Patrick Goldsmith, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Celebrations have commenced to mark the 2023 Kernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival, now in its 50th year.

Locals and visitors will have the chance to soak up traditional Cornish events and displays throughout the week (Monday to Sunday, May 15-21).

Kernewek Lowender president Lynn Spurling said she had enjoyed welcoming new and returning visitors to Australia’s Little Cornwall for the 26th biennial festival.

“Celebrating 50 years gives us the opportunity to highlight some of our iconic events and pay tribute to previous festivals,” Mrs Spurling said.

“There’s such a wide variety of events for everyone in our program and the weather is already looking fabulous.

“Our crowd favorites are mostly weekend events, including maypole and furry dances, the Wallaroo Street Party, Classic Cavalcade of Cars and Motorcycles, Fun Fair and much more.

“There’s also opportunities to see displays from some talented local artists.” Mrs Spurling said she hoped the festival would draw pre-Covid visitor numbers this year.

“We always have strong community support, and reaching 50 years is the result of our dedicated volunteers,” she said.

Copper Coast Council mayor Roslyn Talbot said notching 50 years of festivals was proof of the Kernewek Lowender committee’s hard work.

“The Kernewek has evolved to become a whole-week festival and now incorporates the rich Cornish history across the Copper Coast,” she said.

“The committee has introduced new events and been able to attract younger audiences along the way.”

This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 16 May 2023.