Camborne's Trevithick Day back for first time since pandemic
There will be singing, dancing, parades and steam engines galore!
Camborne is coming together to celebrate its most famous son, Richard Trevithick, on the first Trevithick Day since the start of the pandemic.
The yearly event, held each April, is a day of free entertainment to celebrate the town's links with the inventor and local industrial heritage.
It features singing, dancing and the famous steam parade, where steam engines make their way though the streets, as well as food and drink!
The festival, which usually attracts some 25,000-30,000 visitors, has been cancelled for the last two years due to coronavirus.
However, special videos were produced in 2021 to mark 250 years since Trevithick was born.
Who was Richard Trevithick?
"Richard Trevithick was prolific inventor and among his many triumphs at the dawn of the industrial revolution was the "Puffing Devil", built in 1801 and the first ever steam driven vehicle which terrified local people on the streets of Camborne.
"Two years later he demonstrated his steam locomotive in London taking eight passengers on a bumpy ride along the streets of London through Paddington and Islington heralding a new chapter in mass transportation" - Visit Cornwall.
You can read more about Richard Trevithick, including a timeline of key events in his life, on the Trevithick Day website.
What happens on Trevithick Day?
The day of free entertainment features several key dances and parades, including:
Bal Maidens and Miners Dance (Children's Dance) - 10:15am
Trevithick's Dance (Adult Dance) - 2.15pm
Steam Parade - 3:15pm
There is also a range of street entertainment such as musicians, street displays like steam vehicles and fair organs, sound stages and indoor exhibitions.
"There's a carnival atmosphere in Camborne on Trevithick Day as its main streets are closed to traffic for the day and steam engines, street stalls, bands and entertainers take over the town.
"Rosewarne car park is transformed into a funfair and many of Camborne’s buildings are home to displays or offer refreshments.
"The first Camborne Trevithick Day took place in 1984 and the event quickly became an important part of the Cornish calendar, attracting some 25,000 to 30,000 visitors.
"It is a day of free entertainment to celebrate Camborne's links with Richard Trevithick and local industrial heritage.
"It is organised by the Trevithick Day Association, an unpaid group of volunteers" - Trevithick Day Website
More information, including details on road closures and where to park, can be found on the Trevithick Day website or dedicated Facebook page.