What Is St Ives Feast Day?
St Ives Feast Day is a centuries-old celebration held annually on the first Monday after February 3rd. It commemorates the consecration of the Parish Church of St Ia (also known as St Eia) in 1434.
A Little Bit About St Ia, St Ives Parish Church
St Ia Church is a beautiful church, that I always think reminds me of an upturned boat inside. It is dedicated to the Celtic saint St. Ia, and also to St. Andrew, patron saint of Fishermen and St Peter, the Rock. The church is built of Cornish granite, almost on the harbour in the town. Its tower is one of the tallest in Cornwall, standing over eighty feet high. It is said to be like a shepherd watching over its flock on land and sea.
The present church building was consecrated in 1434 which is when Feast Day commenced.
St Ives Feast Day is a blend of religious observance, community spirit, and a dash of Cornish flair.
The Hurling of the Silver Ball: A Cornish Tradition
The highlight of the Feast Day is the Hurling of the Silver Ball, a game that dates back over a thousand years.
Originally, it was a rough-and-tumble contest between the "townsmen" of St Ives and the "countrymen" of Lelant.
Today, it's a spirited event where local school children chase a silver-coated applewood ball through the streets, embodying the community's lively heritage .
What Happens On St Ives Feast Day?
St Ives Feast Day starts early at 9:15am. There is a mayoral procession through town, led by the Mayoress and church leaders, dressed in their finery and garlanded with ivy.
There is traditional Cornish music played by Bagas Porthia (lots of accordians, pipes and drums).
School children from St Uny school (in Carbis Bay) also dance with the procession.
The procession starts from The Guildhall, goes along Tregenna Place down through Market Place.
It then goes along Wharf Road…
up Fore Street and along down The Digey.
It then progresses along Porthmeor to Venton Ia – also called St Eia’s Well, at the bottom of Porthmeor Hill.
Is it St Ia or St Eia? Well, both apparently are correct. For ease of reading on the internet I am going to use St Eia (St Ia looks like LA rather than IA).
The well is supposed to hold the holy waters of St Eia.
There is a short service at the well, led by the vicar of St Ives Parish Church. This usually consists of a prayer, a hymn and the blessing of the wall and the people with the holy waters (you might get a bit wet if you stand too close!).
The procession then goes back along Porthmeor…
along Fore Street…
and though town to the church yard, overlooking Lambeth Walk. The children, dancers and musicians lead the procession. The Mayoress is at the back of the line and should walk slowly, so very young children get to touch the silver ball.
Hurling The Silver Ball
At 10:30am the Mayoress stands at the wall of the Parish Church, overlooking Lambeth Walk and the beach.
She throws the ball over the wall to the hordes of school children waiting below. The ball is grabbed by a child who makes a mad dash away from everyone.
All of the other children attempt to get the silver ball off each other.
About Hurling The Silver Ball
Hurling the Silver Ball is one of Cornwall’s most ancient and intriguing customs. The game, also known as Cornish Hurling, dates back at least one thousand years, is of unknown origin, and involves much physical rough and tumble as each side (traditionally the ‘countrymen’ and ‘townsmen’ of a particular parish) tries to keep possession of a cricket ball-sized ball made of apple wood coated in silver. These days, Cornish Hurling has all but disappeared, although it is still played once a year on Feast Days in St Ives and St Columb Major, near Newquay.
Other Activities On Feast Day
Between 10:30 and 11am there is a coffee morning held in The Guildhall by The Friends Of Edward Hain Memorial Hospital. There is a raffle to help them to raise funds and the Mayoress attends this.
The Mayoress goes back to The Guildhall at 11:30am where she distributes pennies to children under 7.
At 12 midday, the child with the silver ball returns it to the steps of The Guildhall and hands it to the Mayor. The child is presented with a silver commemorative coin in return for the silver ball.
The Mayoress then goes onto the balcony with her councillors and they throw freshly minted pennies down to the crowd below.
On the Sunday before St Ives Feast Day (this year it is Sunday 5th February) there are Feast Eve celebrations too.
Feast Eve is the Sunday before St Ives Feast Day.
9:45 am Parish Mass at St Ia Parish Church.
7pm St Ives Guizers will be playing at the Halsetown Inn to mark Feast Eve. All welcome – wear a mask!
St Ives Feast Day is a wonderfully wacky, enjoyable Cornish tradition which is very much kept alive in St Ives. The school children especially love it as they get the day off school!
the photos on this post were taken in 2017!
Feast Day 2025 Schedule
Here's what you can expect for the 2025 celebrations:
Sunday, 2nd February: Church service and refreshments at St Uny Church, Lelant at 11:00 AM.
Sunday, 9th February: Mayor's parade and church service at St Ia Church at 11:15 AM.
Monday, 10th February:
9:15 AM: Procession departs from the Guildhall.
9:30 AM: Blessing of the Silver Ball at Venton Ia (St Ia's Well) on Porthmeor Hill.
10:30 AM: The Mayor hurls the Silver Ball from St Ia Church.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Events at the Guildhall.
12:00 PM: Return of the Silver Ball to the Mayor.
7:00 PM: Scaleybacks of Hakeybay Guising.
Evening: Feast Monday Rugby Match at St Ives RFC .
The Silver Ball
The Silver Ball is a handcrafted object made of sterling silver, hammered into two hemispheres and bound around a core of applewood, held together with a silver band. This ball is central to the day's festivities and symbolizes the unity and tradition of St Ives .
Getting Involved
While the Hurling of the Silver Ball is a local tradition, visitors are welcome to witness the event. The streets around St Ia Church and the Guildhall are the best spots to catch the action.
If you're planning to attend, be aware of road closures between 9:00 and 11:00 AM to ensure safety during the procession .
Why You Should Experience It
The St Ives Feast Day and the Hurling of the Silver Ball offer a rare glimpse into Cornwall's rich cultural tapestry. It's a day where history, community, and a bit of chaos come together in a celebration that's both fun and meaningful. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it's an event that captures the heart and spirit of St Ives.
