The first Festival was in 2003 and was very successful. Business and private patronage, sponsorship and seed funding from the Arts Council along with enormous goodwill from Cornish choirs, set the precedent for a two yearly Festival .
With many Cornish choirs involved and large appreciative audiences, visiting choirs from across the world have received a very warm welcome. The singing was wonderful and the hospitality shown to all visitors truly magnanimous.
Choirs have sung in concerts and tourist attractions, schools and colleges and many have competed in the International Competitions. Previous competiton results are availble below.
Each successive Festival has grown in size with more choirs participating, more events involved, and more locations where choirs sing. In 2013 choirs sang in small churches (including a beautiful flower festival), Truro cathedral, the Hall for Cornwall, large and small churches across Cornwall, as well as world famous tourist and eco attractions such as The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan, and newer heritage attractions such as Heartlands.
Evaluation by choirs of previous festivals has shown overwhelmingly that it is an immensely enjoyable time with appropriate itineraries and organisation of the highest possible calibre.
Dr Roy Wales provided the inspiration, drive and determination for the Festival. He was its founder and Artistic Director. He retired from the post in 2007. Dr Wales directed the first three Cornwall International Male Choral Festivals. His inspiration was infectious.
Along with a dedicated team of volunteers, which has grown considerably since its inception, the present Board of Directors, Festival Director and now over 300 volunteers would not have a Festival to organise without Dr Wales' drive, enthusiasm and incredible hard work.
Dr Wales had the vision and was able to gain the enthusiastic support of the then Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall (and Festival Vice -President, Lady Mary Holborow), Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall (Festival Vice-President Michael Galsworthy) and many other influential voices.
The Festival is delighted to have Dr Wales as a Vice President.
Peter Davies became Festival Director upon the retirement of Dr Wales and led the next four festivals. His skill and attention to detail allowed the festival to flourish further and to attain the level it is today. The Festival is very grateful to Peter for his dedication in directing and expanding the festival until his retirement in July 2015.