Lowender

16/09/2026

From Kernewek to Cymraeg...

This year we’ve got two brilliant women bringing Celtic languages into the here and now through their music.

On Thursday, Anna Anise launches her new Kernewek album, surrounded by some of the musicians who’ve helped bring it to life.

Then on Saturday, Mari Mathias brings her extraordinary Cymraeg contemporary folk to Redruth, for an evening presented by Stone Club, with support from Isaac I Ockenden. - Music.

Two women. Two Celtic languages. New music with very old roots.

Today, we’re introducing you to Mari.

Drawing on traditional melodies, land, memory and myth, Mari makes music that can feel ancient one moment and completely new the next. Following performances at Glastonbury, Green Man and Festival Interceltique de Lorient, she released her second album, Cyfarwydd, earlier this year.

We’re very excited to hear it in Redruth.

Have a listen, find out a bit more about Mari and grab yourself a ticket

https://www.lowender.co.uk/mari-mathias-presented-by-stone-club/

13/09/2026

📣 Calling Cornwall’s heritage and cultural organisations!

Last year we launched Lowender’s Living Heritage Expo, bringing together organisations and groups working across Cornwall’s culture, heritage and language.

The response was fantastic, so this year we’re bringing it back as part of the festival itself!

Last year’s Expo brought together groups sharing everything from Cornish language and storytelling to traditional sports, culture and community heritage. Here are just a few snaps from the day

This year, the Expo will be right in the heart of Lowender, as we welcome artists, performers and guests from across the Celtic nations to Redruth for four days of music, dance, culture and celebration.

Could your organisation be part of it?

We’re looking for organisations, community groups and projects working with Cornwall’s culture, heritage, language and traditions to join us, share what you do, meet festival audiences and connect with others working across the sector.

📅 Saturday 18 October
⏰ 10am–2pm
📍 Market Hall, Redruth

Stalls are FREE for organisations coming along to share information about their work.

This isn’t primarily a makers’ or sales market. We want the Expo to showcase the people, projects and organisations working with Cornwall’s living heritage, whether that’s history, language, archives, museums, music, dance, traditional sports, storytelling, research, community heritage or something we haven’t thought of!

There’ll also be a programme of song, dance and cultural entertainment throughout the day, creating a lively hub right in the middle of the festival.

Want to join us? Drop Ellie a message at [email protected] by Monday 21 September.

And if you know an organisation, group or project that should be there, tag them below or send this their way!

Oll an Gwella

09/09/2026

Curious about volunteering with Lowender?

Lowender is back in Redruth this October, and we need a brilliant team of volunteers to help us bring four days of Cornish music, dance, language and culture to life.

If you’ve ever wondered what volunteering with Lowender involves, come along to our informal volunteer meet-up:

Wednesday 16 September
7pm to 8.30pm
Redruth Wesleyan Chapel

There’s absolutely no pressure to sign up for anything. Just come along, meet some of the people involved, find out more about the festival, hear about the different roles available and ask any questions you might have.

There are all sorts of ways to get involved, and you don’t need any previous experience. Whether you can spare a few hours, a day or more across the festival, we’d love to meet you.

Not sure whether volunteering is for you? That’s exactly what the evening is for. Come along and find out!

It would be really helpful to have an idea of numbers, so if you’re thinking of joining us, please fill in our very short form here:

https://forms.gle/fDxsyfyighQKGU968

Know someone who might enjoy getting involved? Please tag them or share this post with them.

We’re looking forward to meeting you on the 16th and hopefully welcoming some new faces to the Lowender team!

Meur ras ❤️

04/09/2026

⏰ Early Bird ends Monday!

The Lowender 2026 programme is out, and there's a LOT happening in Redruth this October.

Michael McGoldrick Music & Tim Edey, in concert and leading workshops
The return of Irish Set Dancing with Kevin & Carol Monaghan and Krelys
Breton music, dance workshops and a Fest Noz with Duo Landat Moisson and Manx-Breton Neear Nesañ
Plus four days of music, dancing, workshops, sessions and plenty more

Come for the music. Come for the dancing. Or come and have a go yourself.

Early Bird prices are only available until 7 September.

Book your tickets:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/organizations/lowender

Redruth | 15 to 18 October 2026

01/09/2026

🍂 Tuesday Tunesday🍂

It's 1st September - so what better time to bring out the lovely Cornish tune 'Now the Summer is Over' written by Andy Davey.

🎶 A lovely version by Casper Davey (Andy's son): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdyNOmNadHI

🎶 Dots and more audio recordings here: https://cornishnationalmusicarchive.co.uk/content/now-the-summer-is-over/

The summer might be over, but autumn's arrival can only mean one thing! The Lowender Celtic Festival is just around the corner. Take a look at the programme here and grab your tickets before the early bird deal ends: https://www.lowender.co.uk/festival/programme-2026/

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

IRISH SET DANCING IS BACK AT LOWENDER!

It’s been a few years since Irish Set Dancing took to the floor at Lowender, and we’re delighted to be bringing it back to Redruth this October.

Joining us are Kevin and Carol Monaghan of Setsmad Dancing, who have been dancing together for more than 25 years and share a passion for the distinctive traditions of Irish Set Dancing and, above all, bringing people together to dance.

And keeping our feet moving will be Cornish band Krelys, providing live music across the weekend.

There are three chances to set dance:

Saturday Irish Set Dance Workshop
Irish sets to kick off our Saturday Night Dance
Sunday Irish Set Dance Workshop

Whether you’ve been set dancing for years, haven’t danced for a while, or have never tried it before, you’ll be very welcome.

You don’t need to bring a partner, and the workshops are open to all levels.

We’ve put everything you need to know in one place, including times, venues and tickets

https://www.lowender.co.uk/irish-set-dancing-is-back-at-lowender/

Come for the sets, stay for the festival!

25/08/2026

🎶 Tuesday Tunesday 🎶

We're back at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient to hear another Cornish tune from the InterCeltic Music Camp, this time chosen by and her ensemble.

Today's tune is Boscastle Breakdown, a classic Cornish scoot (step) dance tune from North Cornwall.

The InterCeltic Music Camp brings together young musicians from Brittany, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Asturias, Galicia and Cornwall to share music, traditions and friendships.

Representing Cornwall were our own Martha Woods and Finley bray music, both former members of Lowender's youth folk ensemble.

And just like last week's video, what you can't see is the incredible atmosphere on the Quai de Bretagne, with thousands gathered to celebrate Celtic music and culture. ❤️

Don't forget you can catch Martha and a whole host of other amazing Cornish artists at Cornwall Folk Festival this weekend!

25/08/2026

🎶 Tuesday Tunesday 🎶

We're back at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient to hear another Cornish tune from the InterCeltic Music Camp, this time chosen by Martha Woods Music and her ensemble.

Today's tune is Boscastle Breakdown, a classic Cornish scoot (step) dance tune from North Cornwall.

The InterCeltic Music Camp brings together young musicians from Brittany, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Asturias, Galicia and Cornwall to share music, traditions and friendships.

Representing Cornwall were our own Martha Woods and Finley bray music, both former members of Lowender's youth folk ensemble.

And just like last week's video, what you can't see is the incredible atmosphere on the Quai de Bretagne, with thousands gathered to celebrate Celtic music and culture. ❤️

Don't forget you can catch Martha and a whole host of other amazing Cornish artist at Cornwall Folk Festival this weekend!