PERFORMERS and politicians flew the flag for Cornwall at the 55th InterCeltic Festival in Lorient, France from July 31 to August 9.

It was Cornwall’s turn to take centre stage at the annual 10-day festival, which draws almost one million spectators from Celtic countries including Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Brittany in France and Galicia in northern Spain.

Highlights included a grand parade; sporting yellow tartan and featuring bal maidens, wrestlers and brass bands, the Cornish contingent waved St Piran’s flags ahead of 54 other groups in national dress.

During the festival, Cornwall Council leader Cllr Leigh Frost signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Breton counterparts, setting out how the two Celtic nations will continue working together on matters of common interest such as heritage, renewable energy, tourism and cultural exchanges.

“In a world of growing uncertainty, building and maintaining strong relations with trusted partners, particularly our fellow Celtic nations, is vital,” said Cllr Frost.

Perran Moon, MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle and a “proud Cornishman”, addressed the business forum on the subject of devolution.

“It was a huge honour to be Cornish at the festival this year,” he said. “A lot of people didn’t know much about Cornwall, and left with a better understanding of who we are.

“As the crow flies, Cornwall is closer to Brittany than it is to London, and we share a lot of the same opportunities and challenges – for example, second homes and AirBnBs.

“We also have the same language status, and the government has to follow through on its obligation to support Kernewek, something I’ll be taking to Westminster in the coming months.”

The performance delegation included Truro Male Choir, led by musical director (and Cornish Bard) Russell Pascoe; and an international outing for Mermaid of Zennor, a new work composed around the Cornish legend by Gareth Churcher.