Madron Marks Trafalgar Day with Annual Parade and Church Service

Published On: 20 October 2025Last Updated: 20 October 2025By CornishStuff

📷 The victory of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Admiral Nelson are marked at the annual Thanksgiving Parade and Service in Madron, near Penzance, on Sunday, 19 October, 2025. Photo by Penzance Council.

A village in West Cornwall has once again honoured one of Britain’s greatest naval victories, marking over two centuries since the Battle of Trafalgar.

Historic Links Remembered

Despite the Cornish mizzle, sailors from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose paraded through the streets of Madron, near Penzance, on Sunday, 19th October. The event commemorated the 1805 victory fought by the British fleet against the combined French and Spanish forces, and the death of Lord Admiral Nelson.

Led by the HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band, Royal Navy Ratings were joined by members of the Sea Cadets, Royal Naval Association and the Royal British Legion. The parade made its way to St Maddern’s Church, the same parish church that held the first thanksgiving service just days after the original sea battle more than 200 years ago.

📷The victory of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Admiral Nelson are marked at the annual Thanksgiving Parade and Service in Madron, near Penzance, on Sunday, 19 October, 2025. Photo by Penzance Council.

A Cornwall Connection to Trafalgar

The annual event, organised by Madron Parish Council, is always held on the Sunday closest to 21st October, the date of the historic battle. It is said that after the British victory, HMS Pickle set sail for Falmouth carrying news of the triumph and Nelson’s death. Along the way, the ship passed the message to fishermen in Mount’s Bay, who brought the news to Penzance.

Thomas Giddy, then the town mayor, led a procession to Madron Parish Church where the Nelson Banner was paraded for the first time. That same banner remains in the church today and is displayed each year at the thanksgiving service in honour of Nelson’s ‘Immortal Memory’.

📷The victory of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Admiral Nelson are marked at the annual Thanksgiving Parade and Service in Madron, near Penzance, on Sunday, 19 October, 2025. Photo by Penzance Council.

Words of Respect

Joining the Trafalgar and Nelson Thanksgiving Parade this year, mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds said:

“It is an honour to be here at Madron on Trafalgar Day to celebrate not just the life and the heroism of Nelson and our Armed Forces who serve today, but also to celebrate this lovely community right on our doorstep.

A huge thank you to everyone from Madron Parish Council and the church who have organised this commemorative service and keep it alive for the generations to come.”

Chairman of Madron Parish Council Hugh Eddy added:

“It’s not every day that your village gets the Royal Navy from Culdrose parading through it, and we always get a very good turnout for this event. There is obviously the Trafalgar connection, but also, I think this is just great for the community, because you get to see the Forces up close and chat with them. It’s a very unusual event, especially for Cornwall, so a big thanks to everyone from RNAS Culdrose for being here today.”

📷The victory of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Admiral Nelson are marked at the annual Thanksgiving Parade and Service in Madron, near Penzance, on Sunday, 19 October, 2025. Photo by Penzance Council.

Honours and Salutes

After the service in Madron Parish Church, the parade continued past Landithy Hall, where commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose Captain James Hall took the salute.

Representing Penzance Council, Stephen was joined by councillor Penny Osborne for the Trafalgar Day event.