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Bodmin Riding Concert july 2026

Updated: 7 hours ago

Bodmin Way Community Choir was proud to perform at this year's Bodmin Riding & Heritage Festival, joining fellow local choirs and acclaimed Cornish vocal ensemble Hireth for a memorable evening of music in the beautiful surroundings of St Petroc's Church.


Three photos above and feature photo courtesy of Leonard Reid Bodmin and District Camera Club


Closeup photos courtesy of Mark Rowe Bodmin and District Camera Club


As part of this year's Bodmin Riding & Heritage Festival, music filled the beautiful surroundings of St Petroc's Church on Saturday 4 July 2026, where an expectant audience gathered for an evening celebrating Cornwall's rich cultural heritage through song.


Headlining the concert was Hireth, an outstanding four-part harmony vocal ensemble dedicated to performing entirely in Kernewek, the Cornish language. Their captivating programme combined original compositions with fresh interpretations of traditional Cornish music, showcasing both the beauty of the language and the richness of Cornwall's musical traditions.


The group brings together the talents of songwriter Anna Anise, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Woodfield, composer Matthew Thomason, and vocalist Millie Young. Their distinctive sound reflects a blend of diverse musical backgrounds while remaining firmly rooted in Cornish culture.


The ensemble's name, Hireth, is itself deeply meaningful. The Cornish word has no direct English equivalent, expressing a profound sense of longing, nostalgia, or homesickness for a place, time, or way of life that can never truly be regained. It perfectly captures the spirit of preserving and celebrating Cornwall's unique heritage.



Alongside Hireth, three local choirs added their own voices to the evening's celebration. Bodmin Way Community Choir was delighted to perform alongside Belt it out Bodmin – Community Choir and Rodeohead Country Choir, with each choir bringing its own distinctive style and energy to the programme.


For Bodmin Way Community Choir, it was a wonderful opportunity to be part of one of the town's most cherished annual events. Singing in the magnificent setting of St Petroc's Church and sharing the stage with fellow community choirs and such an inspiring headline act made for a memorable evening.


The concert was enhanced by professional production, with Giles Woolley providing sound and Francis Dufort creating atmospheric lighting that beautifully complemented the performances.


A particularly moving moment came at 8.00pm, when the proceedings paused for five minutes to hear the historic curfew bell ringing from St Petroc's tower. The bell is rung daily from the Wednesday before until the Wednesday after the festival, honouring the ancient tradition and adding another layer of history to this special celebration.


The evening proved to be a fitting tribute to the Bodmin Riding & Heritage Festival, celebrating Cornwall's musical traditions, community spirit and enduring cultural identity. It was warmly received by everyone who attended and highlighted the important role that local choirs continue to play in bringing people together and keeping Cornwall's rich heritage alive through music.


Hireth's stunning performance captivated the audience, from teenagers to octogenarians, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.


Performance highlights


The first compilation features some of the beautiful songs performed by Hireth during the concert.



The second is of the local choirs, appearing in performance order, showcasing Belt it out Bodmin, conducted by Sarah Reid; Bodmin Way Community Choir, conducted by Caroline Bailey; and Rodeohead Country Choir, conducted by Emma Mansfield.




 
 
 

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