The annual celebration of Redruth’s famous former resident and pioneering inventor took place in the town at the weekend. 

Murdoch Day pays homage to one of Redruth’s most influential figures and allows visitors to explore the significance of the work he carried out and the legacy the great man left behind. The festival’s theme for this year was ‘Engineering Heroes’ and the timetable featured a number of new elements this year with traditional favourites also returning.  

Acting as the centrepiece to the day’s events, the parade saw local groups, schools and businesses join forces to create a colourful procession and vibrant atmosphere. Organisations taking part include Redruth School, Treleigh School, Trewirgie Junior School, Pencoys Primary School, Pennoweth Primary School, Redruth Youth Council and Redruth Rugby Club among others. A revised Murdoch Day tune created by a group of local artists was played for the first time. 

The fairground and street markets were among the busiest attractions at the festival which is regarded as the biggest day on Redruth’s calendar, similar to the way Trevithick Day is to Camborne. Food, crafts and engagement stalls were situated on Fore Street, Alma Place, Market Strand and in the Market Hall throughout the day. 

A new attraction this year was the special exhibition The Engine Room based at the Redruth Civic Centre, which featured innovators and organisations who networked with what could be the next generation of technologists and inventors. Fluxus Cornwall CIC also led mini-automata invention workshops during the day which were hosted at The Art Room situated on Fore Street.  

Elsewhere on the day was some classic cars at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, while the famous steam locomotive Murdoch Flyer sat appropriately outside Murdoch House during the day that helped visitors learn Redruth’s treasured history and heritage.

Live music performances took place on the stage at Green Lane, while the local youth council group hosted a silent disco at Redruth Library. Performing on the day include Golowan Band, Samba Cambada, Maids of Melody, Matt Shepherd, Strange Folk, Jason Rock Well, Sam Lisle, Dave James, Jumping Out Duo, Strange Folk, Bagas Crowd, Keri and Kenny Lee Jones.

Pictures: Ben Howe