A NORTH Cornwall town council has invited residents to join them in the annual St Piran’s Day celebrations.

As we approach the third month of the year, communities across the county will be preparing to celebrate a very important date in the Cornish calendar, St Piran’s Day, and Bude-Stratton Town Council has invited residents to join them for the occasion.

The council will hold a special flag raising ceremony on Wednesday, March 5, at 2pm at the Elizabeth Mast on Summerleaze Downs.

A spokesperson from the council said: “St Piran’s Day (Gool Peran in Cornish) is a time to celebrate Cornwall’s patron saint. St Piran is believed to have been an Irishman who fled persecution and arrived on Cornwall’s shores, where he is said to have founded Christianity and established an abbey at Penhale Beach. He is now one of Cornwall’s three patron saints, alongside St Michael and St Petroc.

“Communities across Cornwall and beyond mark St Piran’s Day with a range of events, often with pasties, music, dance, and processions. We look forward to celebrating this special day with you!”

The council has planned a number of items to mark the celebration of all things Cornwall, from songs performed in Kernowek, to special guest performances.

A spokesperson continued: “The event will see the raising of a large St Piran’s flag, accompanied by special guests performing rousing Cornish songs, with local schoolchildren joining in to help create a fantastic atmosphere. A short speech in Cornish will also mark the occasion.

“All are welcome to attend and join in the celebrations as we mark St Piran’s Day.”

The event is weather dependent, and in the case of high winds, the event may be cancelled, though the council will provide updates closer to the date.