Helston Flora Day

The town is decked out with flowers and greenery gathered from the surrounding countryside, and the whole town joins in the celebrations. There are formal dances throughout the day to the famous “Furry Dance” played by Helston Town Band. A unique day of festivities that is not to be missed.

When the big bass drum strikes the first beat of the dance at seven in the morning, the spirit of the day is stirred and the celebrations commence. Couples dance through the streets, entering selected houses and shops to drive out the darkness of winter and bring in the light of spring.

The colourful pageant, known as Hal an Tow, tells the history of Helston with the participating characters singing about the challenge of the Spanish Armada, the English patron saint, St. George and the fight between St. Michael and the devil.