Murdoch Day 2026 Returns to Redruth on Saturday 13th June

Redruth is gearing up for one of its busiest Saturdays of the year, and this time there is a new event joining the line-up.

On Saturday 13th June, Redruth Town Council will bring the community together for Murdoch Day, the town’s biggest annual community festival. The free, one-day family event celebrates William Murdoch, the historic inventor who once lived in the town. This year’s theme is ‘Pride in Our Community’, picked to mark what makes people proud to be part of Redruth.

Visitors can also call in at Murdoch House, where William once lived and which is now a heritage site.

A bigger festival than usual

The council says this year is extra special for two reasons. The first is money. In line with the town’s bid to become the UK’s first town of culture, the Town Council has put additional funding into this year’s festival.

That has helped make the parade one of the biggest yet. It sets off at 11:00am from Bond Street, with around 500 people expected to take part, including 12 groups and local organisations and 6 local schools.

The entertainment is spread right across town. Folk-rock headliners Du Glas will play on Green Lane, and there will be arts and crafts workshops, dancing, musical performances, steam road rollers, classic cars, and activities for young people in the library. There is, the council says, something for everyone.

Redruth Pride goes it alone

The second reason is a first for the town. The Bond Street Collective have organised the first independent Redruth Pride, after Cornwall Pride made cut-backs and cancelled its annual event in the town. Cornwall Pride will still be involved in supporting the parade.

Town Mayor Cllr Alison Biscoe said the new programme is adding plenty to the day.

“It’s really exciting that Redruth Pride is taking place on Murdoch Day this year, the programme in Bond Street is contributing some great acts and entertainment across the town, like absolute Cornish gems The 3 Daft Monkeys, Rhys ‘Nightchurch Pianist’, and amazing singers like Scarlette Von B,” Alison said.

What else is on, and where

Families looking for a day out can follow @DiscoverRedruth for the full programme of music, entertainment, exhibitions and workshops happening across the town and at Kresen Kernow.

The day does not stop when the parade does. Other independent events will carry on into the evening at local venues including The Buttermarket, The Ladder and Redruth Wesley Chapel.

Town Clerk Charlotte Williams said the whole town had got behind the festival.

“It’s great to see the whole town pulling together for Murdoch Day this year, the festival is really going to make Redruth the place to be this weekend,” Charlotte said.

For more about the festival, visit Discover Redruth or follow @DiscoverRedruth on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.