BLACKSMITHS from all over the country will travel to Sticklepath this Saturday to celebrate St Clement's Day at Finch Foundry.
St Clement is the patron saint of blacksmiths — celebrations of the special day started at Finch Foundry six years ago.
The spectacular 'heading the nail' ceremony is one of the highlights of the day. This will take place outdoors under a specially erected awning equipped with a gas-fired forge.
The ceremony involves three smiths, each wielding a 12lb sledge hammer, running clockwise around the furnace and taking it in turns to aim a blow at the metal being forged.
Other blacksmiths will be demonstrating their skills as they construct a variety of ironwork, taking part in a competition run in conjunction with the Blacksmiths and Metalworkers Association of the South West.
Dartmoor blacksmith Dave Denford will also be at the event, firing the anvil with a gunpowder charge to keep the sparks flying.
The event begins at 10.30am and finishes at 4pm and is absolutely free.
The Christmas shop will be open throughout and a glass of mulled wine and mince pie will be offered to the first 100 visitors to the foundry.
Extra entertainment is on hand in the form of Cogs and Wheels, a group of lady Morris dancers.
Donations to help with the upkeep of the forge will be gratefully received on the day.