February 4th - Verdant Brewing Taproom, Penryn.

Join Stone Club as they present: King For a Day, followed by a Q&A with director Barbara Santi.

King for a Day is a poetic archive-led documentary immersing us in the personal story of the people of Padstow, their ancient rituals and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. Tensions between tradition and progress punctuate the importance of cultural identity and the relevance of folk customs in our globalised society.

King for a Day is the inspirational story of indigenous Britain following a marginalized community at the heart of one of Europe’s oldest folk customs, told through the narratives and archives of its people. A personal insight into a community in transition – Padstow’s “sexy, savage springtime rite”, known as the Obby Oss, is an ancient, ritualistic celebration welcoming the summer on May 1st. Filmed over nine years in the shadow of Brexit, the documentary reveals how the tradition acts as a form of community defiance and a vehicle for the Padstow people to have a voice. For the first time, we see the significance of May Day through local eyes.

King for a Day  is a story about friendship, hope, celebration and unity.

Also screening will be “Oss Oss Wee Oss” the 1953 short that follows the inhabitants of Padstow in Cornwall welcome May Day with traditional songs, dances, flags and the "hobby horse" ritual.

Films will begin at 17:00