Penzance Marks Sir Humphry Davy’s Birthday with Annual Lantern Parade

Published On: 14 December 2025Last Updated: 14 December 2025By CornishStuff

Hundreds of people gathered in Penzance on Friday 12th December to sing Happy Birthday to one of the town’s most recognisable figures, the statue of Sir Humphry Davy.

Although wearing a Christmas hat, the famous inventor remained characteristically straight faced as the crowd assembled for the annual Humphry Davy Lantern Parade.

A growing winter tradition

Supported by Penzance Council, the parade is organised and sponsored by Penzance BID. The event has taken place each year since 2021 and is always held on the Friday ahead of Sir Humphry Davy’s birthday.

A spokesperson for Penzance BID said:
“Each year, Penzance celebrates Davy’s birthday with a lantern parade, illuminating the town in tribute to his brilliance and humanity. The event not only honours his scientific achievements but also reflects the enduring spirit of creativity, care, and community that defines our town.”

This year marked the largest turnout yet, with eight local schools taking part.

📷Humphry Davy Lantern Parade in Penzance on Friday 12 December 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

Lanterns inspired by a life saving invention

Born in Penzance on December 17th 1778, Humphry Davy began his career apprenticed to an apothecary surgeon before moving to Bristol at the age of 19 to study science. He later became a lecturer in chemistry at the Royal Institution.

The lanterns carried through the town were inspired by his most famous invention, the Davy safety lamp. Designed not to ignite flammable gases found in mines, it is credited with saving the lives of countless miners.

Davy’s scientific work went far beyond mining safety. He also investigated the effects of nitrous oxide and developed new electrolysis methods that led to the isolation of potassium, sodium, calcium, strontium, barium and magnesium.

📷Humphry Davy Lantern Parade in Penzance on Friday 12 December 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

Schools and town leaders lead the way

Led by Town Crier Phil Northcott, Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds and the Raffidy Dumitz Band, the lantern parade set off from St John’s Hall before travelling down Market Jew Street.

Pupils from Alverton School, Gulval School, Mousehole School, Nancealverne School, Madron Daniel C of E School, St Mary’s C of E School, St Mary’s Catholic School and Humphry Davy School all brought handmade lanterns to the event.

The parade finished at the Humphry Davy statue, where the crowd gathered to sing Happy Birthday.

📷Humphry Davy Lantern Parade in Penzance on Friday 12 December 2025. Photo by Penzance Council

Remembering Davy’s playful curiosity

Addressing those gathered, Cornish Bard and Humphry Davy expert Paul Tyreman spoke about the inventor’s personality and love of learning through play.

“When Humphry was young, he liked reading stories, making things, and even tried his hand at fireworks – to entertain his sister! That playful spirit never left him, and it led him to discover new wonders in science.

“So, let’s remember his birthday, and share his playful curiosity. Remember even if some adults say you have too many distractions in modern life, you can still learn from playing, and you can definitely have fun often with the help of your teachers while you learn about the world around you. And who knows, maybe someone here will make the next big discovery!”