Gorsedh Kernow coming back to Liskeard after more than 30 years

The last time the Bards of Cornwall gathered in Liskeard was 1996. Next September, they’re coming back.

The town is preparing to welcome Gorsedh Kernow in September 2027, bringing one of Cornwall’s most important cultural celebrations back for the first time in more than 30 years.

📷Bards and new initiates gathering before the Procession, Gorsedh 2026 in Bodmin

Planning is already underway

Representatives from Liskeard Town Council and the Bards of Gorsedh Kernow have held an initial planning meeting. The group also carried out a series of site visits around the town to start identifying locations for the ceremonies, cultural events and activities that will make up the 2027 celebrations.

Grand Bard Jenefer Lowe, whose bardic name is Gwythvosen, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Liskeard in 2027 for the annual Esedhvos Festival and Gorsedh ceremony. We look forward to working closely with the Council and organisations in the town to make 2027 a brilliant celebration of Cornish culture and of Liskeard.”

📷Mayor of Liskeard, Cllr David Braithwaite, and Grand Bard of Kernow, Jenefer Lowe, at Gorsedh Kernow 2026 in Bodmin

What Gorsedh Kernow does

Gorsedh Kernow celebrates and promotes Cornwall’s Celtic identity through Kernewek, the Cornish language, as well as literature, history, music, dance, art and community traditions.

Its annual ceremony brings the Bards of Cornwall together and welcomes new members. Those new Bards are people who have made an outstanding contribution to Cornwall, or who have helped Cornish culture flourish around the world.

“A tremendous honour” for the town

Councillor David Braithwaite, Mayor of Liskeard, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Gorsedh Kernow back to Liskeard in 2027 and are excited that planning is now underway. Our first meetings with representatives of Gorsedh Kernow have been extremely positive, and it has been wonderful to begin exploring locations across the town for the ceremonies and associated events.

“Hosting Gorsedh Kernow is a tremendous honour for Liskeard. It will provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Cornwall’s rich culture and heritage, while showcasing the warmth, creativity and community spirit that our town has to offer. We look forward to giving the Bards and visitors a very warm Liskeard welcome.”

What happens between now and September 2027

Gorsedh Kernow’s return gives the town a chance to show off its heritage, creativity and local talent alongside the wider celebration of Cornish culture.

Over the coming months, the Town Council will keep working with Gorsedh Kernow, local organisations and community groups to build a programme of cultural and community activities in the run-up to the main ceremony.

Further details about Gorsedh Kernow 2027 in Liskeard will be announced as the plans take shape.

📷Mayor of Liskeard, Cllr David Braithwaite, and MP Ben Maguire at this year's Gorsedh in Bodmin

📷Callington Bard Les Pierce at the Gorsedh 2026 in Bodmin

📷Gathering of Banners, Old Cornwall Societies from all over Cornwall, Gorsedh 2026 in Bodmin