CORNWALL’S MIDSUMMER EVE BONFIRES CELEBRATES THE FEAST OF ST JOHN ON 23 JUNE ACROSS CORNWALL AND ALL ARE INVITED…
Cornwall is a land steeped in history, myth, and tradition, and nowhere is this more evident than in its annual Midsummer Eve bonfires. Held on the eve of the Feast of St John, 23rd June, these bonfires light up hilltops and fields across the Duchy, keeping alive an ancient ritual that dates back to Cornwall’s pagan past. The tradition has been lovingly upheld by Old Cornwall Societies, ensuring that the flames of the past continue to burn brightly into the future.
Midsummer Eve, also known as St John’s Eve, falls on the night before the Feast of St John the Baptist and has long been associated with fire, celebration, and community gatherings. The tradition of lighting hilltop bonfires stretches back centuries, believed to have originated as a pagan ritual celebrating the summer solstice before later becoming associated with the Christian festival of St John. In Cornwall, it remains one of the most treasured customs, a spectacular sight that brings people together under the night sky to mark the turning of the seasons.
Where to Experience Midsummer Bonfires in Cornwall
Cornwall’s Midsummer Eve bonfires are held in various locations, with some of the best-known gatherings taking place at Carnstabba Hill near St Ives, Bulls View in Madron, Chapel Carn Brea near Penzance, and Kit Hill near Callington. Each fire is lit with a sense of tradition and ceremony, often accompanied by Cornish language readings, music, and community singing.
The St Ives Midsummer Eve Bonfire
One of the most well-known Midsummer Eve celebrations is held on Carnstabba Hill in Halsetown, just outside St Ives. Each year, members of the St Ives Old Cornwall Society and locals gather around 8pm, with the fire being lit just after sunset. The ceremony includes singing, readings in both Cornish and English, and the traditional throwing of midsummer herbs and flowers onto the flames. A designated ‘Lady of Flowers’ leads the lighting of the fire, a role filled each year by a member of the local community. The bonfire provides a spectacular view over St Ives Bay, with flames illuminating the surrounding countryside.
The Madron Midsummer Eve Bonfire
Another longstanding event takes place at Bulls View in Madron, near Penzance, a site that has hosted these celebrations for generations. The Madron Old Cornwall Society organises the event, inviting the public to gather in the early evening before the fire is set ablaze at sundown. Attendees make their way up the hill on foot, with the ceremony including Cornish language speeches, traditional midsummer customs, and offerings of flowers and herbs to the fire. As with St Ives, a ‘Lady of Flowers’ takes on the honour of lighting the bonfire.
Other Midsummer Eve Bonfire Locations
Midsummer bonfires are not exclusive to St Ives and Madron. Chapel Carn Brea, the highest hill in West Cornwall near Penzance, hosts one of the most spectacular Midsummer Eve bonfires, visible for miles around. Kit Hill near Callington is home to Cornwall’s easternmost bonfire, bringing together communities from across East Cornwall and Devon. These hilltop locations were once important signal points, where bonfires were lit to send messages across the county, and their continued use for Midsummer celebrations is a fitting nod to Cornwall’s deep-rooted traditions.
A Celebration of Fire, Light, and Tradition
The lighting of Midsummer Eve bonfires is a communal affair, bringing together people of all ages to share in this time-honoured ritual. The flames represent purification, renewal, and celebration, and the events are marked by a sense of history, folklore, and togetherness. For those attending, it’s a chance to step back in time and experience Cornwall’s rich heritage in its purest form.
Planning Your Visit
For those looking to experience a Midsummer Eve bonfire in Cornwall, it’s always best to check with local Old Cornwall Societies for confirmed details. Most events take place on or around June 23rd, and attendees are encouraged to bring torches for the walk back down the hills after dark. The celebrations are informal but deeply meaningful, offering a rare opportunity to witness a living tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Whichever Midsummer Eve bonfire you choose to attend, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of history and culture that continue to shape Cornwall today. When the flames rise high into the summer night, you’re not just watching a fire—you’re witnessing the beating heart of Cornwall’s past and present, still burning bright.