Trevithick Day Camborne 2023 pictures of crowds and engines

There was a great turnout in Camborne on Saturday as hundreds of people came out in their droves to celebrate Trevithick Day.

There was a carnival atmosphere as the people of Camborne took to the streets of the town to celebrate the life of one of its most beloved sons – Richard Trevithick.

Starting young! (Image: Colin Higgs)

Trevithick Day celebrates the life and work of Richard Trevithick, who pioneered the use of high pressure steam, revolutionised mining practices and invented the first road carriage, the forerunner of the modern motor car, which made its debut journey in Camborne in 1801.

Puffing Billy 1801 (Image: Colin Higgs)

Born in a cottage not far from Dolcoath Mine, where his father was a mine captain, and Richard pioneered new technology to use high pressure steam in order to increase the efficiency of the engines that pumped out the natural water gathering in the lower levels of the tin and copper mines.

Dancing past Richard Trevithick's statue (Image: Colin Higgs)

Despite some opposition initially, with some declaring him "mad" and "dangerous," steam engines eventually became the norm in mines thanks to his persistence.

We don't know what's happening here but she needs to get out of the way! (Image: Colin Higgs)

To celebrate his achievements a parade of steam engines and local dancers and schoolchildren danced through the streets as other entertainment took place across the town.

The adults danced Trevithick’s Dance while the Bal Maidens & Miners Dance was performed by local school children.

Rosemellin Primary school children take part in the Bal Maidens & Miners Dance (Image: Trevithick Day/Facebook)

Steam engines from all over the country lined up in Basset Street and then paraded through the town at 3.30pm. Fair organs and miniatures were also be on display and stationary engines behind the library too.

There were all kinds of steam powered vehicles (Image: Colin Higgs)

There  was street entertainment for all ages with buskers, musicians, jugglers and theatre groups perform throughout the day.

There were also four stages for local bands and singing groups.

Vintage cars were in Union Street and tractors on Chapel Street too.

Tony & Kath Jeffery winners of the Trevithick Day Historic Car display being presented with the shield by car organiser Ralph Elcox (Image: Trevithick Day/Facebook)

There was also be lots of things indoors including schools competition entries and art exhibition at the Masonic Hall, model exhibitions at Camborne Community Centre, the Centenary Chapel flower festival, as well as this year an art exhibition at the Passmore Edwards building.

Geoff Squibb winner of the Trevithick Day Vintage Tractor display being presented with the shield by the tractor organiser Ralph Elcox (Image: Trevithick Day/Facebook)

There were also choirs singing in the Wesley Chapel a choir stage on Church Street where even more choirs were singing.

Rosewarne car park was transformed into a funfair and many of Camborne’s buildings were home to displays or offered refreshments.