A goose bump inducing glimpse into Cornish culture is being offered by Visit Cornwall in its latest short film, A Cornish Jukebox which has been released in the lead up to St Piran's Day (5 March).

 

In an evocative three minutes, the film captures the warmth and emotion characteristic of pubs across Cornwall as it joins the Cape Cornwall Singers in a traditional pub singing session at The Star in St Just. Like many other similar groups around them, the surprisingly tuneful group of 17 working men, regularly burst into song over a drink to revive a tradition created by ancestors. Once sung in Cornish mines and to the rhythm of the sea, the songs are now Cornish anthems and provide onlookers with an often spontaneous form of local entertainment.

 

As a symbol of Cornwall's rich and unique culture, traditional pub singing has been recognised by Visit Cornwall, the Cornwall Development Company tourism service, as a fun and engaging way in which visitors can connect with Cornwall. Malcolm Bell, Head of Visit Cornwall, explains: "Cornwall is spectacularly beautiful and full of charm, however many existing, and more importantly potential new visitors, do not realise the character and warmth of our people and communities. A Cornish Jukebox showcases the soul of Cornwall and the spirit of those living on the edge of the ocean at a time when we are celebrating the patron saint of Cornwall, St Piran."

 

A Cornish Jukebox was produced by De Facto Films and features 'Cornwall My Home' which was especially written for the Cape Cornwall Singers by Harry 'Safari' Glasson. Producer, Emma George, comments: "It was important for us to capture the spontaneity of the singing to show that Cornish singers sing for the love of it, they sing for themselves not for an audience - it is just part of Cornish life. Similar scenes take place in pubs all over Cornwall and we wanted to re-create this for A Cornish Jukebox."

 

Julian German, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture, comments: "We want our guests to fully appreciate what makes the Duchy so very special and to experience the real Cornwall that we all love. This film is just one of the steps that we are making to encourage visitors to discover the culture of Cornwall."

 

A Cornish Jukebox is one in a series of short films being released by Visit Cornwall in 2014 to highlight what is special about Cornwall and to showcase lesser known gems. To view A Cornish Jukebox visit http://youtu.be/n5mluQSwE6Y and share using #loveCornwall and #ACornishJukebox.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

 

About A Cornish Jukebox

A Cornish Jukebox was commissioned by Visit Cornwall and produced by De Facto Films. The song featured, 'Cornwall My Home', was written by Harry 'Safari' Glasson for the Cape Cornwall Singers when they were formed 15 years ago.

 

St Piran's Day celebrations

St Piran's Day celebration take places across Cornwall. Here are just a few:

1st March     St Piran's Festival Redruth

5th March     Bodmin St Piran's Day Celebration

St Piran's Day Parade Truro

                   St Piran's Day Parade Falmouth

                   St Piran's Day Penzance

 

About Visit Cornwall

• Visit Cornwall is a service of the Cornwall Development Company, Cornwall Council's arms length economic development company
• Visit Cornwall undertakes destination marketing aimed at attracting first time visitors to Cornwall through appropriate promotions including targeted PR and through its award winning digital marketing
• Visit Cornwall coordinates, supports and promotes festivals and events across the county, providing advice to enhance the visitor experience, promote Cornwall and ensure the long term sustainability of events. Also responsible for the delivery of certain major events
• Visit Cornwall undertakes targeted research and market intelligence activities to drive Cornwall's marketing and product development
   

Website: visitcornwall.com 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ILoveCornwallUK

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ILoveCornwall

Youtube www.youtube.com/cornwalltouristboard

Google+: plus.google.com/+visitcornwall

Instagram: LoveCornwallUK

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ILoveCornwall

 

Further information

 

Julia Hughes

Tourism Press & PR Executive

Visit Cornwall

01872 322928

julia.hughes@visitcornwall.com