This Saturday the people of Camborne will take to the streets to celebrate the life of one of its most beloved sons – Richard Trevithick.
Trevithick Day on April 27 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.
Born in a cottage not far from Dolcoath Mine, where his father was a mine captain, 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.
Despite some opposition initially, with some declaring him "mad" and "dangerous," steam engines eventually became the norm in mines thanks to his persistence.
To celebrate his achievements every year (except during the pandemic) a parade of steam engines and local dancers and schoolchildren dance through the streets as other entertainment takes place across the town.
Throughout the Trevithick Day celebrations, there will be a day full of family fun including giant steam engine parades, dancers of all ages weaving their way through town, four music stages filled with choirs, singers and bands, street entertainment, food, stalls, a funfair and more. And the best part – it’s all free.
Here’s what will take place on the day and times:
9.30am Kernow Pipe & Drums lead the procession from the top of Trelowarren Street to the Main Stage.
10.00am Camborne Mayor on the main stage
10.15am Camborne Town Band lead Bal Maidens and Miners Dance (Children) from Trevithick's statue on top of Basset Street
11.00am Kernow Pipe & Drums play in Basset Street
2.30pm Camborne Town Band lead Trevithick's Dance (Adults) from Trevithick's statue top of Basset Street
3.30pm (approx) Steam Parade leaves Basset Road
Main Stage Town Square, Trelowarren Street
10:00 Bryher’s Boys
11:00 RAOST
12:00 Kerrier Male Choir
13:00 St Dennis Ukuleles
14:00 Cornish Roots
15:00 Tarquin – Children’s Entertainer
16:00 Carn Brea Morris
Nos Lowen Stage, Trelowarren Street
Range of Cornish Dancing & Music
Top Hat Stage, Trelowarren Street
10:00 St Aubyn Singers
11:00 Ocean Town & George on Saxophone
12:00 Ukuhayles
13:00 Singing Seagulls
14:00 Tarquin Children’s Entertainers
15:00 Maids of Melody
16:00 Red River Singers
Town Clock, Commercial Street
11:00 TR14ers
12:00 Air Cadets Continuity Drill Display & Handbell Ensemble
13:00 Penzance Guizers
14:00 Pensans Morris
15:00 Cornish Maid Shimmies Belly Dancers
16:00 Samba Cambada
Choir Stage, Church Street
10.00 Makasong
11:00 Local Vocalz
12:00 Weeth School Choir
13:00 Maids of Melody
14:00 Steren School of Ballet
15:00 Local school children with Will Keating
16:00 CD Kids
All-day events
Basset Street (Near Sultanz)
Puffing Devil
Basset Road
Steam Engines
Basset Road
Stationary Engines
Basset Road
Miniature Engines
Basset Road
Camborne Library open 9.00am to 3.00pm
The Mechanical Marvels invention workshop from Fluxus CIC all-day
Face painting between 9am and 2pm
Live music from Will Keating from 2pm
Union Street and Chapel Street
Vintage Vehicles
Camborne Parish Church, Church Street
Wrestling exhibition
Judo exhibition
Models’ exhibition
Masonic Hall, Cross Street
School's art competition and exhibition and Free Trade Cafe
Centenary Chapel, Centenary Street
Flower festival
Passmore Edwards Building, top of Cross Street
Art exhibition
Camborne Community Centre
Annexes - Models exhibition
Rosewarne Car Park
Funfair
Wesley Chapel - inside
Holman Climax Choir
Wesley Chapel - outside
Poets Corner
First Aid post
Town Square, Trelowarren Street (map reference 13)
National Literacy Trust will also be hosting their own Trevithick Day celebrations with fun activities for children aged 0-5.
They will be at pitch 74 on Trelowarren Street (near Jojangles) between 9am and 3pm where they will run drop-in activities such as transport-themed rhymes and songs, story time and creative crafts.
Parents do not have to book, and regular sessions will be run throughout the day.
Over at Camborne Community Church on Fore Street, crafts, face painting and a BBQ will take place from 10am to 3pm.
Important information for parking:
For people parking behind the White House, or the Basset Centre, cars will need to be moved before 8am on the morning of Saturday, April 27.
The stationary engines will be setting up from 8am and need you to have departed for safety.
This will also protect cars from any emissions from the stationary engines that will set up around you, to prevent being blocked in.
Residents who park in Union Street, Cross Street, Chapel Street, Trelowarren Street, Basset Road, Basset Street, Commercial Street & Vyvyan Street - Please note that your roads will be closed between 7am - 6.30pm on Saturday 27th April and vehicles will need to be removed from these areas before the day begins.
For more information on the event visit https://www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do/events/trevithick-day.
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