On 5th March, the annual celebration of St Piran’s Day takes place. St Piran is the patron saint of tin miners and is generally thought of as the patron saint of Cornwall.
In recent years, parades, festivals and pasty eating have become a popular way to honour this lesser known saint. Below is a round-up of events taking place this year to celebrate St Piran’s Day, in Cornwall and beyond…
Redruth St Piran’s Festival
When: 4th March 2017
Where: Redruth, Cornwall
£: Free
What is it?
The St Piran’s Festival in Redruth, Cornwall, takes place on Saturday 4th March. This year there will be a procession at midday with St Piran, local children, and entertainers. The festival will also include a daffodil show, choir singing, pasty games, a craft fair, a kid’s zone, craft workshops, morris dancers and stiltwalkers.
More info: www.visitredruth.co.uk
St Piran’s Day in Bodmin
When: 6th March 2017, 11am
Where: Bodmin, Cornwall
£: Free
What is it?
Bodmin celebrates St Piran’s Day every year with a parade through the town, complete with Cornish pipers. The parade heads to Mount Folly where local dignitaries make speeches to the gathered crowd. This is followed by singing and dancing from local school children, and eating an all important Cornish pasty to mark the occasion.
More info: www.bodminlive.com
St Piran’s Procession and Play in Perranporth
When: 5th March 2017
Where: Perranporth, Cornwall
£: Free
What is it?
A Grand Procession, led by Falmouth Marine Band, will take place from Piran Point to St Piran’s Oratory and Church. At the Oratory people will be invited to sing along with local choirs.
The St Piran’s Play is produced by the St Piran Trust. According to legend, the saint was washed up on millstone from Ireland in the 5th century AD. At St Piran’s Cross, hundreds of people usually gather, dressed in black, white and gold, carrying the Cornish flag. Visitors are welcome to take part in this celebration of Cornwall’s distinct culture by joining the walk over the dunes and watching the play. Dozens of actors and musicians portray the stages of St Piran’s life from his birth in Ireland, to his arrival in Cornwall, his discovery of tin and his Christian ministry in Kernow.
More info: www.perranporthinfo.co.uk/st-piran
Truro St Piran’s Day Parade
When: 5th March 2017, from 11am
Where: Truro, Cornwall
£: Free
What is it?
The St Piran’s Day Parade in Truro claims to be the oldest parade of its kind, and this year begins from St Georges Road and ends up at the Cathedral. After the parade there is a traditional ceremony and bi-lingual spring address. The parade usually attracts hundreds of spectators. Local shop windows will be decorated for the celebration.
More info: www.visittruro.org.uk and www.facebook.com/stpiransdaytruro
Falmouth St Piran’s Day Parade
When: 5th March 2017, from 10am
Where: Falmouth, Cornwall
£: Free
What is it?
Falmouth also celebrates St Piran’s Day with a parade, but Falmouth’s event also features a Furry Dance by local school children and musicians. The parade begins at the Moor and heads along Webber Street, High Street, Brewery Yard, and Prince of Wales Pier where the community dance takes place. Everyone is welcome to join in or line the streets to watch the procession.
More info: www.visitcornwall.com
Kernow In The City
When: 4th March 2017
Where: Rich Mix, 35 – 47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA
£: Tickets cost £10 – £12.50
What is it?
For those who live in the capital and can’t make it to Cornwall for St Piran’s Day, fear not! Rich Mix in London will yet again be hosting Kernow in the City. The event will feature Cornish music, poetry, ale and food. The live music this year will come from Rosie Crow, Neil Halstead, and Blue River.
More info: www.richmix.org.uk and www.facebook.com/kernowinthecity