6th September 2008 - The Open Gorseth
The bardic circle for the 80th annual open Gorseth of Gorseth Kernow is at the Barbican Sports field
The bards fill the circle.
At the North-eastern point of the circle is a platform (The Rock) on which stand the Grand Bard, the Deputy Grand Bard, the Gorseth Secretary and delegates from the Welsh and Breton Gorseths.
The Gorseth ceremony itself starts with a symbolic call to the four corners of the Nation, this being made by the Horner on the instructions of the Herald Bard. The ceremony of peace is then performed by the Grand Bard, who thrice asks, "Is there peace?" On the assembled Bards replying "Peace", the Gorseth is declared open, and the Gorseth Prayer is sung.
A dance by the children precedes the "Lady of Cornwall", who is escorted by the Sword Bearer across the circle, presenting a sheaf of flowers and corn to the Grand Bard, symbolising God's gifts to Mankind. Then follows the song "He Will Come Again". "He" is Arthur in this setting, representing the Celtic Spirit.
Now the Deputy Grand Bard offers a prayer for those Bards who have passed on during the past year. Their names are read and a commemoration hymn is sung.
The herald summons the initiate bards.
Initiate Bards are then escorted to the Grand Bard who gives them their Bardic names and welcomes them into the College of Bards. The delegates from Wales and Brittany give short addresses to the Gorseth. Then, after any announcements, the song "Cornwall our Motherland" is sung.
The grand bard welcome the new bard by clasping hands, the headdress is then put on.
One of the new bards is the previous Bishop of Truro, Bishop Bill Ind.
The circle great the new bards.
The Grand bard presents awards.
The ceremony of the Sword follows. The partly-unsheathed sword is held aloft by the sword-bearer and is grasped by the Grand Bard. All on The Rock join the Grand Bard by placing their hands on the Grand Bard's shoulder. All the Bards break the circle and gather to the sword-bearer. By the same 'hands on shoulder' procedure, the whole Gorseth is connected to the Sword.
On being asked by the Grand Bard to swear their loyalty to Cornwall, our Motherland, the Bards shout their fealty. All the Bards then sing "Land of Our Fathers", following which they return to re-form the circle.
The bards leave the circle and return to the school.
The banners of the Old Cornwall societies follow the bards.
