Thousands of people attend Mazey Day festival

Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of a Cornish town to celebrate an annual event.

Penzance Council said the theme for the 35th year of Mazey Day on Saturday was 'On the Crest of a Wave' which "honours the power of the Cornish coast and seas, the unique sea life and love of the ocean".

The council said the event was one of the largest street parties in the UK and highlighted Golowan - the week long festival of arts, performances, culture, and parades.

This year saw the introduction of a new event area in Penlee Park, organised by PZN Youth, which included entertainment and activities for all ages.

It also included food stalls, a bar, craft stalls and a new Tree Lounge hang out space for young people, the council said.

It said: "After Penzance's ancient Feast of St John midsummer celebrations stopped happening at the end of the 19th century, the tradition was revived in 1991 as the one-day celebration - Mazey Day.

"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."

The procession began at 10:00 BST on the Civic Parade and featured speeches by the Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds and the Mock Mayor of Penzance, a head on a plate.

Hundreds of participants from schools and community groups took park in the main parades during the day where they showcased their giant wicker models to the sound of the marching band.

Penzance Council said it was proud to support Golowan through partnership and funding of Golowan Festival CIC who won the tender to run the festival and is contracted to deliver it until 2027.

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