| Another
great Flora Day in Helston |
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effort had been spared with the outfits |
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Thousands
travelled to Helston for the annual event known as 'Flora Day'.
The
age-old tradition sees people from the town dancing in the street
from the early morning.
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| WEB
LINKS |
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Helston
Flora Day
This website offers an insight into Flora Day and a chance
to find out more about Helston and the surrounding area.
The BBC is not responsible for the content
of external websites.
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| FACTS |
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The
age old Flora Day is believed to have its origins in pagan
times.
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The Victorians tried to ban the event around 100 years ago.
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For the first time in its history a whole family led the childrens
dance at 10.30am.
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Rather
like a scene from Ascot, a kaleidoscope of colour and an abundance
of textures swarmed together inside the Guildhall moments before
the strike of 12.
The main dance of the day was about to begin and there was a distinct
air of expectancy as the names of all couples participating, were
called out.
Many no doubt had calmed their nerves with a pint or two of the
infamous 'Spingo', though there is a neccessity not to go overboard
because the dancing must not - under any circumstances - be impaired.
The crowds waited patiently for the strike of Midday... then, like
the awesome sight of a peacock unveiling the vast array of its feathers,
the dancers emerged from the Guildhall to the joyous sound of the
band.
The sea of colour weaved its way through the streets of Helston,
dipping in and out of the shops and on through the crowds.
The
Helston Floral Dance is one of the oldest surviving customs in the
country, and celebrates the coming of spring and the passing of
winter. With no expense of effort spared it really is a sight for
sore eyes.
7.00 a.m. The First Dance
8.30 a.m. The Hal-an-Tow
10.15 a.m. The Children's Dance
12 noon. The Principal Dance of the Day
5.00 p.m. Evening and Last Dance of The Day
Return
to the main Uncovered page
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