St Ives Town Council has released the itinerary for this year’s Feast celebrations, mostly taking place on 4th and 5th February.
Last year’s Feast Day celebration. Photograph: St Ives Town Council
The celebrations are held to commemorate the anniversary of the consecration of the parish church
in 1434. it’s a tradition the council is proud to uphold.
Sunday, 4th February
11.15am — Mayor’s parade and church service
The mayor’s party, accompanied by councillors and their guests, will walk in procession via Tregenna Place and High Street to the Parish Church for the service at 11.30am. The Pendeen Silver Band will lead the procession, and representatives of the organisations are welcome to join in. ‘Official colours’ may be
carried.
Monday, 5th February
A road closure will be in place from 9am to 11am to facilitate the procession through the town. Road closures will be managed in such a way as to minimise disruption to the town. Traffic will be permitted to flow when it is safe to do so. The maximum time the road will be closed for will be two hours. Details of the roads to be closed can be found on St Ives Town Council’s website and social media.
9.30am — Venton Ia well
Guests are invited to arrive at the Guildhall from 9am. The mayoral procession will leave the Guildhall for the Venton Ia Well at Porthmeor and, after the short ceremony, including a Cornish blessing, will return to the Parish Church by 10.30am.
As is the tradition, children from local schools, will dance in the procession. Bagas Porthia will provide the music and take part in the Ceremony at the Venton Ia Well. An alternative adverse weather option will be shared on the day, if necessary.
10.30am — Hurling of the silver ball by the mayor from the wall of the Parish Church
This year, the mayor will hurl the ball from the north corner of the churchyard towards the corner of Lifeboat Hill and Wharf Road, due to the high tide and potential lack of beach. Once the ball is caught by one of the waiting crowd, it will be passed from one to another through the streets of the town. The person holding the Silver Ball at noon will take it to the mayor at the Guildhall and will receive a reward of a silver coin.
10am-12.30pm — Friends of the Edward Hain Centre coffee morning
In the Western Hotel.
11.30am — Distribution of pennies to children under seven years of age
From the mayor and deputy mayor on the steps of the Guildhall.
Noon – The return of the Silver Ball
The ball will be collected by the mayor, and there will be a distribution of pennies to children aged seven years and above.
Details of the Feast Day rugby match will be confirmed later.
Due to the predicted high tide, some minor changes have been made to the programme of events for Monday, 5th February. Any questions regarding this year’s arrangements can be raised by contacting St Ives Town Council via its website.
