A much-anticipated street festival will still go ahead this summer, but not as planned. Organisers of Golowan Festival in Penzance have announced a number of changes to the line-up of events.
It comes after the Prime Minister Boris Johnson delayed the lifting of restrictions in England by four weeks. England was due to move to stage four of the government's roadmap out of lockdown on 21 June.
Last year, Golowan Festival, which generates more than £1 million for the local economy, had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Today (June 16) the Golowan Festival Official Page issued a statement about the changes.
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It said: "Following the Government’s announcement of continued restrictions beyond June 21 in an effort to address the serious rise in the incidence of the Delta Covid-19 variant, and having taken the expert advice of the festival’s health and safety specialists, the organisers of the Golowan Festival have, with a heavy heart, been obliged to seriously limit events this year.
"The disappointing news is that all ‘crowd-pleasing’ live music in public spaces – Greenmarket Car Park, The Acorn Theatre Steps, Penzance Promenade and Morrab Gardens Bandstand will not now take place.
"Similarly, the food and craft stalls in Greenmarket Car Park and the children’s activities – Kids on the Prom – on Quay Fair Day will also be shelved this time round."
However, there are still a number of events planned which residents and visitors can get involved in.
There will be an exhibition at the former Argos store in Wharfside Shopping Centre.
The exhibition is celebrating 30 years of Golowan following its revival in 1991.
It also examines its ancient roots in the fire and frolics of Penzance and its people in times gone by.
There will also still be a fireworks display on Mazey Eve.
The event is being held thanks to Penzance Town Council and will be taking place at the harbour.
On Mazey Day and Quay Fair Day, there will be a 'serpent trail' through Morrab Gardens.
The Golowan Team said: "In Morrab Gardens, on Mazey Day and Quay Fair, the energy and enthusiasm of the young people of the town – from schools, colleges and community groups - will be rewarded with a colourful display on a ‘Serpent Trail’ through Morrab Gardens of the wonderful ‘parade’ images, sculpted from willow withies, paint and paper, that they have been beavering away to create for your enjoyment and appreciation.
"Entrance to the Gardens will be via the gate on St Mary’s Terrace and, like everything that has guided us throughout the past tortuous eighteen months, will be carefully monitored in the interests of public safety."
In anticipation of Golowan, The Acorn Theatre will be hosting a fundraising music event on Tuesday (June 22).
Tickets are selling fast, but can be purchased via The Acorn's Facebook page or its box office.
Meanwhile, organisers said there might be a Golowan Mazey Day surprise inside The Acorn on the evening of Mazey Day.
The Golowan Team said: "We had wanted to do so much more for the town and our community this year but have, throughout, had to caveat our hopes with “subject to prevailing Covid restrictions.”
"In the far greater interests of public health and safety this year, circumstances have restricted us – but they have not beaten us.
"The health and safety of our community will always be our first priority but we invite you to enjoy what is on offer in the sure and certain knowledge that – with the support of you all – the Golowan Festival will bounce back bigger and better than ever in 2022."
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