There was plenty available throughout the weekend for those in Launceston wishing to celebrate the county’s patron saint, St Piran.

St Piran’s Day is a long-standing Cornish tradition and one which will be celebrated 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 uselful metal.

The celebrations started early in Launceston with a special performance of the newly choreographed ‘Lanson Dance’ by the town’s primary and secondary school children. 

There were rousing cheers of “Kernow bys vyken” [Cornwall for ever] in Launceston Town Square on March 3 as hundreds of children paraded through the town to showcase their dancing prowess.

Children from local schools proudly waved their Kernow flags as they made their way through the town from the Castle grounds, led by the town council and a bag piper.

The town crier, Rob Tremain, welcomed all present to this special celebration and provided some insight into the history of the county’s great saint.

He then handed over to the town’s Mayor, Cllr Leighton Penhale, who invited all to join in a rousing rendition of “Cornwall, My Home” before conducting the traditional ‘Launceston Dance’.

A spokesperson added: “It was lovely to see the amazing turnout this morning for the St Piran’s Parade in the Town Square.”

Later during the weekend the Town Hall was full of activity as Launceston came together to celebrate, take part in the various activities on offer and have an all-important pasty.

The event, organised by the town council, Launceston Library and Volunteer Cornwall, aimed to “celebrate all things Cornish”, and with plenty on offer throughout the day, locals were certainly kept entertained.

At 11.30am there was a walk around the town using drawing as a tool for exploring the ancient capital with Karen Howse. Karen was then in the hall until 3pm for those wishing to draw, add colour and create.

Those wishing to learn more about this county’s ancient tongue had plenty of opportunity with a number of Cornish language activities to join.

People were able to try out some word searches, colour in and learn more about the Cornish language from Pat Tremain and Sarah Cooke.

One of the highlights of the event was the special dance sessions in the afternoon. The Scoots Kernow and folk duo Morvran provided two 45-minute sessions, giving people a chance to learn the new ‘Lanson Dance’.

After a full day of activities, all went home feeling they had learnt something new about their county’s patron saint.