Nearly 200 children gathered at Lys Kernow (County Hall) in Truro for the Go Cornish Celebration, a vibrant event showcasing their explorations of the Cornish language, Kernewek. Seven-year-old Albie, a pupil at Trewirgie infants' school in Redruth, expressed his enthusiasm: "We used to talk this way in the old days. And I like speaking now. I enjoy the songs we sing, the Cornish books we read, all the words. It's fun."
Children embrace Cornish identity through language
Kirsten Maun, who leads the Cornish programme at Trewirgie school, noted that learning the language helps children understand their identity more deeply. "They know they're Cornish and they think that's a special thing to them. Plus, they just like learning different words," she said, adding that the word for butterfly—tykki duw—is particularly popular.
The event coincides with Cornwall council finalizing a 10-year strategy that envisions Kernewek as a "thriving, forever language – widely spoken, seen and heard in everyday life in Cornwall." Goals include ensuring every child leaves primary school with a basic understanding of Cornish, establishing the first bilingual school, and making Cornish routinely seen and heard in civic spaces.
Ambition for Cornish mirrors Welsh success
Council leader Leigh Frost, watching children share songs and stories in Kernewek, said: "You've got to have a bit of ambition, haven't you? We're looking at what Wales has achieved in the last few decades. The Cornish language deserves that same opportunity." In January, Kernewek was officially recognized under part three of the European charter for regional or minority languages, granting it greater protection and status. However, the strategy operates on a budget of just £170,000 a year.
Frost linked the promotion of Kernewek to the campaign for Cornwall to be recognized as the fifth nation of the UK, which could unlock more funding. "Make us a devolved nation of the United Kingdom, give us funding that is worked out in the same way as the other nations and we'll crack on," he said.
Resurgence despite challenges
Legend holds that Kernewek died out in the late 18th century with the death of Dolly Pentreath in Mousehole, but it underwent a revival in the 20th and 21st centuries, largely thanks to volunteers. The council bills it as a "remarkable resurgence," though estimates suggest 500 advanced speakers and 2,000 with basic knowledge. A BBC podcast, Learn Cornish, Dyski Kernewek, hosted by Radio 1 DJ Danni Diston, has recently launched, and Cornish film-maker Mark Jenkin frequently uses Kernewek in his movies.
Earlier this month, a mass written in Kernewek premiered at Truro Cathedral, described as a "significant moment" for the language. Loveday Jenkin, of Mebyon Kernow, attended the mass and noted: "I see a lot of Cornish speaking in the community, which I didn't see 50 years ago."
Doubters and supporters weigh in
Not everyone is convinced. Reform UK councillor Sean Smith questioned whether public demand justifies investment amid pressures in housing, social care, and economic inequality. However, the grand bard of Cornwall, Jenefer Lowe, insisted the language is crucial: "It's about a sense of place and identity. It connects you to the place you live in. The language underpins everything." She added that 15 years ago she knew every speaker, but now she doesn't—"and that is a good sign."
Will Coleman, of Golden Tree, which leads the Go Cornish programme, beamed as children studied each other's artwork. "I knew that if we could get a gang together they would all bounce off each other and inspire each other. They realise there's this treasure chest being opened up and they're being invited to rummage around in it and play with a bunch of stuff. This kind of event demonstrates clearly that language enriches lives. It brings people together, it's inclusive, it's celebratory, it's forward-looking. What's not to love?"
