The National Trust’s Botallack Count House will be hosting a free evening series of traditional dance, music and talks throughout the winter months.

The events, presented by local musicians, singers, song writers and authors, offer a chance to learn more about the Cornish traditions in language, music, song and dance.  

The Count House sits near the cliffs at Botallack on the wild Tin Coast, near St Just. Once part of the mining industry, it now serves as a National Trust visitor centre.

The Count House has had many guises over the years, including as a folk club in the 1960’s playing host to some of Cornwall’s best loved singers and musicians.  

In the spirit of that tradition, a programme of free events will be held from December through to February.

Visitors can learn about ‘Scoot’ dancing, a dance that came from mining surface workers in the 1800s, or come to one of the folk evenings where people are welcome to join in.

There will be talks about the life of a Cornish miner and composer, and on the traditions of Cornish carolling, as well as an evening of seasonal Cornish poetry or a traditional dance workshop.   

James Breslin, Visitor Operations and Experiences Manager for the National Trust Mining Sites in West Cornwall, says, ‘We wanted to have a distinctly Cornish festive season, showcasing the traditions and importance of music and song in Cornwall, especially at Christmas time.’ 

For more information visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/botallack/christmas-at-botallack