St Piran’s Day celebrations put Bodmin on the map

To the sound of bagpipes, fiddle and the beating of a drum a large crowd paraded from The Old Library to Mount Folly on Friday 4th March to celebrate St Piran’s Day.

Speeches were given by Bodmin's Mayor, local clergy, committee members and early-founders of Bodmin' celebration of St Piran's Day.

Children danced happily before the parade continued to St Petroc's Church where presentations in song and dance were given.

Barbara Brittain, focal minister said: “St Piran’s Day is a special way to celebrate the routes of Cornish heritage. St Piran along with St Petroc and all the other Cornish saints, whose names have been given to our towns, shaped the course of history as they shared the Christian faith with everyone. We still remember the faith of the saints today and many follow in their path.”

The chanting of ‘Oggy, Oggy, Oggy’ and the delicious pasties served were a highlight of the day for the children.

Alastair Quinnell was at the event just as he had been at the first celebration, 22 years ago. He said: "In the year of the millennium, as I was driving home from Truro, where St Piran's Day was being celebrated, I thought: ‘We've got to get something happening in this end of the county in honour of St Piran.’”

The St Piran Day's committee was formed and is now supported by Bodmin Lions, Bodmin Town Council, St Petroc's Church, St Mary's Church and primary schools.

Bodmin Mayor Cllr Jeremy Cooper said: "It's fantastic to see the community of Bodmin celebrate our precious Cornish heritage and traditions. We carry the baton and we need to pass it on to today's children in order to protect our unique Cornish culture for generations to come."

A morning of celebration finished with a pasty lunch. What a great way to celebrate St Piran’s Day!