THE children of Launceston were in good voice for their St Piran’s Day parade, with renditions of ‘Cornwall My Home’ and ‘Trelawny’ ringing out for all to hear.

Even when technical issues caused the music to stop, the children didn’t waver – continuing to sing with pride as they celebrated their patron saint.

Mayor's chaplain Rev Jess Lancaster couldn't resist joining pupils for one of the dances
Mayor's chaplain Rev Jess Lancaster couldn't resist joining pupils for one of the dances (Zoë Uglow)

Cries of “Kernow bys vyken” [Cornwall for ever] by the town crier Cllr Rob Tremain were echoed with gusto by the young participants as they were welcomed to the centre of Cornwall’s ancient capital.

A special blessing was undertaken by the mayor’s chaplain Rev Jess Lancaster before the children took centre stage.

Bowden Derra joined the parade and brought a smile to local people when they surprised them with their own choreographed dance moves for some of the traditional Cornish songs
Bowden Derra joined the parade and brought a smile to local people when they surprised them with their own choreographed dance moves for some of the traditional Cornish songs (Zoë Uglow)

Mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert said she was hopeful of a good performance as she had been reliably informed the children had been practising their singing and dancing for the occasion — and they certainly didn’t disappoint.

Cllr Gilbert added: “It is lovely to see everyone here today to celebrate our patron saint, and what a representation we have of all the schools in our town and rural area. Well done all, Kernow bys vyken!”

Members of the town council were on hand to show their support for the young people of Launceston during the Childrens' St Piran's Day parade, including deputy mayor Cllr John Conway, mace bearers Andrew Frain and David Langman, mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert, the mayor's chaplain Rev Jess Lancaster and Cllrs Davey Green, Paula Bullen, John Harris and Bonnie Soanes
Members of the town council were on hand to show their support for the young people of Launceston during the Childrens' St Piran's Day parade, including deputy mayor Cllr John Conway, mace bearers Andrew Frain and David Langman, mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert, the mayor's chaplain Rev Jess Lancaster and Cllrs Davey Green, Paula Bullen, John Harris and Bonnie Soanes (Zoë Uglow)

After a quick history lesson from Cllr Tremain on ‘The Story of St Piran’ it was back to the programme of performances, singing ‘The Hidden Parts of Cornwall’ and ‘Trelawny’ interspersed with their perfected ‘Mr Martin’s Reel’ dance.

Piper Keith Sutherland was also on hand to add a traditional twist to the soundscape with his bagpipes.

Piper Keith Sutherland dressed in traditional Cornish colours
Piper Keith Sutherland dressed in traditional Cornish colours (Zoë Uglow)

He was full of praise for the event, adding: “It is wonderful to see this tradition growing. I think this is one of the only events in Cornwall really geared towards the children only. It is important we teach them our traditions early.”

The celebrations ended with stilt walker Ross Wheeler, from Hotch Potch Performance, leading the parade one last time through High Street, Church Street and Broad Street, for the specially choreographed ‘Lanson Dance’.

Flags were waved vigorously as all in the town Square joined in for 'Trelawny'
Flags were waved vigorously as all in the town Square joined in for 'Trelawny' (Zoë Uglow)