The Convivial x Carolyn Kennett

The Moon, our constant celestial companion, played a significant role in prehistory. Its presence has been a source of wonder and inspiration. Celebrations were timed to phases of the Moon. These events were not only times of merrymaking but also opportunities to honour the celestial rhythms that governed lives. The cyclical nature of these celebrations created a sense of continuity and connection with the cosmos.

The first part of the evening will be a short introduction to the relationship between humans and the Moon, focusing on the cultural significance in prehistoric Cornwall, the celebrations it inspired, and the archaeological echoes that reveal this ancient connection.

This follows with a conversation about the Moon and what it means to us today. Has science taken away all the mirth and merrymaking, or does our newfound knowledge add to our relationship with the Moon?

Come and enjoy an evening focusing on all things lunar.

Speaker

Carolyn Kennett is an independent researcher, writer and astronomer. She is the current chair of the Society of the History of Astronomy and a Director of Mayes Creative – an arts and heritage practice based in Cornwall. Her published books includes Cosmos (2024), Uranus and Neptune (2022), and Sites of Prehistoric Bodmin Moor (2022). Research interests focus on how ancient communities connected to the night sky in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and Devon.

https://archaeoastronomycornwall.com/

What to expect

6pm - arrive

6.30pm - talk begins

7.30pm - dinner (vegan) is served

8 - 9pm - talks, drinks, socialising

A range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available to buy on the bar.

Venue

Three of Cups Vintage, 20 Lower Market Street, Penryn

Please get in touch to talk about accessibility and your needs in the space.

The Convivial

The Convivial is an interdisciplinary symposium or talk series based in Penryn. We hope to provide a hospitable space for imagination and creative discourse that is accessible for the community to attend for free or for a donation. We are driven by the desire for open-access knowledge and tools for imagination in a world that desperately needs both. The Convivial wishes to break down institutional walls and share the wisdom within them with those who are best placed to use it – the community itself.

Host or Publisher The Convivial