Cornish culture is thriving across the Duchy

Cornish culture is thriving across the Duchy with more and more people getting involved with programmes and events celebrating Cornish food, heritage, sports and music.

As Cornwall’s communities come together for St Piran’s Day (March 5), Cornwall Council is celebrating the success of various projects and programmes that are helping to keep Cornish traditions alive.

In recent years there has been a revival of the Cornish language. More than 200 people sign up for Kernewek classes each year, and more than 8,000 schoolchildren have been having fun with the Cornish language through Go Cornish for Primary Schools programme, commissioned by Cornwall Council.

Cornish storybooks are available online. And we mustn’t forget the little ones who have been singing Cornish words and phrases during rhyme time sessions at libraries across the Duchy. 

Watch children singing Cornish words and phrases at Newquay Library 

The rhyme time sessions were among several projects supported by funding which was secured as part of the 2023 Devolution Deal.

In 2024 funding was allocated to a number of different projects including a food festival (More Than Just Pasties) and concerts and events featuring Cornish song and dance. A grant was also awarded to a Cornish wrestling group.

Other projects to benefit included filmmakers who have produced short films featuring the Cornish language.

Carol Mould, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “I am delighted to see that Cornish culture is thriving across the Duchy and that the devolution funding has helped different groups, projects and organisations. 

“There are so many interesting events and programmes taking place in Cornwall which are helping to keep preserve our heritage and keep our traditions alive, and that really is worth celebrating.