Christmas at Botallack

Traditional Dance and Folk Music

The Penzance Guizers will be giving a traditional Cornish folk dance workshop. This one hour workshop offers you a chance to learn about the work of the Penzance Guizers, their current repetoire and the relevance of costumes including the wearing of 'Scoots'! You will be guided through basic steps, learning some Troyl and Furry dances and learn the meaning of the language used across Traditional Celtic Folk Dance.

This will be followed after a short break with a demonstration of set and step dances, set to Cornish tunes played by live musicians.

Tir Ha Tavas

Join Dee and Dave Brotherton, Tir ha Tavas, on a seasonal journey of songs and words about Cornwall. Inspired by the beauty and wildness of Cornwall, they will perform songs and offer readings in both the Cornish language Kernewek and English, with sacred and secular themes of snow and ice, Feast, Christmas and Wassail.

Storytelling and Workshop

Alasdair Hoswell is an author, illustrator, and storyteller from Cornwall. He will be offering a storytelling and interactive workshop based on his book Cornwall, The Land You Can Count On. The session will include a reading of the book in English & Cornish, followed by activities that tie into the story. These activities will include Cornish themed arts and crafts, counting games, singing, and imaginative play. The workshop is designed to be both educational and fun, appealing to children and families who want to experience the magic of Cornwall through stories and hands-on activities.

Hark! The Glad Sound of Cornish Carols

Cornish carols are unique and have a long history. These carols are part of Cornwall’s rich communal singing. In 2016 Sally Burley and Hilary Coleman began exploring the continuity and revival of the Cornish carolling tradition. During the winter they travelled around Cornwall, recording stories, memories and local versions of carols.

Their book,‘Hark! The Glad Sound of Cornish Carols’, was published in November 2017 and received an Holyer An Gof award in 2018 as well as the Publishers Cup.

Hilary will be telling tales of their adventures as well as ‘illustrating’ the talk with carols by the Red River Singers who sing the traditional songs of Cornwall. Carol words will also be provided so people can join in if they wish.

Attend an evening of stories and song about Cornish carolling. Learn about the continuity and revival of the Cornish carolling tradition and how they are part of Cornwall's rich heritage of communal singing.

Event dates

• Saturday, December 7- Penzance Guizers workshop and demonstration. 4pm-6pm.

• Sunday, December 8- Tir Ha Tavas. 4pm-6pm.

• Saturday, December 14- Alisdair Hoswell Storytelling and workshop. 4pm-6pm.

• Sunday, December 15- Hark! The Glad Sound of Cornish Carols. 4pm-6pm.

Food and Drink

The Count House Cafe, Bottallack Count House (not National Trust) will be open across winter serving a variety of drinks and tasty snacks. The cafe will be open during all evening events.