On Saturday 30th November, Liskeard locals took to the streets to celebrate the festive season with song, dance and a Cornish language family trail.
Primary Schools in Liskeard have been taking part in Cornish language sessions and art making workshops throughout November, in preparation for the ‘Lergh Teylu Nadelik’ (Christmas Family Trail). Their wonderful creations were proudly displayed in the windows of trail stops around the town, where children congregated to put their new Cornish language skills to good use. After collecting their Holly Berry Stickers, the children were welcomed to the Public Hall where they received a Cakey Tea and Tales from Porth book to celebrate their hard work.
While children and families followed the trail, crowds gathered to watch the ‘Helgh Gwyls’ (Wild Hunt) perform songs from the mummers’ play Dando and his Dogs. The carol singing expedition, which toured around the streets of Liskeard, had been prepared and rehearsed at the local Cornish Conversation and Singing Evenings leading up to the celebrations.
“I fell in love with the Cornish language and the community of Liskeard”
Further on into the evening, the dazzling Parade (organised by Liskeard Lights Up) and firework display immersed an audience of spectators, and the lively merriment of the ‘Gool Nadelik’ (Christmas Party) was enjoyed by all. The singing, dancing and the Cornish Christmas countdown left all in attendance in high spirits and was a great success put on by Liskeard Town Council.
The events of Nadelik Lyskerrys have left Liskeard with more than a just feeling of festive cheer. Over the last six weeks, as part of the project, Go Cornish has visited Primary Schools to unpack the Tales from Porth learning materials with teachers and support staff. This has given teachers the required skills and resources to deliver Cornish language lessons with their class and engage the next generation of ‘Kernewek’ speakers and enthusiasts.
“I really enjoyed it and I like learning Cornish. It is hard but fun. Meur ras”
– Ella, Trail Participant
We are running clusters in the Penzance, Bodmin and Camborne areas in 2020. If you are interested in getting involved in any of the events please get in touch via [email protected].
If you would like your children to participate in the Tales from Porth: Cornish Language Learning Programme, please encourage your school to get in touch either by email or using our contact form.
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