AS the year pushes on with haste, many of us will soon be surprised to wake up and see ‘March’ proudly displayed at the head of our calendars. However, while for some this means a shock the system, for others it means excitement brewing for one of the biggest days in the Cornish calendar – St Piran’s Day!  

A long-standing Cornish tradition and one which will be enjoyed by thousands across the county, the event celebrates all things Cornish and marks the life of St Piran, patron saint of tin miners, who is believed to have discovered the useful metal. 

On March 5 – the big day – events across the county will get underway, each looking to celebrate the unique aspects that make us Cornish.  

Here are just some of the events hoping to do just that:  

Tuesday, March 5 – 12.45pm 

Come together with the community and march with pride at this special Cornish parade. The parade will set off from Waterfall Gardens on St George’s Road at 1pm heading towards the War Memorial on Boscawen Street, ending at High Cross, where there will be brief speeches and songs. 

Local artist Tony Minnion will be visiting St Marys C of E Primary School and Truro High Prep to create and design banners which will celebrate their school community. The banners will be unveiled at Truro’s St. Piran’s Parade.  

Saturday, March 2 – 2pm 

Enjoy a taste of the Cornish Language at the Cornish Coffee Lounge in Newquay Museum. Learn to distinguish your Myttin da from your Gorthugher da, or learn the most important phrases, such as Moy tesen, Fatla genowgh hwi ow thekteryow?, and Splann.  

Sunday, March 3  - Time tbc

Hop on over to St Michael’s Church for a bi-lingual service led by Rev. Canon Jane Kneebone  

Monday, March 4 – 7.15pm  

Join the crowds for an evening of song with a St Piran’s Eve concert at the Great Weatern Hotel and Steam Bar. Oll an Gwella kick off the evening’s festivities at 7.15pm, before welcoming True Foxes at 8pm, The Stowes at 9pm, and finally a closing ‘shout’ led by the Newquay Rowing Club Singers 

Tuesday, March 5 – 3.30pm 

The big day brings the traditional parade. Departing at 4pm from Central Square, walkers will make their way along Bank Streed and East Street towards Hotel Victoria.  

Tuesday, March 5 – 12.30pm 

The Oxford Inn is welcoming people for an afternoon of musical festivities as they host a special Cornish and Celtic song and dance session.  

Bring your instruments, singing voices and dancing shoes, or just come and enjoy the atmosphere and raise a glass to Cornwall’s Patron Saint! Yeghes! 

Tuesday, March 5 - 11am

This event promises to be a sight to behold, as more than 500 children from local schools will take to the street to mark this iconic day in the Cornish calendar, before parading through the town.