(Bold words on this page can be hovered over to reveal their meaning, e.g. Pennseythen Gernewek)
For many in the Cornish community, the highlight of the language events organised through the year is the Pennseythen Gernewek, which is held in the spring around Easter. These have been held since 1975 and are a great focal point for learners.
The aim of the Pennseythen Gernewek is to give Cornish speakers and learners a chance to practise speaking, listening and writing the language in an enjoyable way and in a friendly, stress-free and relaxed environment, and we hope we do that successfully—why not come and take part?
Jump to
For 2026 we are lucky to be holding the Pennseythen Gernewek in Truro Girls’ High School (Falmouth Rd, TR1 2HU), in the Cornish capital, Truru. The event will take place from the 17th-19th of April. Our event hashtag is #pennseythen26
Friday is a day full of lessons for anyone taking exams this year, or anyone just wanting a boost to their learning. Classes are split into grade levels and there are also “Tregedna” sessions (completely in Cornish) for those who have completed their exams or have some fluency in the language. The first day of the intensive learner’s course for complete beginners happens on the Friday as well.
There will be a series of short films in Cornish shown on Friday evening. There will be time to mingle and catch up with old friends and meet new ones, and maybe have a bit of a sing together.
For learners, in the morning there are a choice of traditional style lessons split into lower and higher levels, or workshops that are suitable for all levels of Cornish. For those with a higher level of fluency there will also be a programme of talks in Cornish. The second day of the intensive beginner’s course will be carried out on Saturday.
In the afternoon there will be a choice of workshops and a guided walk which will be suitable for all levels of Cornish. There will also be a session on teaching methods after the workshops.
On Saturday evening we will have music from Richard Trethewey and Anna Anise. There will also be a chance to chat and mingle.
There is a short church service, open to all, before lessons and sessions start for the morning.
On Sunday morning there are a choice of traditional style lessons split into lower and higher levels, or workshops suitable for all levels of Cornish in the morning. For those with a higher level of fluency there will also be a range of talks in Cornish.
After lunch, the Pennseythen showcase will be a chance for people to share anything that they have created over the weekend or before: poetry, writing, short sketches, music, etc. Please let us know if you have something that you would like to share in the showcase.
Tea and coffee will be available for people to help themselves throughout the weekend—please bring a reusable mug with you.
We will be running a bar in the hall on Friday and Saturday evening selling a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
If you choose catering, Truro High School are providing light lunches on Friday and Saturday and a roast lunch on Sunday. They will also be providing a two course evening meal on Friday and Saturday. Meals will be served in the school canteen on site and will enable us to continue the immersive nature of the weekend, enabling attendees to chat over a shared meal, make new connections and practice their social use of the language.
There is a car park on site free to use over the weekend. The train station is a 20min walk away and the bus station is a 12min walk away.
There are a number of hotels and B&Bs within easy reach of Truro High School. You can find some suggestions here.
Tickets are now available for 2026:
