Camborne celebrating 40th Trevithick Day: parade of steam

The town’s streets were once again filled with celebrations on Saturday, honouring the life and work one of its most beloved sons, Richard Trevithick.

Trevithick pioneered the use of high-pressure steam, revolutionised mining practices and invented the first road carriage, the forerunner of the modern motor car, which made its debut journey in Camborne in 1801.

Camborne marked 40 years of Trevithick Day (Image: Colin Higgs)

Born in a cottage not far from Dolcoath Mine, where his father was a mine captain, Trevithick pioneered new technology to use high-pressure steam in order to increase the efficiency of the engines that pumped out the natural water gathering in the lower levels of the tin and copper mines.

Despite some opposition initially, with some declaring him "mad" and "dangerous," steam engines eventually became the norm in mines thanks to his persistence.

Crowds came out despite the weather (Image: Colin Higgs)

Each year Camborne celebrates his achievements, and despite the wet weather the crowds still turned out to enjoy the festivities.

The main event got underway at 9.30am when Kernow Pipe & Drums led the opening procession from the top of Trelowarren Street to the Main Stage.

A local engine from Redruth (Image: Colin Higgs)

Following the official opening, Camborne Town Band led the children of local schools in the Bal Maidens and Miners Dance from Trevithick's statue on top of Basset Street.

The afternoon then saw the band leading the adults in Trevithick's Dance, before the grand parade of steam featuring a host of steam engines and rollers.

Trevithick's Dance (Image: Aimee John/Packet Camera Club)

Throughout the day there were choirs, street entertainment and displays, including the TR14ers dance troupe, Air Cadets Continuity Drill Display & Handbell Ensemble, and Pensans Morris dancers.

Centenary Chapel hosted a flower festival, the Passmore Edwards Building an art exhibition and Camborne Community Centre a models exhibition, among many other groups and organisations getting involved.

The whole town came out to celebrate (Image: Aimee John/Packet Camera Club)

Morris dancing outside Tyacks Hotel (Image: Colin Higgs)

A steaming Whistling Billy (Image: Colin Higgs)

The day was filled with music and dancing (Image: Aimee John/Packet Camera Club)

The Truro City Council engine in the parade of steam (Image: Colin Higgs)

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