Home / Arts and Entertainment / Cornwall Summer Tradition Revived: A Civilized Celebration
Cornwall Summer Tradition Revived: A Civilized Celebration
4 May
Summary
- The Black Prince Flower Boat Festival marks summer's start in Cornwall.
- A 40-year revival transformed the once raunchy tradition.
- Naval ratings from HMS Raleigh participated in the procession.
A cherished tradition signaling the arrival of summer has been celebrated on Cornwall's Rame Peninsula. The Black Prince Flower Boat Festival, which winds through Millbrook, Kingsand, and Cawsand, has a long history.
This tradition, which had ceased for a time, was successfully revived approximately 40 years ago. Jan Gendall, instrumental in its re-establishment, noted its transformation from a "raunchy, masculine, somewhat drunken" event to a "very civilised" one.
Faye and Tallulah were chosen as the May Queens for the recent festival. Naval ratings from HMS Raleigh had the distinct honor of carrying the Black Prince structure through the towns.
Participants like Sharon Blake and Michael Dwamea from HMS Raleigh expressed their enjoyment and the value of engaging with local traditions, highlighting the celebratory and cultural aspects of the event.
