Fire Dancers will join us for the Progress of the Sun and hopefully stay for the rest of the night. Tas Nadelik – Father Christmas […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://montol.org/privacy-policy/): Who we are Our website address is: https://montol.org. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymised string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service Privacy Policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. Cookies If you leave a comment […]
- [Contact](https://montol.org/contact/): Get in touch If you have any questions or just want to say hello,please don’t hesitate to contact us.We’ll get back to you soon. For the latest news and gossip follow our Socialsor our blog
- [Raffidy Dumitz](https://montol.org/raffidy-dumitz/): Leading the Parades A jolly and friendly group of musicians and noise makers who support local events with our live music and processions. Our music is traditional Celtic, mainly Cornish in origin We were established in 2015 to support Montol and other local cultural events. Join us We practice most Saturdays at 5pm in The Star Inn in Penzance Come along and listen – or even better, if you have at least one musical bone in your body – join in!
- [Masks](https://montol.org/masks/): Photo: Greg Huckfield Animal Penzance has always favoured animal masks – often with horns or antlers – or more disturbing hybrids. Vegetable But in these vegan friendly days, mosses and roots and cabbages are common. What is that?! “She said – I didn’t see you there – Exactly!” Ben Heamoor From minimal There’s beautifully strange … To maximal And just wonderfully weird. “My mask only comes alive when I wear it … together we are something new … different.” Sarah Newlyn Draw a Veil Lace veils were always a popular traditional option for men and women and are great for […]
- [Costumes](https://montol.org/costumes/): Photo: Ian Mayou We’ll be announcing workshops to help youin December Mock Posh Go formal in mock posh in the grandest vintage you can find.Exaggerate, turn the dial up to 11, mocking the upper classes …Montol is definitely not Helston Flora. Tatters Or flip that into tatters and ribbons and disguise your finer status.Ragged or bright and shiny … or blend the two. Cross Dressing And don’t forget that Penzance has always had a passion for cross-dressing.Beards and bodices but who’s is who’s?From marianismo to machismobut always swaggering! “During the early part of the last century the costume of the […]
- [The MOC](https://montol.org/the-moc/): Working behind the scenes to make sure all the “boring” stuff is in place,creating a safe space for all the mayhem. Amongst much else: money, stewarding, security and safety, social media and promotion, road-closures, insurance, materials and fire to burn them. Nicole Broadhurst ChairThe Buck stops here! Paul Tyreman Cornish Language ExpertBand Wrangler Aaron Broadhurst Designer, Web and Social MediaBeast Wrangler
- [Strange Beasts](https://montol.org/strange-beasts/): Meet our team Our dynamic suite of seasoned professionals is dedicated to elevating your entertainment experience to a new level.With a wealth of expertise and an unwavering passion for customer satisfaction,we’re here to turn your vision, or your nightmare, into reality. Pen Hood Oss Pen is a shy, reclusive beast who values her privacy. She appears only in films, photographic projects, musical compositions, ancient tales, and across her social media, and attends only select local festivals, events, weddings, and the openings of exhibitions, crisps, snacks and envelopes. She likes to keep in shape with joyful prancing and some light bystander […]
- [The Guilds](https://montol.org/the-guilds/): Montol is so much more than a beautiful barmy bash. The performers and the Guilds who do so much to make the day and night so special are … well … special.Keeping alive traditions that date back hundreds of years, traditions which in turn kept alive the embers of beliefs, hopes and fears from the depths of history, faint echoes which still resonate today. Traditions which have faltered and faded but have never quite left living memory.Embers which are stirring into fire again. Each year we lose some but gain new ones. The oldest surviving guilds are The Cornmarket Revellers […]
- [Montol Highlights](https://montol.org/montol-highlights/): Photo Credit: Greg Martin During the day Throughout the day – well the afternoon: this is Penzance – The Beasts will be prowling the town – look for them on and around Market Jew Street. There’ll also be Morris Dancing, Crying Town Criers and traditional Cornish Carols. The Sundowner Parade As the sun sets, Raffidy Dumitz, the Mock Mayor of Penzance, Tros an Treys, The Osses and Lord and Lady Montol and their honoured guests will lead a family friendly Parade down Causewayhead – including periodic diversions through the shops – down to Greenmarket – followed by Cornish dancing. The […]


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