On the 8 May each year (unless this falls on a Sunday or a Monday) the historic town of Helston becomes a mass of colour for its annual Flora Day celebrations.
 | | Colourful Hal an Tow characters |
The ancient event has been held annually for many centuries, although it was banned at one time in the Victorian Era for being 'a drunken revelry' it was stated at the time. The 91Èȱ¬ Cornwall webteam attend the popular day. Click on the link below to see our photo gallery from Flora Day 2006: The special day itself begins at 7am with the gentleman wearing a smart shirt and tie, and the ladies looking glamorous in their summer dresses. This is for the first dance of the day, which officially launches each Flora Day celebration.
 | | The ever-popular Children's Dance |
The dance is followed by a more boisterous event which is a play called 'Hal-an-Tow'. It pays tribute to the Spanish Armada, and colour characters like 'Robin Hood'. The day is full of fun for all ages. A popular part of the annual event is always the 'Children's Dance'. This begins at 10.30am and sees all the local children dressed to the nines, and decorated with flowers and the famous lily of the valley. The main dance of the day is held at midday. This is the formal dance of Flora Day, with the men wearing morning dress and ladies in their ball gowns and hats. Ascot eat your heart out! The dance is always led by a couple who born in the town.
 | | The Midday Dance |
During the day the main street of Coinagehall in the town centre is buzzing with many stalls selling local souvenirs, Cornish crafts, and food. There is always a large fairground which can be found each year in Helston's Coronation Park. The celebrations always go well into the night time. 91Èȱ¬ Radio Cornwall's James Churchfield will bring you the sounds and colour of the day on his breakfast programme on Tuesday 8 May. If you can't get to the day itself, then click on our 'listen live' logo on the top right hand side of this page to hear the programme on the day from 6-9am. ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý | 
