The Oferen an Dasserghyans received the Grand Bard's Award for Creativity and Community at the Gorsedh Kernow Awards 2026
A landmark Cornish-language service first held at Truro Cathedral has been recognised with a prestigious award at the Gorsedh Kernow Awards ceremony, which took place in Bodmin on Friday 4 September, celebrating its contribution to Cornish culture, creativity and community.
The Oferen an Dasserghyans (Mass of the Resurrection), the first complete Mass written entirely in the Cornish language, received the Grand Bard's Award for Creativity and Community at the 2026 Gorsedh Kernow Awards, which were held during the Esedhvos Festival.
The Gorsedh Kernow Awards seek to foster and promote the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall through recognising outstanding creative and community work that expresses Cornish identity and culture.
The award-winning Mass took place at Truro Cathedral on 3 June 2026, on the eve of the Feast of St Petroc. Composed by Mike O'Connor, the service draws on traditional Cornish folk song melodies designed to encourage congregational participation. The project was developed by a team including Jane Kneebone, poet Tim Saunders and linguist Wella Brown. Full English translations were provided at the service as well, enabling both fluent Cornish speakers and those entirely new to the language to take part in worship together.
James Anderson-Besant, Truro Cathedral's director of music, and Canon Sue Wallace, precentor, were invited to attend the awards ceremony for their support in organising and hosting the inaugural performance within the cathedral's worshipping life.
Speaking after the ceremony, Canon Sue Wallace said:
"I am absolutely thrilled that the Oferen an Dasserghyans has won an award. Splann [Splendid]! How very exciting! Meur ras bras [Thank you very much]! It was such a wonderful service. If you missed it, it can be viewed online, and if you would like to come to the next one, we will be hosting another Oferen an Dasserghyans on St Piran's Day, Friday 5 March 2027 at 17:30."
The premiere of the Mass marked a significant moment in the continuing revival and celebration of the Cornish language, bringing together worshippers, musicians and language enthusiasts in a unique act of Cornish Christian worship at Cornwall's cathedral.
Those unable to attend the original service can rewatch the recording on YouTube