The first details of the 2025 Kernewek Lowender have been unveiled, giving festival-goers a taste of what’s in store when South Australia’s Copper Coast transforms into a Cornish cultural hub from 12 to 18 May. As the world’s largest Cornish festival, Kernewek Lowender is a beloved tradition, bringing the historic towns of Moonta, Kadina, and Wallaroo to life with music, dance, food, and heritage events. While the full program won’t be released until 3 March, anticipation is already building for what promises to be another unforgettable celebration. More details can be found at www.kernewek.org.

DATES & DEETS

  • 12 MAY Cemetery Tour; 
  • 14 MAY Cornish Language Lesson;
  • 15 MAY Cornish History Seminar; Art Prize & Exhibition Opens; 
  • 16 MAY Stret Fer, Moonta; Drakes Supermarkets Procession, Moonta; Sup N Sing with the Cornish; 
  • 17 MAY Newbery Chemists/Apex Wallaroo Street Party;  Rotary Village Fair, Kadina; Cousin Jack & Jenny Competition; Gathering of the Bards; Heritage Football & Netball Game;
  • 18 MAY RAA Classic Cavalcade of Cars; RAA Fun Fair, Kadina; Blessing the Waters, Wallaroo;
  • MULTI-DAY EVENTS Dressing the Graves; Art Prize & Exhibition; May Queen. 

One of the stand-out events is Stret Fer, taking place on Friday, 16 May, in George Street and Queen Square, Moonta. This bustling street fair marks the official opening of the festival and sets the scene for a day filled with traditional Cornish entertainment, market stalls, and, of course, pasties. The Drakes Supermarkets Pasty Bake-Off will see VIPs and special guests racing against the clock to create the perfect Cornish pasty from scratch — expect plenty of flour, laughter, and good-natured competition!

Adding to the atmosphere, festival-goers will be treated to the Maypole and Furry Dances, two of Cornwall’s most cherished traditional performances, accompanied by music that will have spectators tapping their feet. Meanwhile, the Swanky Garden in Queen Square will provide a space to relax and enjoy live entertainment well into the evening, ensuring the festivities don’t slow down.

The excitement continues with the Grand Procession, which will weave through George Street to William Street, finishing in Queen Square. A highlight of the festival, this parade will feature local groups, businesses, and visiting organisations proudly demonstrating their Cornish and local heritage, creating a spectacle of colour, music, and community spirit.

Kernewek Lowender 2025 is shaping up to be a must-visit festival for anyone with a love of Cornish culture, history, and a good old-fashioned knees-up.

Pictures: www.kernewek.org

This story was published in the March 2025 edition of Anglo&Celtic magazine.