Even a national pandemic does not get in the way of the Cornish and their love for pasties.

The people of Redruth found some ingenious ways to mark this year's International Mining and Pasty Festival after the event was unable to be held in the town due to Covid restrictions.

Comedian Kernow King, the Cornwall Pasty Association, Prima Bakeries and the Red River Singers all provided videos to form a new ‘virtual’ celebration for the celebration that was meant to be held on September 12.

Lara McShee, community project manager for Redruth Town Council, said: “It was wonderful the support we received. People were obviously disappointed that one of our most popular events had to be, in a way, cancelled.

"We were particularly touched that the daughter of the fantastic Brenda Wootton allowed us to use her some ‘Something about a Pasty’ alongside historic images provided by Kresen Kernow. It really made it a fantastic replacement that everyone could enjoy from home.”

Falmouth Packet:

Redruth mayor Deborah Reeves opens the event with a virtual message

The day, which saw a different video on the hour, featured the seven golden rules of pasties from comedian Kernow King, a quick guide to making Cornish pasties and even a message of support from the town’s twin in Real del Monte, Mexico.

Across the town, cafés offered pasty discounts with the Market Way Café adding a Mexican theme and sombreros for the day.

The following day was Miners Sunday, which is traditionally marked with a service to commemorate lost and injured miners at Wheal Uny.

Rev Caspar Bush lead a blessing followed by a moving performance of The Sweet By and By sung by the Red River Singers, to allow people to ‘attend’ remotely.

Next year is the festival’s tenth year and organisers have promised they will be pulling out the stops to celebrate.

All the videos from the festival are available to watch via the Redruth Town Facebook page, or on YouTube search Redruth Town.