Your Guide to This Year’s St Piran’s Day Celebrations
St Piran’s Day is Cornwall’s national day, celebrated annually on March 5th in honour of St Piran, the patron saint of tin miners. Across Cornwall, almost every Cornish community holds parades, processions, and festivities to mark the occasion. Whether you’re looking for traditional music, Cornish cuisine, or a lively festival, there’s something for everyone.
Below, you'll find an up-to-date list of St Piran’s Day celebrations for 2025. If you're new to the holiday, we've also included a brief introduction, but for the full story—covering the history, traditions, and what to wear—check out our detailed St Piran’s Day guide.
What is St Piran’s Day? A Brief History
Saint Piran was an Irish monk (some say a bishop) who, according to Cornish history, was tied to a millstone and cast into the sea by those who feared his power. Miraculously, he washed ashore on the Cornish coast, bringing Christianity—and, according to legend, the knowledge of tin smelting—to Cornwall. This discovery made Saint Piran the patron saint of tin miners, linking him forever with Cornwall’s most famous industry.
His symbol, the white cross on a black background, represents white tin smelting from black ore. Today, this design is known as the Cornish flag, flown proudly during St Piran’s Day celebrations. Alongside St Michael and St Petroc, he is one of Cornwall’s most important saints.
St Piran’s Day 2025 Events in Cornwall
Below is a list of confirmed events for St Piran’s Day 2025. As details may change, check with organisers before attending.
1. Bodmin St Piran's Day
Date: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Location: The Old Library & Mount Folly
Bodmin’s St Piran’s Day celebrations will see hundreds of local schoolchildren parade through Fore Street, cheered on by the community. The procession will reach Mount Folly, where local dignitaries will deliver speeches, followed by traditional Cornish dances performed by the children to honour Cornwall’s patron saint of tin miners.
Bude St Piran's Day
Date: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Elizabeth Mast, Summerleaze Downs
Bude’s St Piran’s Day gathering will feature the raising of a large St Piran’s flag, accompanied by schoolchildren and the local community. The event will include Cornish songs and a speech delivered in Cornish, creating a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Cornish heritage.
Camelford St Piran's Day
Date: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
Location: Camelford Library & Camelford Conservative Club
Camelford is offering a full day of St Piran’s Day activities:
At the Library – A gardening club, Cornish language session, and a “bring a project” workshop.
Evening at the Conservative Club (from 6:00 pm) – Enjoy a Cornish-themed bingo night, followed by live music from Callum Flew and a Trelawny Shout to round off the celebrations.
Falmouth St Piran's Day
Date: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
Time: From 9:30 am
Location: The Moor, Prince of Wales Pier, and King Charles Church
The Falmouth St Piran’s Parade is primarily aimed at local schoolchildren, but everyone is welcome to watch and join in.
9:30 am – Cornish music at The Moor.
10:00 am – Parade sets off through Webber Street, Prince of Wales Pier, and Market Street, ending at King Charles Church.
10:40 am – Refreshments inside the church.
11:00 am – A St Piran storytelling session, followed by a poetry prize-giving and a mass singing of Trelawny at 11:40 am.
Helston St Piran's Day
Date: Saturday, March 8th, 2025
Time: From 5:00 pm
Location: Helston Boating Lake & Coronation Park
Helston’s St Piran’s Lantern Parade is a family-friendly evening event featuring:
5:00 pm – Live music at the boating lake.
6:30 pm – The spectacular Lantern Parade, featuring handcrafted illuminated designs created by City of Lights, local schools, and community groups.
For more details or to join a lantern workshop, check Helston Town Council or Truro City of Lights Facebook pages.
Launceston St Piran's Day
Date: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025Time: 10:00 am
Location: Launceston Castle & Town Square
The Launceston Children’s Parade will feature 400 pupils from 14 local schools, led by piper Keith Sutherland. The procession starts at Launceston Castle entrance, winding its way up to the town square, where the Town Mayor of Launceston and dignitaries will join in the singing and traditional dances. Expect performances of Mr Martin’s Reel and the Lanson Dance, which was first performed for King Charles and Queen Camilla in 2022.
Liskeard St Piran's Day
Date: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Sterts Theatre
Liskeard’s St Piran’s celebration will feature The Art of Troyl, an evening of Cornish music, storytelling, and dancing. The event includes:
Jackson’s Claret – A renowned Cornish music group.
Tros an Treys dancers leading called dances.
Nos Lowen dancing – A modern take on Cornish tradition.
Lostwithiel St Piran's Day
Date: Thursday, March 6th, 2025
Location: Lostwithiel Concert Series
A St Piran’s Special Concert will showcase Cornish-language vocal harmony group Hireth, alongside performances from Elizabeth Freeborn and Martha Woods. Expect an evening of folk music, Kernewek songs, and Cornish cultural expression.
Newquay St Piran's Day
Date: March 1st–8th, 2025Location: Various venues
A week-long St Piran’s Festival featuring:
March 1st – Cornish language taster class (2:00 pm, Newquay Library).
March 2nd – Egg and bacon pie competition (3:00 pm, Newquay Rowing Club).
March 5th – Grand Parade (4:00 pm, Beachfield Avenue), followed by a ceilidh, Cornish quiz, and Trelawny Shout (9:00 pm, Central Inn & Newquay Rowing Club).
Penzance St Piran's Day
Date: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
Time: 10:15 am
Location: Causewayhead, Morrab Gardens & St John’s Hall
Celebrating 20 years of St Piran’s in Penwith, the Penzance St Piran’s Furry Dance will feature 500 schoolchildren, dancing through town to Morrab Gardens. The event will conclude at St John’s Hall, where participants will receive saffron buns.
Perranporth St Piran's Day
Date: Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Perran Sands Holiday Park
The St Piran’s Procession retraces the footsteps of Cornwall’s patron saint, starting at Perran Sands Holiday Park and crossing the dunes to St Piran’s Oratory and Old Church. At the Oratory, visitors can also see a St Piran’s Cross, an important symbol of Cornish heritage. Participants are encouraged to bring flags and daffodils.
Redruth St Piran's Day
Date: Saturday, March 1st, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Market Strand, Market Hall & Regal Cinema
A full-day festival with:
10:00 am – Opening ceremony at Market Strand.
11:00 am – St Piran’s Parade through the town.
12:00 pm – Trelawny Shout at Regal Cinema.
All day – Cornish market, live music, activities, and the Red Squirrel Trail.
St Austell St Piran's Day
Date: Saturday, March 1st, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Town Centre & White Hart Hotel
Includes a craft fair, Cornish language taster lessons, a parade at 1:30 pm, and a Trelawny Shout in Aylmer Square.
St Ives St Piran's Day
Date: Saturday, March 8th, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Tregenna Castle
The St Piran’s Ball includes:
Three-course meal
Glass of fizz on arrival
Auction & disco with DJ Soggy
There are usually events, parades and all things Cornish in the town center on the day as well; check local news for up to date info.
Penryn St Piran's Day
Date: Friday, March 7th, 2025
Location: Falmouth University’s Penryn Campus
Includes storytelling workshops, live music, a Nos Lowen dance, and traditional Cornish food.
Portscatho St Piran's Day
Date: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: The Plume of Feathers
Enjoy shanties by Du Hag Owr, a Trelawny Shout at 9:00 pm, and Cornish ales & pasties.
Final Thoughts
St Piran’s Day is a special national day, deeply rooted in Cornish culture and Cornish pride. It’s a time when Cornish people across Cornwall and beyond come together to honour their patron saint of Cornwall, reflecting on the legacy of St Piran—from his miraculous journey across the sea from Ireland to his discovery of tin on the Cornish coast.
The sight of the white flag with its St Piran’s Cross, flying high at events across the county, is a reminder of Cornwall’s enduring heritage. Whether you're joining a sea-tied procession, singing in a Trelawny Shout, or simply enjoying the celebration, this day connects people to the land, the history, and the community that keeps these traditions celebrated year after year.
We’ll keep this page updated with any new events, so check back soon. In the meantime, let us know—how will you be celebrating St Piran’s Day 2025?
Gool Peran! Happy St Piran's Day!
Sources: https://www.cornish-times.co.uk/
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