Grand Bard Merv Davey, whose bardic name is Telynyor an Weryn,spoke of Cornwall’s unique culture in his address to fellow bards, visiting dignitaries and members of the public at Gorsedh Kernow’s annual bardic ceremony, held this year in the grounds of Launceston Castle at the weekend.

Thanking members of the local organising committee for all their hard work over many months and the Mayor of Launceston Cllr Margaret Young for such a warm welcome, the Grand Bard stood alongside delegates from the Welsh and Breton Gorseddau and reminded the crowds of the importance of recognising Cornwall as a distinct part of Great Britain.

‘Throughout the centuries the people of Cornwall have asserted their unique identity and heritage, and it is this distinctive culture that won us international recognition as a legally protected National Minority,’ he said.

Speaking of the huge effect tourism has had on Cornwall the Grand Bard emphasised that much depended on the way Cornish culture is portrayed and the way that assets such as the language and folk tradition are used or abused.

He insisted that Cornwall and the Cornish must be the author of their cultural destiny and not outside commercial interests.

‘We applaud their use of the Cornish language Kernewek at some of Cornwall’s heritage sites,’ said the Grand Bard, ‘but Gorsedh Kernow calls upon English Heritage to reject the fairytale that is paraded as “England’s story” and instead, show real enlightenment and tell Cornwall’s true story.’