‘Wherever in the world there’s a hole in the ground, you’re sure to find a Cornishman at the bottom of it, digging for metal’. And also, according to some, singing Christmas carols!
The 19th century saw a sustained migration of Cornish miners across the world following calls for skilled labour in new mines – and they often arrived in such numbers that traditions such as carol singing were continued under new skies.
This lecture will explore how Cornish carolling repertoires and traditions took particular hold in South Australia.
Quickly part of Christmas festivities in the fledgling mining communities, as well as being adopted by the more metropolitan Cornish Association of South Australia, this lecture will trace how a new branch of Cornish carol repertoire flourished in Australia during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Dr Kate Neale’s AHRC funded PhD research examined the transfer of Cornish Christmas carol traditions to California and South Australia, and their development as local, national and international heritages. Now returned to Cornwall, she works in communications and in a range of voluntary roles as well as continuing her interest in Cornish music, culture, language and heritage.
Online streaming
this event will now be presented entirely online. After your booking has been confirmed, you will be emailed a Zoom link.
The lecture will begin at 7.30pm and last about 90 minutes. The Zoom waiting room will be open from 7.15pm.
A recording is expected to be available for a few weeks after the event: you will receive an email when this is ready to view.
Promoted by EFDSS
You can support our activities by making a donation to the English Folk Dance and Song Society, registered charity number 305999.