St Piran’s Day honours Saint Piran, a 5th century abbot and wise man who is thought to have sailed from Ireland to Cornwall after a plot to drown him in the Irish Sea failed. Having been tied to a millstone and thrown from the edge of a cliff, Piran miraculously rose to the surface, clung to the rock and found himself washed up on the sandy shores of Cornwall. 

It was here that he established a chapel at Perranporth, and preached to the people of Cornwall. He became known as a kind man and friend to many.

But his biggest celebration came when he pondered over a white liquid erupting from the black rocks of his fire. Unexpectedly, he had discovered how to smelt tin and from that day forth, became the patron saint of tin. Cornwall’s flag shows a white cross against black, depicting the hot, white tin against the black rocks.  

Across Cornwall, people gather to celebrate this miraculous man’s life and work. Here are a few of the events taking place in our local areas:

Launceston 

St Piran’s Day Children’s Parade 

This annual event involves the local schools, with children parading through town to the sound of Cornish music, with plenty of flag waving and fun to be had. 

The parade begins at 10am, so bag a spot in the Town Square to watch this fantastic spectacle make its way through the town. You might want to warm up your singing voice too, because there’s always an opportunity to belt out the patriotic words of ‘Trelawny’. 

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Falmouth & Penryn

Penryn Parade

A St Piran’s parade will start at 10.30am at the town hall, making its way to the bowling club for refreshments and entertainment. At 12pm, the Trelawny Shout will take place at the Prayer Book Rebellion memorial stone.

There will also be a St Piran’s shop window display competition throughout the town, so make sure you head over to see what business owners have come up with! 

Live music at The Falmouth Hotel

Celebrate the day in style at the Falmouth Hotel, as Our Atlantic Roots brings Cornwall’s culture and heritage to life. 

Arrive from 6.30pm and get settled in with a drink. Tickets are just £15 and include an arrival drink and pasty during the interval.

See 5th March: St Piran's Day and Live Music from Our Atlantic Roots - Falmouth Hotel to book your tickets.

Pasties and music at the Chain Locker

Join the Chain Locker, where pasties will be served all day on St Piran’s Day. In the evening, there will be live music from Tony Webb, starting at 8.30pm, with the Trelawny Shout commencing at 9pm. 

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Bodmin

Bodmin St Piran’s Parade

The famous Bodmin St Piran’s Parade will once again take place in town tomorrow, with plenty of music, dancing and singing to enjoy. Leaving at 11am from the Old Library, the children’s parade will make its way down to Mount Folly, where the celebrations will continue. 

Take advantage of free parking for all in the Priory Car Park too! 

Fun at the Borough Arms 

Join the Borough Arms for fun activities this week. Their family day on St Piran’s Day will include a fancy dress competition - dress as a saint! - and colouring competition. On Saturday, 7th March, there will be live Cornish rock music from 8pm. 

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Wadebridge

St Piran’s Day Shout

Head over to the Swan Hotel from 8.15pm, to raise your glass and voice for Cornwall. This is Wadebridge’s first St Piran’s Day Shout, organised by Cornwall Folk Festival, and will feature Trelawny, Cornwall My Home, and more Cornish favourites.

The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay

Regal Cinema is showing a one-off screening of the award-winning The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay, plus a selection of short documentaries, for St Piran’s Day. 

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If we have missed your St Piran’s Day event, please let us know by emailing rosie@life-media.co.uk so we can help spread the word! 

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