CALLINGTON’S streets are full of music and dance today (Saturday) as the town’s MayFest makes a much-anticipated return.
Local people who have been rehearsing in workshops will join together with visiting groups and bands to perform at locations in the town centre: stages will be set up in Fore Street and outside The Bulls Head and there’ll be groups in the Town Hall and at St Mary’s Church too.
An artisan market will fill New Road with beautiful produce and crafts to browse, and don’t forget the MayFest procession itself, which will set off from the Saltash Road car park just after 12 noon.
Giants, Vikings, Morris Dancers, Choirs and Town Criers will be joined by local people as the parade makes its musical way to Fore Street.
“With no MayFest since 2019, it’s been great to see the amount of support for this year’s event coming together,” said Peter Watson of CAVe, which organises the festival.
“We’ll be seeing old friends and looking forward to enjoying some new acts on the main stage in Fore Street and elsewhere in town. We are especially grateful to the stewards (Rotarians, Lions and members of the community) who have come forward to help with the day.”
Last night (Friday) saw a preview concert for MayFest by Mike O’Connor and Barbara Griggs at the Town Hall. Mike is known for his evocative folk songs and relaxed, humorous story-telling, and together with harpist Barbara he was performing both original pieces and those gleaned from newly-discovered Cornish manuscripts. Mike has composed a number of the pieces to be performed at today’s MayFest, and he’s been working with community musicians at a series of workshops to get ready for the event.
Rosie Fierek and Sarah Owen have also been leading rehearsal sessions, with the culmination of everyone’s efforts to be enjoyed on stage and during the procession this Saturday.
Road closures are in place today through to 7.30pm: Fore Street, Biscombe’s Lane and New Road from the junction with Fore Street
to the entrance to the Pridham’s car park will be closed to traffic, as well as Saltash Road between the junctions with Fore Street and Aysshton Gardens.
A guide to the day’s events
(Subject to change on the day)
12 noon – all move to the assembly point in the Saltash Rd car park for procession, furry dance, serpent dance, and the proclamation
Main Stage
10am-11am..................................Town Band
11am – 12noon..........................Countrymen
1pm – 2pm................................Countrymen
2pm – 2.45pm................................Wreckers
2.45pm – 4pm..................................Morzim
4pm – 5.45pm.....Cornish Groove Collective
Spar
10.15am – 11am................................TBC
11am – 12 noon.................................Wreckers
1pm – 1.45pm....................................Mayfester Singers and Musicians
2pm – 3pm.........................................Swaggers
3pm – 3.45pm....................................TBC
3.45pm – 4.45pm...............................Swaggers
Town Hall
10am – 11am.....................................Flamenco/Latino workshop
11am – 11.30am................................Barratt’s Privateers
11.30am – 12noon.............................Pirates of St Piran
1pm – 1.30pm....................................Town Criers
1.30pm – 2pm....................................Barratt’s Privateers
2pm – 3pm.........................................Little Trebiggan
3pm – 3.45pm....................................Pirates of St Piran
3.45pm – 4.45pm...............................Flamenco/Latino display.
St Mary’s
10.15am – 11am................................Mayfester Singers
11am – 11.30am................................Losty Ukes
11.30am – 12noon.............................Telenores
1.30pm – 2pm.....................................Losty Ukes
2pm – 3pm..........................................Gospel Choir
3pm – 3.45pm.....................................Mayfester Singers and Musicians.
3.45pm – 4.15pm................................Mike O’Connor
4.15pm – 4.45pm................................Telenores.