Large flaming sculptures, abseiling bal maidens, trapeze artists, fire jugglers, the tin man and the appearance of an Olympic Torch were just some of the highlights of the Heartlands’ Flame Festival on Saturday.

The event was arranged for the local community in Camborne, Pool and Redruth after it was announced the Olympic Torch Relay would bypass the area.

Up to 15,000 revellers from across Cornwall turned out to enjoy the event, which ran from 10am to 10pm and was themed on the influence of Cornish culture across the world. From aboriginal dot painting to Capoeira workshops; to an aerial circus theatre show which told the story of a miner leaving Cornwall to discover other lands; many left with a strong feeling of pride about their Cornish ancestors.

Funded by generous donations from Cornwall, Carn Brea and Camborne Councils, local councillors Cornish Mining World Heritage, Visit Cornwall and the Big Lottery, Heartlands worked with circus theatre professionals, Swamp Circus and Event Cornwall to produce the event which was free to the public.

Surprises on the day included a visit from the graffiti grannies, who left knitted Olympic ducks in the reflection pool, and special guest Amy James, an Olympic Torch bearer who, after taking her part in the relay at Rosudgeon, popped to Heartlands with her torch to lead one the parades, pose for photos and allow visitors the rare opportunity to hold this iconic object.

A big screen showed the progress of the Olympic Flame through Cornwall and a plethora of bands took to the main stage, in the shadow of Robinson’s Engine House. Compered by Redruth Radio, musicians included Dalla, Punch Judy, Kabassa and The Mighty Pig Shed.

The event finished with a flame finale which began with fire dancers and ended with the lighting of a giant fire sculpture of a miner by artist David Goff Eveleigh and a spectacular firework display.

Vicky Martin, chief executive of Heartlands said: “After months of planning, the Flame Festival was an astounding success – it was an epic event that local people will remember for years to come. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local councillors and funders so a huge thank you to everyone involved.”

The Flame Festival followed a day of school activities at Heartlands as local primaries joined Pool Academy to create a special cultural Olympiad involving the students very own Olympic Torch Relay around Heartlands, activities and workshops. Pool Academy was also involved in the Flame Festival creating special lanterns to take part in the parade as part of the grand finale.