Cornwall honored at Interceltic Festival in France

Cornwall was honored as the 'favoured nation' during the 55th Interceltic Festival held in Lorient, France. The ten-day event, which runs from July 31 to August 9, attracts approximately one million visitors and features significant television coverage.

As the featured nation, Cornwall presented a large delegation of nearly 200 musicians, dancers, and artists. Highlights included the opening performance 'Kernocopia' and the musical work 'The Mermaid of Zennor,' which combined traditional legends with contemporary visual elements like the 'Bal Maiden' light sculpture.

Beyond cultural celebrations, the festival served as a platform for formal cooperation. Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Region of Brittany to foster collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, tourism, and culture. The festival also facilitates economic and educational ties between various Celtic nations, including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, and Iberian regions like Galicia and Asturias.