On Saturday 4th March we kicked off our 2023 events by celebrating one of the patron saints of Cornwall, St Piran
St Piran’s Day is a very important day for us, not just in Redruth but across the whole of Cornwall. Legend says, St Piran was tied to a millstone and thrown into the sea in Ireland in the 5th century. He survived and managed to sail safely to Cornwall, landing on a small beach near Newquay which was named Perran Beach in his honour. It is believed that he discovered tin pouring from black rocks which is where the design of the Cornish flag derived from – A white cross on a black background.
Every year, we celebrate St Piran with a jam-packed festival filled with street entertainment, workshops, stalls, and a town market selling a variety of local products. This year saw the return of the St Piran’s Festival Parade for the first time in three years which was led up Fore Street by the Redruth Town Band and St Piran himself. The Town also had its biggest post-pandemic Town Market which was full of traders selling goods such as sweet treats, crafts, jewellery, art and food & drink.
It was fantastic to be joined by so many members of the community throughout the day. Especially at the Miner Statue when Rev Caspar Bush led a moving prayer for St Piran, followed by the Trelawny Shout sung by the Red River Singers and the community.
A huge thank you to everyone involved and we look forward to Murdoch Day and beyond!