Penzance Celebrates St Piran’s Day with Town Procession
Hundreds Dance Through Penzance for ‘Bigger Than Ever’ St Piran’s Day
Hundreds of schoolchildren filled the streets of Penzance on Thursday 5th March as the town came together to celebrate St Piran’s Day 2026.
After months of torrential rain and strong winds, the weather held off just in time for one of the town’s most recognisable annual celebrations. Children from schools across the Penwith area took part in the Penzance St Piran Furry, dancing through the streets in honour of Cornwall’s patron saint.
This year marked the 21st anniversary of the now well known event, organised by St Piran in Penwith with support from Penzance Council.
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A procession through the town
The procession set off from the top of Causewayhead at 10.15am and made its way through the town before arriving at Morrab Gardens.
Once there, schoolchildren, families and members of the public gathered together to sing enthusiastic renditions of Trelawny and Cornwall My Home.
Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds addressed the crowd and spoke about what the celebration means to the town. Stephen Reynolds said:
“Thank you to Jakki Williams and all the work that she does and the team at St Piran in Penwith for making this such a special occasion. It’s bigger than ever this year, I don’t know how we’re fitting everybody in here – we’re going to have to get an extension on Morrab Gardens to fit everybody in!
“Thank you all and thank you especially to all you young people from our local schools who make this event what it really is, we really appreciate you!
“So, here we are again, my third gig here, and each year the sun has shone. I said my first year here that whatever you say about St Piran he is some kind of miracle worker, because he always manages to find a little spot of sun in Morrab Gardens on March the 5th, and that’s so important because this is a day when all of us around here today, we are laying down memories. You young people, you will remember this in years to come, us older people we are building our memories too, this is like a memory factory, this circle of togetherness in these gardens today. It’s something we can treasure, we can remember for many, many years ahead.
“And at a time when there is trouble and strife in the world it is so wonderful to me personally to look round and see people with smiles on their faces, to see people holding hands and dancing, playing their instruments and celebrating what it is to feel at home. For all of us, this is our home, all of you here today. It doesn’t matter where you were born, it doesn’t matter where you are going, we are here today at home, we are belonging and we celebrate Cornwall our home.
“I wish you all Gool Peran Lowen / Happy St Piran’s Day. Cherish your memories of this place, of this town, of this music, of your friends and family, your school mates. This is precious. Kernow Bys Vyken, Pennsans Bys Vyken!
“Meur ras onen hag oll / thank you one and all. Thank you for all the support everybody in the town has given me, this is my last big event as Mayor. It has been a pleasure serving this community, it’s been a pleasure knowing you all, helping you all as best I can and I look forward to serving you in a slightly more humble capacity in the future.”
Stephen also confirmed the celebration would be his final major public event before stepping down as Mayor in May.
Town crier steps down after eight years
During the celebrations, Stephen also paid tribute to Penzance town crier Phil Northcott, who was attending his final event before stepping down from the role after eight years.
Phil addressed the crowd in his familiar booming voice, saying:
“On this day in Penzance, Cornish folk stand proud and tall. Whether born here, drawn here or a recent blow-in, a steadfast love of this Land is your only qualification.
“Lesser folk will bicker and squabble over jam or cream first, who makes the best pasty, which Cornish town is best. I say, just enjoy your bleddy scone. Your next pasty is the only one that matters. Give your heads a wobble, Penzance is always the best!”
Saffron buns for the dancers
After the celebrations in Morrab Gardens, the procession continued up Morrab Road to St John’s Hall where the children were given a saffron bun as a reward for taking part.
St Piran in Penwith received £1,860 in grant funding from Penzance Council to help cover the costs of the event. The funding supported the rigging and removal of St Piran town flags, public liability insurance, the hire of St John’s Hall, saffron buns for the children, and other event costs.
The Penzance St Piran Furry has now reached its 21st year, continuing a tradition that brings the town together each March to celebrate Cornwall’s patron saint.
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