Named after the patron saint of tin miners, St Piran’s Day is the national day of Cornwall when the county celebrates its Celtic heritage. Held on March 5th every year, St. Piran’s Day is a great time to visit the area and join in the festivities. Here’s a round-up of local events:
Bodmin
Starting at 11am on Monday 5th March, Bodmin’s nineteenth St Pirantide celebrations will begin with a parade from the library through the town to Mount Folly, where local dignitaries will address the crowd. Afterwards, children from Bodmin’s schools and the surrounding parishes will sing and dance their way to St. Petroc’s Church, where they will treat the audience to performances of Cornish plays and songs. More information can be found on the Bodmin Tourist Information Centre website.
Perranporth
According to legend, St. Piran landed on the sands of Perranporth after being banished by the Irish king, and every year the town celebrates the anniversary. This year’s parade takes place on Sunday 4th March, with St Piran and his animals (and the Falmouth Marine Band) leading the way across the dunes to watch a three-part play portraying the life of St. Piran. Other fun activities include entertainment from The Two Bards, samples from St. Austell Brewery, and the issuing and stamping of your very own Cornish passport. If you are still in town the following day, The Watering Hole is putting on a special Cornish Folk Concert on Monday 5th March between 7-9pm. Tickets are £5 each with free entry for children.
Newquay
Starting on Sunday 4th March, Newquay celebrates a two-day St. Piran’s extravaganza, commencing with a bilingual Eucharist service at St Michael’s Church at 10.30am. A series of Cornish acts, including the Newquay Male Voice Choir and Newquay Rowing Club singers perform at the church at 7pm that evening, then the main parade, led by Grand Bard Mervyn Davey on his Cornish bagpipes, commences at 4pm on Monday 5th from the Killacourt. Other St. Piran’s events include Cornish produce markets, mini beer festivals, children’s activities, and talks by Newquay Old Cornwall Society. The festivities wrap up with a Cornish Ceilidh at Newquay Rowing Club at 7pm before the traditional singing of Trelawny at 9pm.
Eden Project
Although not officially part of the St. Piran’s celebrations, the Eden Project is hosting the seventh World Pasty Championships on Saturday, 3rd March, providing the perfect opportunity to sample some of the county’s finest savoury offerings in the run-up to St. Piran’s Day. Try your hand at making your own pasty in one of the workshops run by the Cornish Pasty Association, enjoy live music throughout the day (the event will be headlined by Britpop band Dodgy), and find out who will win the coveted title of World Pasty Champion.
Looking for somewhere to stay on St. Piran’s Day? The Point has a variety of excellent self-catering accommodation within a short distance of all these festivities, and many more family-friendly events in the local area. Book your stay today.
