Penzance was ‘flying high’ on Saturday, June 27 as tens of thousands of people filled the streets and parks for Mazey Day – Cornwall’s biggest street party, and the highlight of week-long festival Golowan.

Marking the 36th year of the festival’s revival, this year’s theme was “Forever Flying High”, celebrating everything that soars above Penzance - from seabirds over Mounts Bay to Cornish sky spirits and bold visions of future flight.

Following a week of record-breaking temperatures, Mazey Day processions got underway in more comfortable conditions with the civic parade.

Penzance mayor Andy Law paid tribute to Stephen Hall, a founding force behind the revival of Golowan, whose funeral took place earlier in the week. “This isn’t just a festival, this is the beating heart of Penzance,” he said. “It’s an expression of what unifies us, an expression of who we are, our community and our love for this place we live in.”

The Mayor’s enthusiasm for the town’s best day of the year was amplified by this year’s Mock Mayor, Mr Penzastic (aka Mitch Holmes) who was elected by a raucous crowd earlier in the week after proclaiming his love for Mazey Day.

The main parades of the day were at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, with hundreds of participants from schools and community groups showcasing their giant wicker models to the tune of marching bands.

After the ancient Feast of St John midsummer celebrations stopped happening in Penzance at the end of the 19th century, the tradition was revived in 1991 as a one-day celebration. With the continuing support of Penzance Council, Golowan has grown over the years into a week-long festival, with Mazey Day still at its heart and now attracting tens of thousands of people to the town.