More Cornish Than May Day - Celebrating the Centenary of Bugle Band Contest

More Cornish than May Day is a celebration of the centenary of the West of England Bandsmen’s Festival, known locally as Bugle Band Contest which is held annually within our parish.

The exhibition, staged in collaboration with the Festival organisers, will showcase memorabilia collected from previous contests and share the significance of this much-loved event, as it marks its 100th competition – the stories of how it was formed, its roots in the community, and where it is today.

Further details: The 2026 Bugle Band Contest itself will be held on Saturday 20 June at Molinnis Park, Bugle.

Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm (last entry to museum 4.00pm)

Price: Included in standard museum admission

Contact: [email protected]

Location: Roger Preston Gallery

Event details

Where

Wheal Martyn Clay Works, Carthew, St Austell, PL26 8XG

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When

Start: 13^th June, 2026 at 10:00am

End: 24^th July, 2026 at 5:00pm

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China clay mining has shaped the landscape, lives of people and economy of mid-Cornwall for over 250 years. It is Cornwall’s largest mining industry. A fully Accredited Museum, we are based within two Victorian china clay works, now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. We tell the story of this fascinating industry and the people who worked and lived in the shadows of Cornwall’s iconic ‘white pyramids’.
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Dig deep and discover the special ingredient in your everyday life that still shapes Cornwall and the world today…china clay! It hides in your toothpaste, your paper, your car tyres and even your cosmetics. It’s a billion pound, global industry. We are telling the story of Cornwall’s secret, and the people who brought it to you, from the heart of Clay Country.
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St Austell. Cornwall, PL26 8XG
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