The Dragon of Porthtowan is landing at Trelissick this Halloween

There is a dragon on its way to the Fal. She is the Dragon of Porthtowan, she is very large, and from Saturday 17 October she will be living at Trelissick.

The sculpture is the centrepiece of this year’s Kalan Gwav celebration at National Trust Trelissick, which runs until Sunday 1 November. Dark Cornwall, the creative studio behind it, says it is the biggest one it has staged there, and the Halloween line-up now spreads through the house, garden and stables.

📷The Owlman of Mawnan, hidden in the trees at Trelissick. Credit: Dark Cornwall

A dragon, a Bucca and sirens of the deep

The dragon was created by Christian Escalante Castillo, a Mexican artist based in Truro. His towering sculpture is inspired by the legendary dragon said to have terrorised the north coast village of Porthtowan.

She will not be alone. Riva Bryson of Flotsam Fables has made her own interpretation of the Bucca, a mysterious sea-spirit from Cornish folklore, and there are sea-fae sculptures to find as well.

“Our mission at Dark Cornwall is to bring the wonder of local folklore back to families and children,” said Robin Vickery from the Dark Cornwall team. “This year, we have created some incredible new creatures at Trelissick, including the massive Dragon of Porthtowan, sirens of the deep and a garden that has truly come alive.”

📷Seafae inspired by Cornish wildlife are included in the sculptures at Trelissick this October. Credit: Dark Cornwall

26 works by 21 artists in the West Library

Inside the house, Trelissick’s West Library will hold a Dark Cornwall community exhibition of 26 works by 21 artists.

“Alongside these creations, the exhibition brings together work from more than 20 artists, each sharing their own interpretation of Cornwall’s folklore,” said Robin. “It is wonderful to see so much creativity gathered in one place and shared with the visitors this Halloween.”

Dark Cornwall held its first major event at Trelissick last autumn. This year’s return comes with more art, more storytelling and more for visitors of all ages to explore.

📷One of the pieces submitted to the Kalan Gwav exhibition. Credit: Dark Cornwall

Storytellers for October half term

From Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, storytellers will be sharing Cornish myths and legends with families. Among them are James Parnham-Kenny, resident storyteller at Cornwall Heritage Trust, and the Cornish performance group Story Republic. The tales they tell are ones that have influenced the Dark Cornwall team.

Jen Pina, Property Operations Manager at Trelissick, said: “At Trelissick, we’re passionate about sharing stories that help people connect with nature, history and each other. By working with Dark Cornwall, we’re creating new opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore Cornwall’s rich traditions and folklore. We hope these experiences will inspire a new generation to discover the stories, places and landscapes that make Cornwall so special.”

📷Children dressed up ready to celebrate Kalan Gwav this Halloween. Credit: National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Dates, tickets and opening times

Entry to the Kalan Gwav celebration is included with admission to Trelissick, and is free for National Trust members. The garden is open daily from 10am to 5pm throughout.

The one thing that needs booking is a lecture lunch on Tuesday 20 October, when Robin will talk through the folklore and legends that inspired the event. Tickets are available in advance from the Trelissick website and booking is essential.

📷View of Trelissick House from the Tennis Lawn, Trelissick, Cornwall. Credit: National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

📷View to east side of Trelissick House at Trelissick, Cornwall. Credit: National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

📷West side view of the Georgian house at Trelissick, Cornwall. Credit: National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

📷The fearsome Dragon of Porthtowan, before she lands at Trelissick this Halloween. Credit: Dark Cornwall