PASTY championships will return to the Redruth International Mining and Pasty Festival again later this month.

The annual event, occurring on September 20-21, will feature a newly expanded competition tent and expert judges. There will be four categories open for entries including Best Traditional Cornish Pasty (over 18s), Best Traditional Cornish Pasty (under 18s) and Most Creative Non-Traditional Pasty. Crafters can enter their creations into the Best Crafted Pasty category.  

Keren Cooksey from the Cornish Pasty Association said: “We are excited to be working with Redruth Town Council to bring Cornish Pasty Championships to the International Mining & Pasty Festival. We can’t wait to taste the entries and crown our new champions.” 

The Pasty Championships will be a central part of the two-day festival. On Friday, September 20, former mine workers will be remembered during a story-telling walk to Wheal Uny.

Pasty competitions at Mining & Pasty Festival
Pasty competitions at Mining & Pasty Festival (Submitted)

At the end of the evening, the now-traditional smoking of the engine chimneys will take place, with the smoke coloured red and green to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first emigration of Cornish miners to Mexico. All timings are approximate and depend on numbers on the day.

On Saturday, September 21 and as well as the Pasty Championships, there will be children’s pasty making, live music, stalls, games and street food. The town will be busy throughout the day with additional attractions including the town market and children’s entertainment.

Alice Lamming, Events & Marketing Manager at Redruth Town Council said: “We can’t wait for this year’s International Mining & Pasty Festival – there’s going to be so much going on. Whether you’re hoping to be crowned Pasty Champion, want to follow the Pasty Trail or just want to browse the market stalls and listen to live music, there’ll be something for everyone. See you there.” 

Cllr Stephen Barnes, Redruth Town Mayor said: “The Redruth International Mining & Pasty Festival is our annual opportunity to celebrate what makes Redruth great. We are so grateful to the Cornish Pasty Association, Rowe’s Bakery, Tesco and Abbotts Event Hire for their support in helping us delivery such a fun day.”