Cumpas celebrates 10 years of service

On the 22nd of July 2006 Cumpas held a special ten years' celebration party at Grampound Road near St Austell commemorating their work in the community. Anyone and everyone who loves making music and learning about our Cornish musical heritage came to join in the happy occasion and joyous melodies; participation being the key to the event!

Cumpas promotes the best of the spirit of Cornwall through creative music and dance. Created by Hilary Coleman and Frances Bennett, Cumpas has made a huge impact on the wave of interest in preserving and renewing traditional and contemporary Cornish music through research, participation and performance in schools and villages throughout Cornwall. The party guests enjoyed a village fete-style atmosphere of snail racing and games such as guessing the weight of the tuba and a musical lucky dip. There was music, dancing, feasting and singing from the late afternoon till way into the night.

Between them Frances and Hilary have facilitated and encouraged rich creativity at the now well loved Noze Looan events (Cornish for Happy Night), where young and old come to dance some of the traditional village and furry dances, and the Troyls where all are invited to come and sing, play an instrument, recite poetry, speak in the Cornish language, teach a new dance or just enjoy some of the distinctive and diverse music being imaginatively offered.

The occasion certainly showed that the creative Cornish spirit is alive and kicking!