IT MAY not have been the prettiest of places in which to hold an ancient ceremony but the Bards of Cornwall certainly brought home to the county town of the Duchy on Saturday just how important the Cornish Gorsedd is.

The festivities in and around the Lemon Quay piazza brought the city almost to a standstill as 300 robed bards paraded, young children danced and bands played.

The Gorsedd, brought to Truro for the first time, was planned by devoted Cornishman and bard Bert Biscoe, and included a ceremonial parade from the methodist church along Boscawen Street to the piazza at Lemon Quay, led by Grand Bard, Rod Lyon who opened the proceedings.

Fellow bard and current mayor of Truro Armorel Carlyon responded and said how honoured the city was to host the festival.

Among the many people attending was the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Rev Bill Ind, clearly interested in what was going on and how the ceremony would continue throughout the afternoon.

Twenty-nine new bards were initiated, including Les Merton of Redruth awarded for his work in Cornish literature. "It was the most emotional experience of my life," he said.

Many awards were made during the ceremony, not least to National Farmer of the Year, David Simmons from Scorrier. It was a new award and given for outstanding achievement in the region.

Mr Simmons, 44, married with four children, is a dairy farmer and also supplies a well known supermarket with a variety of locally grown vegetables.

Camborne School pupil Michelle May was one of two children to receive an award for courage. She was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis five years ago and has suffered badly since, often being confined to her home where she lives with parents Geraldine and Michael.

"The Gorsedd award is a great honour and we are very proud of her," said her mother.

The London Cornish Association Shield went to the Truro Hospital Radio group run by Elizabeth and Mark Sanders from Penryn. It broadcasts 24 hours a day to patients at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and has won many awards.

David Ferry of Truro took the premier trophy for music having published a book about the subject, while Angela Thomas from Gunwalloe, Helston, a well known singer and director, received a cup for her work as a soloist. The brass band award this year went to Lanner and District Band which came second in one section in the Cornish Association's competition and third in another event at Bugle. Musical director is Stuart Chappell.

The Treverva Shield for the encouragement of music making by young people went to Camborne Town Band juniors with Alan Pope from Illogan as its musical director. The Goonvrea Singers under musical director Joyce Robson were judged the best music award.

Displaying a Cornish banner from down under was Betty Bevin, formerly of Falmouth.