International Mining and Pasty Festival Returns to Redruth This September

Redruth is gearing up for a three-day celebration of mining heritage and Cornwall’s most iconic food, with the return of the International Mining and Pasty Festival from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st September.

Festival opens with storytelling and smoke at Wheal Uny

The festival begins on Friday afternoon with a storytelling walk led by Cobweb Tours. Guides dressed as a Cornish Miner and Bal Maiden will depart from Redruth’s Tin Miner Statue at 4:30pm, taking walkers to the Wheal Uny Mines with stops for location-based stories.

On arrival, the mine stacks will be smoked with red, white, blue and green colours to honour miners past and present.

Cllr Alison Biscoe, Mayor of Redruth, said:
“The smoking of the Wheal Uny mines is an emotional tribute to all those men, women and children across the world who have worked in mining. This year, we will be smoking the stacks with the colours of the flags in our twinned towns, Mineral Point USA, Plumergat et Meriadec France, and Real Del Monte Mexico. We also hope to welcome several international Mexican visitors to this event.”

Saturday brings competitions, crimping and culture

On Saturday 20th September, Redruth town centre will host market stalls, performances on a main stage, and an exhibition on Cornish Miner and Poet John Harris inside Redruth Library. Heritage talks will also be held at the Wesley Chapel with speakers Dr Sharon Schwartz, Graham O’Callaghan and Lenord Phillips MBE.

At 11:40am, Etherington’s head baker will take to the main stage with a crimping demonstration, followed by a Crimping Competition.

Mark Etherington, Managing Director of Etherington’s, said:
“As a Redruth-based business with over 70 years in the trade, we’re proud to sponsor the Cornwall Mining and Pasty Festival. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support our local community and celebrate an iconic event that showcases the heritage of both the town and the wider county. It really does mean a lot.”

The Buttermarket will then host the Pasty Competitions from 3pm, judged by a panel including Kernow King. Categories include Best Traditional Cornish Pasty (Amateur), Best Traditional Cornish Pasty (Professional), and Most Creative Pasty, with winners announced at 4pm. Hampers from Etherington’s will be awarded to the winners.

Festivalgoers can also learn how to make their own Cornish Pasties, with workshops run throughout the day by Pasty Box CIC.

Cllr Alison Biscoe added:
“We are delighted to be working with a whole host of organisations associated with the Cornish Pasty, including the Cornish Pasty Association, who work hard to protect the Cornish Pasty by achieving Protected Geographical Indication status. This year, we are delighted to also be working with Pasty Box CIC, who work in schools throughout Cornwall to fight food poverty through education.”

A reflective close on Sunday

The festival concludes on Sunday 21st September with a pilgrimage walk from the Wheal Basset Stamps to the Wheal Uny Mines, led by Rev Becca Bell. The walk will leave at 10am and arrive around 10:40am, followed by a short service at St Euny Church to reflect on those who have worked in mining in Cornwall and across the globe.

Pasties will then be served for lunch, bringing the weekend to a fitting close.

For more details, visit www.discoverredruth.co.uk.