A ceremony has seen 29 new bards swear allegiance to Cornwall as a Celtic nation. 

They join 500 other members of the College of Bards of Gorsedh Kernow, which was established in 1928 to celebrate Cornwall’s Celtic culture. 

This year’s intake reflected ‘both traditional and modern aspects of our Cornish culture’, according to Grand Bard of Cornwall, Pol Hodge.

“Several new bards are involved with Cornish dance and with traditional and choral music,” he said. “Others are actors and performers who are working with Cornwall’s prominent and innovative theatre companies and showcasing their expertise on stage and film, both locally and internationally.

“Some are honoured for their work with Cornish cultural events and with the Old Cornwall Society who work to maintain our traditions and extend our knowledge of them. 

“Others work with Cornish institutions such as the Cornish Gig Association, Porthcurno Cable and Wireless Museum and Wheal Martyn China Clay museum while a number are honoured for their knowledge of and work with the Cornish language. 

“All are important to Cornwall and we are very glad to welcome them this year.”