A JAPANESE visitor learned all about St Agnes' Giant Bolster Festival while on a trip to learn about Cornish legends.
Makiko Yamamoto from Kyoto, arrived in St Agnes at the weekend and was fortunate to be in the area as preparations were being made for this weekend's pageant.
Makiko had spent the last week touring the South West searching out the legends of the region, and had singled Bolster out for special attention.
She caught up with organisers of the festival to meet St Agnes' most famous resident up close.
After seeing the Bolster and filming the group she was then taken to Chapel Porth to see where Sunday's festivities will take place.
Makiko said: "It was amazing to finally see what Bolster looked like, and to walk on the cliffs where it all takes place. I had read about it and seen the pictures, but to actually be here is something I'll never forget. The kids in Japan will just love it, when I get to tell them all about St Agnes and their Giant Bolster. It's a shame that I won't be here next weekend, but I'll definitely make it next year."
Her visit is part of a project that she is co-ordinating in conjunction with schools in Japan, to develop cultural awareness of other countries.
The children are creating a story, which involves their own giant, Daidarobo, who is preparing to visit Bolster in Cornwall. They will decide what he should bring with him, such as gifts and souvenirs, and how he will be received. Makiko has already conducted the first part of the project in Japan, and is now preparing for the second stage.
A statue represents their giant, Daidarobo, which is located in a park in Mito City. His size was so great that his footprints were said to have created innumerable lakes and ponds. He is even said to have lifted Mount Asabo up and moved it, so that the villagers would get sunlight to grow their crops.
The festivities start on Saturday with the Bolster bonfire and barbecue. The lantern procession will leave from Churchtown Square at 8.15pm, arriving at The Beacon at 8.30pm where the bonfire and barbecue will be held.
The bonfire is symbolic, as it is used to fire clay houses that have been made by local children, and are then used in the pageant to represent the village of St Agnes.
On Sunday from 12.30pm at the Railway Inn there will be street theatre and the Bolster Drum Band. Starting at the Railway Inn and then processing through the streets, pausing outside each of the village pubs, The Bolster Band lead life-sized puppets in their search for the Giant Bolster.
Then at 4.30pm the Bolster pageant takes place at Chapel Porth reenacting the legend of the Giant Bolster and his demise at the hands of the fair of St Agnes.
For more information go to bolsterfestival.wordpress.com
