| Where: | Throughout Cornwall starting at Carn Brea |
| When: | 23rd June (and sometimes nearby dates- see Helpful Hints) |
| Time: | From sunset onwards |
The Midsummer Fires are a revival, dating back to the 1920s, of the ancient custom of pagan firelighting at the longest day; it’s believed that the date was moved slightly from the Solstice many years ago to St John’s Eve, to fit in better with the church calendar. A chain of beacons is lit starting at Carn Brea near Lands End and ending near the Devon border, though currently it isn’t possible to see the adjacent bonfires from all sites. Prayers are said in Cornish (if a Cornish speaker is available, which isn’t always the case!) before the beacons are lit, and herbs and flowers are cast into the flames. Expect local dignitaries with small crowds of perhaps around 100 people at each site, with blessings and enthusiastic singing of the Cornish anthem Trelawney. The events are organised by the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, who do so much to keep Cornish traditions alive and in some years there are fires lit on dates around 23rd as well as on the 23rd itself, presumably so that enthusiasts may attend more than one.
Helpful Hints
Make sure you go on the right day! Follow the link to the Federation’s website below, where you can link to the various branches throughout the county to check the varying times and locations of the current fires – not every branch hosts one so double-check to plan your visit.
In 2023 Madron’s fire was on Friday 23rd at Bulls View at Madron, St Just & Pendeen at Carn Brea at 8pm, Callington at Kit Hill 9pm, St Ives at Carnstabba Hill at 9pm, Redruth at Pencoose Farm 7pm, St Columb at Castle an Dinas at 8.30. 2024 dates are yet to be confirmed, and others can be found by checking with branches on the Old Cornwall links below .
In 2017 we visited Liskeard, where the fire is lit at 6.30 at Bolitho Farm, we were made very welcome by the crowd and were treated to saffron buns and tea afterwards.
Click here to visit the website : https://kernowgoth.org
and here for the Facebook page of The Cornish Are a Nation who have info on several events: https://www.facebook.com/thecornishareanation
Fab website! Just to let you know the old cornwall website is no longer active/working. Martin
Many thanks Martin – that had slipped through the net! I’ve amended the link so it connects to their current website,
Best wishes,
Averil
have you got dates for summer solstice fire at Castle en Dinas this year?