Bolster Day

Image of the giant puppet of Bolster from the Bolster Day celebrations

Bolster day is annual festival held at Chapel Porth cove near St Agnes, Cornwall, UK. The festival is held on May 1 every year and reenacts the events of the Cornish legend of Bolster the giant[1] and Saint Agnes with use of giant puppets and local performers. During the day there are also Cornish dance displays and other entertainments.

The legend of Bolster

Bolster was legendary giant who was said to live near the cliffs[2] at St Agnes. He was also rumoured to eat children[3] and people at random. The legend continues that he fell in love with a beautiful young girl called Agnes who steals his heart.

A Knight, Sir Constantine, and other local dignitaries challenge Bolster to a fight to the death. Legend says that the fights took place at Chapel Porth and that the giant overcame all who challenged him. Young Agnes was the one to finally vanquish the giant. She asks him to fill a nearby hole in the clifftops with his blood to prove his love for her, knowing that there is a crack in the hole which runs out to the sea. Bolster cuts himself to fill the hole and dies due to blood loss. The events of Bolster day recreate this story in more detail.

References

  1. ↑ Destination Guide for St Agnes : Enjoy England
  2. ↑ Internet Archive: Details: St.Agnes Bolster Day
  3. ↑ BBC - Cornwall Uncovered -Bolster day

External links


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