Helston celebrates Flora Day in fine style

People come home to Helston from all over the world for Flora Day

Thousands of people have packed into Helston for the Cornish town's Flora Day celebrations.

The traditional event is always held on or around 8 May, and marks the end of winter and the coming of summer.

The players from Helston Town Band lead a series of dances through the town, playing the famous marching tune repeatedly.

Last year's event was shifted forward one day to avoid a clash with the Coronation of King Charles.

Helston Town Band provide the soundtrack for Flora Day

Ashley Chinn keeps the beat going all day on his bass drum

Flora Day started precisely at 07:00 BST outside the Guildhall, as the new town bell chimed at the top of the hour.

That was the signal for Helston Town Band's bass drummer Ashley Chinn to strike the first of many beats, his fingers covered in tape to protect his skin for the day ahead.

He told BBC Radio Cornwall: "The first note, it's the big important one!"

Across the day a series of dances are held, including a special children's dance.

The Hal-an-Tow Pageant is performed at seven locations around Helston

As well as the dances, the performance of the Hal-an-Tow is a central part of the day.

Nigel Pascoe is chairman of the stewards of the ancient furry dance, and said: "It's probably the original part of Flora Day.

"In pagan times the people used to go out into the countryside and collect greenery and bring it into the town because what they were doing is chasing away the winter and bringing in the summer."

Flora Day is usually held on 8 May, unless that falls on a Sunday or Monday, then it is held on the Saturday before.

The event was cancelled two years in a row due to Covid-19, returning in 2022.