St
Piran's Festival
Sunday March 8th 2009
Despite poor weather, the Pirates first St.
Piran's Festival organised in partnership with Coastline Housing on Sunday March
8th, proved an undoubted hit. There was disappointment that some planned
events had to be curtailed, but with an indomitable spirit, no one was denied
a day of celebration and enjoyment. In the park there were many things Cornish
to enjoy, including a fish cookery demonstration, various displays, musical entertainers
and dancers  |
 |
| Robin
Turner Shows How To Cook Fish | Bagas
Degol Perform |
All present felt
the event well worthwhile. The Cornwall Language Partnership had a very successful
day and hope the Cornish Pirates will continue the event in future. Everyone visiting
their stand was enthusiastic about the concept and what was going on. One
highlight was the 'Giant Pasty Parade' led by the inimitable Falmouth Marine Band,
who excelled themselves once more. After playing and singing 'Trelawny' to the
crowd, they marched to the posts at the clubhouse end of the ground where the
pasty was hoisted over the cross bar and a cannon blasted out a naked rubber chicken
with a shower of feathers - pure theatre and fun!  |
 |
| Giant
Pasty | A cannon blasted out a rubber
chicken |
At half-time some brave
and gifted young dancers from the Redruth Amateur Operatic Society performed to
the song 'Shine'. RAOS is celebrating its centenary and the oldest such society
in Cornwall. Their not to be missed show '100 Stars for 100 years' is at the Regal
Theatre, Redruth from the 18th-21st March. Post match there
was still time for celebration at what was a special event. Yes, the Pirates had
narrowly lost 6-5 to the Blues, but the supporters had witnessed a committed display
and sang heartily in the marquee with the Cadgwith Singers, before being entertained
by the Cornish Wurzells.  |
 |
| Half
Time Dancers | Cornish Wurzells |
It
was certainly a day to remember, when the spirit of Cornwall's people shone, making
light of what the elements had thrown them. 
Cornish
Pirates CEO, Rod Coward, commented: "The weather on
Sunday was at times atrocious, but that didn't prevent thousands of people attending
our inaugural St Piran's Festival. The event was a great success and one which
is worthy to continue as an annual event. My grateful thanks to
all those who played some part in it, sponsors, exhibitors, supporters, Pirates
employees, those many volunteers without whom the event could not have taken place
and of course everyone who attended and all of whom made light of the weather
conditions. A massive thank you to you One and All!" | 
