Helston will once again be decorated in flowers and flags for Flora Day as the ancient festival returns after a two-year hiatus due to the covid pandemic. 

This ancient festival is usually held on May 8th, unless that date falls on a Sunday or Monday, in which case the previous Saturday is taken (7th).

It is a Spring festival to celebrate the end of winter and mark the arrival of the new vitality and fertility with the trees and flowers bursting into life.

Due to the festival being held on a Saturday this year the Flora Day Association is anticipating the day will be very well attended.

Here's some key information you need to know ahead of the big day

Travel & Parking

Helston town centre will be closed to all non-emergency traffic from 5:30am-10pm.

Public Transport

Details of bus services to Helston can be found at Go Cornwall Bus, First Kernow, and Traveline Southwest.

Car Parks

There is plenty of parking on Flora Day – as extra car parks are added just for the day.

These will be at Helston Rugby Club and Helston Showground. Parking is also available at the Helston Branch of Tesco, but this must be pre-booked with the store.

While many roads do not have parking restrictions, visitors are asked to park considerately in such areas, and not to block entrances or impede potential access requirements by emergency vehicles.

Lost Children or Vulnerable Adults

Helston can become very crowded on Flora Day. Please take very close care of children and vulnerable adults. It is suggested that they carry a contact number for their parent/guardian/assistant (a wristband is ideal for this purpose). Should you be unable to locate a missing child or vulnerable adult, please notify a steward or member of the police.

Lost Children Collection Point

The Flora Day Association booklet stall - adjacent to the Guildhall.

First Aid

St John's personnel are mobile throughout the town, and ambulances are in attendance. Please contact the Flora Day Booklet stall (besides the Guildhall) for further information. A first aid point is based at Coronation Park.

Personal belongings

Please ensure you take care of your possessions at all times and do not leave bags unattended. Any suspicious articles should be reported to a steward or the police.

Uneven surfaces and kennels

Flora Day occurs throughout the length and breadth of Helston, which has many uneven surfaces, that could also become slippery when wet. Please take care, particularly on cobbled surfaces and near pavement curbs. In addition, Helston is famous for its street-side "kennels" - water channels running along the edges of several streets. Although the water is turned off for Flora Day, visitors are asked to be aware of their presence, particularly in Coinagehall and Church Streets.

Closure

We would like to advise that, Penhellis House and Gardens will be closed to the public this year, this will help limit exposure to the residents and will make their day more enjoyable. Could we please ask for your co-operation as we ease back into a more normal Flora Day.

Dogs

Dog owners are advised that Helston can become very crowded, particularly in the centre during the Midday Dance, which might be frightening for dogs. Dogs should be kept on leads, and under close control at all times. Please respect people who might be nervous about dogs around them and ensure that all dog poo is picked up and disposed of correctly.

Timings

5:30am - Town centre road closures in place.

7am - 8:30am - Morning Dance

8:30am - 9:45am Hal-An-Tow (approx timings)

8:15am St. Johns Rd

8:30am Monument

8:45am Wendron Street

9am – Meneage St (Boots)

9:15am – Trengrouse Way

9:30am –Guildhall

9:50am - 11:10am - Children's Dance

12pm - 2pm - Midday Dance

5pm - 6:30pm - Evening dance

10pm - Town centre road closures end

Click here to see more from Flora Day Association.