Murdoch Day
What to expect
On Saturday 7th June 2025, Redruth hosts Murdoch Day — the town's annual celebration of inventor William Murdoch, pioneer of coal gas lighting. From 10:30am, the town will be filled with music, performances, stalls, and family fun, all honouring Redruth’s rich heritage and vibrant community.
This year’s theme, ‘Celebrating 200 Years of the Railway’, highlights Redruth’s proud industrial past and its role in shaping Britain’s engineering legacy.
As part of the celebrations, the Regal Cinema in Redruth will host a special screening of The Railway Children at 5:15pm — featuring a special message from actress Jenny Agutter.
Who is Mr Murdoch?
William Murdoch was an inventor famed for his groundbreaking innovation of using coal gas for lighting, a revolutionary alternative to oil and tallow. Residing in Redruth, Murdoch's house became the first in the UK to be illuminated by gas lighting in 1792. In 1779, Murdoch was sent to Redruth as a senior engine erector for Boulton & Watt, overseeing the erection, maintenance, and repair of their engines. These engines were crucial in pumping water out of the Cornish tin mines, significantly impacting the efficiency and profitability of tin extraction. Fast forward a few hundred years, Murdoch Day is a fitting tribute to his legacy and the enduring spirit of Redruth’s heritage, history, and community.
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