'Severed head' paraded at start of festival

A week-long festival has got under way with a parade through a town centre which included a "severed head".

The 2026 Golowan Festival, which features a series of events based around art, music, heritage and culture, commenced in Penzance with the Feast of St John Civic Parade and Service.

As part of the event, a ceremonial severed head of the town's patron saint St John on a plate was carried through the streets - the image was formerly use as Penzance's seal on official documents until its current coat of arms was created in 1934.

Penzance Council said other events during the week include street entertainment, craft stalls and further parades during Mazey Day on 27 June.

The council said the theme of this year's festival was 'Forever Flying High', celebrating everything that soars over the town.

Andy Law, the town's mayor, said he looked forward to Golowan "like a cuckoo looks forward to spring".

"The colour, variety and sheer joy that this festival brings to the streets of the parish, with its parades, music, art and culture, along with the vibrancy of the crowds is a total pleasure to behold and be a part of," Law added.

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