This year’s St Piran’s Festival on 2nd March in Redruth will look slightly different as there’ll be a new parade route to allow for a bigger parade and more spectators.
Redruth’s festivals have continued to grow since returning after the pandemic and the area around The Miner statue is no longer big enough to safely host the final part of the traditional parade where the blessing is given and the Trelawny Shout is performed.
So this year, the parade will process from Lemins Court (behind the Regal Cinema) along a short section of Chapel Street before turning into Fore Street. It will then continue all the way up Fore Street to Flowerpot Chapel car park where the blessing will be given and the Trelawny Shout performed. There will then be entertainment, food and music on all day in the car park.
Elsewhere in town, the first monthly Town Market of the year will be in Market Hall, Market Strand and along Fore Street with around 50 market traders booked to attend. There will be musical performances at The Miner, in Tatey Court, outside The Regal and in St Rumon’s Gardens. Young and old alike can play giant games like Jenga and Connect 4 in Alma Place or try some St Piran’s crafting in Redruth Library.
Alice Lamming, Events and Marketing Manager at Redruth Town Council said: “We’re excited to get the 2024 festival season underway with a fantastic St Piran’s Festival. We have some great entertainment planned – a mixture of old favourites and new performers – as well as a busy and varied market. The new parade route will make it better for all and we can’t wait to see how people respond to the theme of ‘A Celebration of Cornwall’.”
Also new for 2024, there will be a Quiet Room in Redruth Library which has been especially designed for those who need to escape the hustle and bustle of the festival and will feature sensory toys, ear defenders and pop up tents.
The Festival gets underway at 10am with the Town Mayor Cllr Stephen Barnes and Town Crier Max Morrison performing the opening ceremony. Just before 10am, the Town Crier’s new Story Coat will be revealed; the culmination of a project led by local artist Sue Hill and other local makers and designers.
The Festival guide is available to pick up from Redruth Library and other venues across town and has been published online at www.discoverredruth.co.uk