Redruth updates Murdoch Day song and people are livid

A mining town has modernized one of its historic songs to reflect its more optimistic and vibrant outlook on life – but it certainly hasn’t gone down well with everyone. Over the years, Murdoch Day celebrations have enjoyed several parades, music and songs, including of course the Murdoch Day song.

Murdoch Day is a celebration held in Redruth to honor the legacy of William Murdoch, the pioneer behind the use of coal gas in lighting. The inventor lived in Redruth in the late 18th century and his house was the first in Britain to be lit by gas lighting in 1792.

In September 1779, Murdoch was posted to Redruth in Cornwall as senior engine fitter, responsible for mounting, maintaining and repairing Boulton and Watt engines. These were used to pump water out of the Cornish tin mines, and so the efficiency and effectiveness of the engines was an important factor in the amount of tin, and money, that could be extracted from a mine.

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Fast forward several hundred years, Murdoch Day is now Redruth’s biggest annual day of celebration and really gets to the heart of what the town is all about – heritage, history, industry but most of all community.

However, news that event organizers had altered the Murdoch Day theme song as a way to give it a more modern feel went down like a lead balloon with some.

On its Discover Redruth Facebook page, which aims to promote the town, its mining heritage as well as its creative and arts scene and everything that makes ‘Redruth not just a mining town’, it wrote: “After 30 of incredible years, we’ve revamped the Murdoch Day song to capture the vibrant spirit of Redruth today. Be sure to join the parade on Saturday June 15th at 11am to experience the debut of the new piece, which has been created by a group of talented local artists from. the Horners, Redruth Festival Band and Lowender”.

Many people who have danced to the tune over the past 30 years have accused the organization of “making a big mistake” and messing with tradition and heritage.

Ryan Gaetano John Latino commented, “I danced to that music many years ago and it’s been a tradition ever since. It doesn’t need to change, no matter how much you rejuvenate the town, attract some local retailers and businesses so Redruth can be the thriving town it is. It was once. Prioritize this and not change Murdoch’s day and its long traditions.”

Jamie Woolcock added: “It’s a shame that Discover Redruth feels the need to tinker with such an iconic song that has brought so much joy to so many Redruthians for so many generations. If there isn’t, maybe a way to play the old music and the new. one down, I think it will be easy to predict who will get the biggest reception.”

Tommy Bray agreed: “When we started Murdoch Day 30 years ago, we asked local Cornish songwriter Kenneth Palmer, who wrote Hail to the Homeland, to arrange the Murdoch Day song.

“Having been on the original committee and led the dance for over ten years, it is a sacrilege to Kenneth’s memory to waste this wonderful song. Sorry Redruth Town Council, you are making a big mistake.”

Joanna Ladner said not all the songs needed to be changed, adding: “That music is traditional. Would they change the Flora Day music? I doubt it. And the parade always started at 10am. Some things just don’t need to be changed.”

Discover Redruth defended its decision saying it was temporary for now, adding: “We are sorry to hear of the upset this has caused. Over the past few years, I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from festival goers and dancers that the dance music wasn’t festive. enough and too slow for the dancers and thus led by the musicians, was rearranged.

“Redruth Town Band are unable to attend Murdoch Day this year so we had to find another solution to lead the parade. I worked with some brilliant local musicians who rearranged The Murdoch Tune and also created the Redruth Furry dance.

“However, this is just a trial run for the 2024 Murdoch Day Festival, we will be looking to work with Redruth Town Band and other local musicians in consultation to create something collaborative for the festival in future years.”