On 2nd April 1985, Cornwall Heritage Trust was officially founded. To mark 40 years since this historic date, we’ll be hosting the first in a series of public beacon lightings taking place at some of the historic sites cared for by our charity.

Location: Caer Bran, Sancreed, Penzance, TR20 8QZ – What3Words: ///collide.pace.duplicity

Parking:
Drift Reservoir car park – What3Words: ///senders.harps.lifted
Sancreed Beacon lay-by – What3Words: ///users.equality.montage

Price: FREE

The event will involve the lighting of a specially commissioned mini-brazier and a parade of lanterns by Trythall Community Primary School accompanied by Cornish pipes. Refreshments, including celebration cupcakes, will be served from 4.30pm for a suggested donation of £2.

The official lighting will take place at 5pm by our President, Col. Sir Edward Bolitho.

The access track and the site have uneven ground and there is a short climb to the hillfort itself. Please wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.

You don’t need to be members and there’s no need to book. Just come along and enjoy!

Parking

There is no parking available at Caer Bran. Please park in the lay-by to the south side of Sancreed Beacon, where you can walk to the site along the track. 

Alternatively, park at Drift Reservoir where we will be providing a shuttle service in our minibus to the end of the track to Caer Bran, leaving at 3.50pm and 4.10pm. Our 4×4 will be available for anyone unable to walk up the track. 

About the site

Caer Bran is a multi-period hilltop site near Penzance, which contains archaeological remains from both the Bronze Age and Iron Age periods. The site was purchased by our charity in February 2022 and was removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in November 2024 thanks to our successful interventions.

This event is in aid of Cornwall Heritage Trust – the small, independent charity protecting Cornwall’s heritage for everyone.