Gorsedh Concert
Shire House Suite, Bodmin, PL31 2DQ
Saturday 5th September 2026
An evening of music and song featuring Hireth, Toby & Jen Kessell and Ralph Nel with special guest Elizabeth Freeborn.
Hireth are an exceptional four-part harmony vocal group, singing in the Cornish language, Kernewek. Their fresh arrangements consist of striking original works, and traditional Cornish songs like you’ve never heard them before. The ensemble blends a range of musical backgrounds, bringing together songwriter Anna Anise, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Woodfield, composer Matthew Thomason, and vocalist Millie Young.
Hireth came together during a storm-lashed winter residency at an artists’ retreat nestled on the rugged cliffs of Cape Cornwall. It was here that the ensemble combined their range of musical backgrounds to form their evocative sound and spine-tingling compositions, which resonate with the rousing spirit of Cornwall.
The name Hireth is a Cornish word with no direct English translation. It encapsulates a profound sense of longing and nostalgia – a homesickness that lingers with both sorrow and beauty. Prepare to be transported through hauntingly beautiful harmonies as Hireth carry you through the emotional landscape of Cornwall itself, with a sound as rich and expressive as the land that inspires them.
Toby & Jen Kessell are a fresh new duo bringing together two of Cornwall's finest traditional musicians, Jen Kessell and Toby Kessell. Playing a beautiful mix of Celtic music on viola, melodeons, guitar and vocals, you can expect to hear a celebration of the best tunes from Cornwall to Ireland and beyond. Toby and Jen have been playing for dance nights, concerts, festivals and events all over Cornwall, as well as providing the music for popular theatre company, Miracle Theatre. They’ve also been gigging on tour with 3 Daft Monkeys and Skillywidden – friends and excellent musicians!
Ralph Nel is a folk musician, ritual performer and visual artist. Ralph's musical and performance style incorporates traditional folk song, blending acoustic instrumentation and vocal work in both Cornish and English. Ralph will be joined by Elizabeth Freeborn, a Cornish-born singer-songwriter whose ethereal voice and angelic tones transport audiences to realms of enchantment.
Hireth are an exceptional four-part harmony vocal group, singing in the Cornish language, Kernewek. Their fresh arrangements consist of striking original works, and traditional Cornish songs like you’ve never heard them before. The ensemble blends a range of musical backgrounds, bringing together songwriter Anna Anise, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Woodfield, composer Matthew Thomason, and vocalist Millie Young.
Hireth came together during a storm-lashed winter residency at an artists’ retreat nestled on the rugged cliffs of Cape Cornwall. It was here that the ensemble combined their range of musical backgrounds to form their evocative sound and spine-tingling compositions, which resonate with the rousing spirit of Cornwall.
The name Hireth is a Cornish word with no direct English translation. It encapsulates a profound sense of longing and nostalgia – a homesickness that lingers with both sorrow and beauty. Prepare to be transported through hauntingly beautiful harmonies as Hireth carry you through the emotional landscape of Cornwall itself, with a sound as rich and expressive as the land that inspires them.
Toby & Jen Kessell are a fresh new duo bringing together two of Cornwall's finest traditional musicians, Jen Kessell and Toby Kessell. Playing a beautiful mix of Celtic music on viola, melodeons, guitar and vocals, you can expect to hear a celebration of the best tunes from Cornwall to Ireland and beyond. Toby and Jen have been playing for dance nights, concerts, festivals and events all over Cornwall, as well as providing the music for popular theatre company, Miracle Theatre. They’ve also been gigging on tour with 3 Daft Monkeys and Skillywidden – friends and excellent musicians!
Ralph Nel is a folk musician, ritual performer and visual artist. Ralph's musical and performance style incorporates traditional folk song, blending acoustic instrumentation and vocal work in both Cornish and English. Ralph will be joined by Elizabeth Freeborn, a Cornish-born singer-songwriter whose ethereal voice and angelic tones transport audiences to realms of enchantment.
Price
Ticket price
£15.00