He is two years younger then the festival itself, and most of his friends had made their way to Somerset to watch Dizzee Rascal, Muse et al, yet he was in no doubt just how important this event was to his home town. And after witnessing the Mazey Day for the first time this weekend myself, I have to say that I’m inclined to agree. For many of the 50,000 people who took to the streets over the weekend, Glastonbury and even England’s disastrous World Cup defeat were something of a sideshow. The event, celebrating its 20th year as a modern revival of the old Feast of St John, was a fantastic display of community involvement with everyone in the town playing their part. Dozens of local performers, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of schoolchildren had put their heart and soul into the week-long celebrations, culminating in the spectacular bustling Mazey Day parades on Saturday and the more leisurely Quay Fair event on the promenade on Sunday.
I’ll resist the temptation to compare Mazey Day to Rio Carnival, but it was seriously a sight to behold. The giant images, particularly these sea horses from Graham Jobbins and Mounts Bay School, alongside multi-coloured bugs, sea creatures, snakes, pirates and, courtesy of Trythall School, the largest collection of Cornish Choughs you’re likely to see in one place at the same time were incredible. Market Jew Street, free of traffic and full of stalls and people was transformed into Carnaby Street, or something even better.
Even the England game failed to keep thousands away from the promenade the following day for Quay Fair Day, with Penzance’s new synchronized swimming team, The Jubilees, splashing into the art deco pool for their second stunning display, local restaurant workers battling it out in the inaugural Waiters’ Race and a wonderful performance in PZ Gallery by the 50 Degrees Choir, before the gallery turned into an unusual venue to watch the game on the big screen.
Fireworks, a torchlight procession, the Mazey Ball, bands in the Ritz and the Acorn, street music and displays, impromptu gigs and performances and smiling faces everywhere made for a week to remember in the town. The community spirit which pulled together so many people and allowed such a wonderful event to be put together on a shoestring made me proud to be in Penzance. There are fears that after recent budget cuts from Cornwall Council it could face even further funding difficulties next year. I hope those with any influence witnessed this year’s event and will make sure it gets the support it deserves. Better than Glastonbury? I know where I’d rather be…
