St Piran was born in Ireland. After studying the scriptures in Rome he returned and was made a Bishop. In Ireland he was said to have performed many miracles, such as raising from the dead soldiers slain in battle. But the Kings of Ireland at the time were not impressed. It is reported that in the 5th Century St Piran was flung into the sea in Ireland. He had a millstone around his neck but miraculously he floated across the water to Perran Beach in Perranporth. It was here that he built a small chapel. St Piran built his oratory amongst the sand dunes. People would come from miles around to hear him preach there. St Piran discovered tin too, but quite by accident. A black stone on his fire leaked a white liquid. St Piran had discovered tin. The Cornish Flag, the Flag Of St Piran (white cross on a black background) represents white tin flowing from the black rock, or good overcoming evil. St Piran is believed to have lived for 200 years. He was fond of a drink and met his end falling down a well. No date of his death was recorded. St Piran is one of three Patron Saints Of Cornwall. The other two are St Michael and St Petroc. Michael is associated with St Michael's Mount and St Petroc with Padstow. Cornwall's St Michael has his own feast day celebrated on May 8th, and St Petroc has 4th June. St Piran's Day is on March 5th each year. Throughout Cornwall celebrations will be taking place. See a diary of events  | | Local school children rehearse for Sunday's play |
On Sunday the people of Perranporth enjoy the annual celebrations and procession to St Piran’s Oratory and the nearby 1000 year old Celtic Cross, to remember the Cornish Saint, St Piran. This year for the first time, those who process to St. Piran's Cross on Sunday will be treated to two plays depicting the life of St. Piran. More than 60 actors and musicians will be taking part, along with a large group of children from Perranporth Junior School. Headmaster Brian Odgers has produced the school performance, a dance which symbolically depicts the arrival of Piran in his coricle from Ireland, the building of two churches on the site, and the smelting of tin. Armfuls of daffodils and the soaring of Choughs represent the happiness and spirit of the occasion. The procession assembles at Perran Sands Holiday Centre on Sunday at 2pm, and all are welcome to join in. Bring your flags and as much tartan regalia as you like, and be prepared for a 1.5 mile walk, and changeable Cornish weather! The day's events will be covered on BBC Radio Cornwall including Cornwall Connected On Wednesday there was a big celebration in the city of Truro. See our pictures Visit the BBC Cornwall website again on Sunday night to see our pictures of the big day in Perranporth. | 
