Perranporth School Project 2006

St Piran's Day

At the St Piran Welcome, Perranporth, on Saturday March 4th, hundreds of people cheerfully braved the chilly windy dusk to witness the life-size figure of St Piran being welcomed in from the sea and then paraded triumphantly through the crowded streets accompanied by banners and giant figures representing miners and fishermen. The procession consisted of musicians from Perranporth School, local musicians and members of Cumpas community groups Bagas Crowd (fiddles) and Horners (brass, reeds and percussion). Schoolchildren dressed as miners and bal maidens danced the Perran Furry to a new tune, which they had composed themselves, with a little help from teachers and parents, during afterschool workshops run by musicians Frances Bennett and Hilary Coleman. The celebrations culminated at the Memorial Hall where a Noze Looan (a simple ceili with dance leaders) was held to the sounds of Bagas Crowd and the Horners.

"I reckon that both the Noze Looan and the workshops were a terrific success and it was in no small part to the contribution which both of you made" commented Brian Odgers, Head Teacher at Perranporth CP School. "I have received so many positive comments about it all that it is clear that everyone agrees with me. Please also convey our thanks to all of the fine people who joined you to play for the event. Each of them made such a difference. I hope that you will all return next year and help us out again. We trust that you will book next year's event into your diaries right now!"