TENS of thousands of people filled the streets and parks of Penzance on Saturday [June 28] for Mazey Day – the highlight of Golowan, the town’s week-long festival of arts, performances, culture and parades.

This year’s theme was “On the Crest of a Wave”, with schools and community groups showcasing giant wicker models to the tune of marching bands.

Processions got underway at 10am with the Civic Parade, which culminated in speeches by town mayor Stephen Reynolds and this year’s Mock Mayor, a Severed Head on a Plate.

Penzance’s ancient Feast of St John midsummer celebrations ceased at the end of the 19th century, but were revived in 1991 as a one-day celebration, and have grown over the years into a week-long festival with the continuing support of Penzance Council.