Kernewek Lowender- Copper Coast Cornish Festival

09/09/2026

One of our followers came across this Brenda Wootton record during a spring clean and was kind enough to send us some pictures.

It features two songs, “Moonta, Wallaroo, Kadina” and “Cornish Australian”, written for the 1981 and 1985 Kernewek Lowender Festivals.

Brenda sang in both English and Cornish, and even travelled to the Copper Triangle to perform at three Kernewek Lowender festivals!

For generations, music has been one of the ways the connection between Cornwall and the Copper Triangle has been kept alive. Finds like this are a lovely reminder of the role that Kernewek Lowender plays in keeping that connection going.

Did you see Brenda perform at Kernewek Lowender in the 1970s or 80s?

Maybe you even had a copy of this record tucked away at home! We’d love to hear your memories.

And while we’re reminiscing, would you like to see more Cornish music and Cornish-language performances at future festivals?

03/09/2026

What was it really like to be a kid growing up at the Moonta Mines? 🪨 ⛏️

Find out on ‘Are You Tougher Than Your Ancestors?’ available to watch on ABC iview

In 1898 13 year old Cornish miner Robert Richards worked full time, attended night school, did chores and raced billy carts! Can Jack and Makayla finish all his jobs and still make it to the Moonta Goat Cart championships?

02/09/2026

CALL FOR ASSOCIATED EVENTS - KERNEWEK LOWENDER 2027

Registrations are now open for Associated Events during the Kernewek Lowender Festival, 10 - 16 May 2027.

Community groups, businesses, clubs and organisations are invited to get involved by hosting an event that celebrates Cornish culture and traditions or connects with the history and heritage of the Copper Coast.

Registered events are also be included in the official Kernewek Lowender printed program, helping visitors find more things to see and do during the festival.

For more information or to request a registration form, email [email protected] or phone 08 8821 4500.

Registrations close at 5pm on 30 September 2026.

21/07/2026

If you're interested in learning more about Cornish (and Celtic) myths and legends, check out the Celtic Myths and Legends podcast.

It's hosted by Sian Powell (a Cornish storyteller, folklorist, and self-confessed piskie hunter) who also has a Master's degree in Celtic Studies.

The podcast is a fascinating listen for anyone interested in Celtic folklore and traditions, and in discovering which ones made the journey to Australia's Little Cornwall - and which ones didn't.

Podcast · Sian Esther Powell · Focusing on the myths, legends and folklore of the 6 Celtic Nations; Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, Brittany and The Isle of Man.

09/06/2026

Congratulations to Gerry, Kernewek Lowender Committee Vice President, who was recently awarded the Medal for the Order of Australia for his services to the community.

In addition to his behind the scenes work, Gerry also emcees many festival events, creating atmosphere and sharing Cornish culture and history with audiences.

The picture below was taken during last year’s Kernewek Lowender Festival when he read the poem My Yorke Peninsula Days by Max Fatchen at the festival welcome in Moonta.

05/05/2026

Is your ancestor buried at Greens Plains West Cemetery (near Paskeville)?

Planning already is underway for the next Dressing the Graves ceremony which will happen during the Kernewek Lowender Festival in May 2027.

No story is too humble or too grand. Nominees may be from any background, faith, gender or age, the only requirement is that they are buried in a Copper Coast Council Cemetery (Greens Plains West, Kadina, Moonta or Wallaroo).

To express interest or make a nomination, please send us a message or email Sue Stanley at [email protected] (please include DTG in the subject line.

Photos - Greens Plains Cemetery, Katrina Jane.

02/05/2026

Pasties and beam engines aren’t the only things the Cornish brought to Australia - their folklore came with them too.

Tales of Knockers, Spriggans and, of course, mischievous Piskeys can be found wherever the Cornish left their mark.

Australian Cornish Mining Sites - Burra & Moonta

30/04/2026

Last year, over 500 cars cruised around the Copper Coast in the Classic Cavalcade!
Were you behind the wheel… or soaking it all in from the sidelines?

Comment your favourite classic car and best viewing spot below👇

The next Copper Coast Classic Cavalcade is on Sunday the 16th of May 2027!

17/04/2026

Cant wait to make more memories at next year’s festival!

We’re a bit late to this ‘trend’, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share these old photos 🥰

15/04/2026

Stargazy Pie - another iconic Cornish meal!

Who’s tried it? and who’s tried to make it?