Thousands to line streets as Flora Day returns to Helston for first time in three years

It had to be cancelled twice due to the pandemic

Author: Megan PricePublished 7th May 2022

Hundreds of people will line the streets of Helston to mark Flora Day, for the first time in three years.

The event, which celebrates the end of winter, usually falls on 8th May and this year will be celebrated on Saturday 7th May after being cancelled on a few occasions due to the pandemic.

Nick Wills is the honorary secretary of the Helston Flora Day association, said: "It's all really quite exciting really there's a real buzz around the town that we've had a gap of three years. I think there's a renewed excitement around the town you can really feel the excitement building.

"It's very very much a community event I think it brings people together, it also brings families back together because we get a lot of people who travel back not only from around the country but abroad. It's just a big day of celebration.

"The night before the atmosphere builds. I think it'll roll over in to Flora Day itself and it will be a wonderful day".

What happens during Flora Day?

The spring festival celebrates the end of winter and brings people together from the town to mark the arrival of the new vitality and fertility with the trees and flowers bursting into life.

Across Helston, the houses and shops will be decorated with greenery and floral arrangements, with the theme of renewal.

7:00AM - The first "Early Morning Dance" begins at the Guildhall and continues up Meneage Street where dancers will go in and out of a number of premises

8:30AM — Hal-an-Tow

9:50AM — Over 1200 pupils from Helston’s four schools, dressed in white with headdresses and ties, will take part in the Childrens’ Dance

12 noon — The Midday Dance

5:00PM — Evening Dance

Nick added: "The day takes it's usual format, this year due to there still being Covid around we're not putting everybody into the Guildhall. Around the Guildhall area we ask for a bit of space so we can safely get the dancers back to their usual end point.

"If you still feel you have symptoms please test prior to the event. We're asking if people are indoors to bring a mask with them but we're predominantly an outdoor event.

"We're just ready to go really and can't wait to kick off really".

You can read more about the official celebrations on their website.

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