JEAN-GEORGES Noverre once said, ‘When the music and dance create with accord…their magic captivates both the heart and the mind,’ and this couldn’t be much more accurate at 7am on Flora Day Morning.

The dance of course, is one of the most popular attractions of the day, but with Helston Town band performing the iconic ‘Floral Dance’ it makes it even more magical. The song itself was recorded by Brighouse and Rastrick Band in 1977, Helston Town Band is the only one who can claim ownership of the authentic Flora Dance.

Falmouth Packet:

A black and white photograph of Helston Town Band leading the Flora Dance in the early 1960s, coming down Meneage Street. The band are in perfect formation, being led by the Bandmaster and a policeman. The onlookers, several deep on the pavements, are dressed in coats for a gloomy day.

Floral Dance has been passed down through the generations of Helston bandsman and woman. The Flora Dance is sacred to Helston Town Band and has never been written on manuscript to ensure it remains only within the band.

The band started roughly back in the 1940’s when most of Helston’s pre-war members returned from active service, and Helston pork butcher Leonard Hender, a member of the band for some 28 years became bandmaster.

All ages perform in the band, Russell Harvey, 87 will be performing with the band this year, on his 74th Flora Day, and some members as young as five will be taking part.
 

Falmouth Packet:

Helston Town Band in uniform outside the museum in Helston 

Along with different age ranges, some members of the band are family members, which makes the spirit of the band even more ‘special’, mums and dad, sons and daughters all play in the band.

Throughout the years, the band have gone on to win various awards and Brass Band competitions, including as previously published in The Packet, the second set win at Cheltenham in April 2022.

Falmouth Packet:

Helston Town Band in Coinagehall Street by Sir John Benjamin Stone.  Mr Henry Moses (Mosey) Willey is playing the tuba on the right. Inscribed: Helston Flora Day May 8th 1901. The Band leading the 'Furry' dancers through the town

In recent years, Kevin Johns has taken on the role of Musical Director of the band, he has worked hard to bring the band up to a good standard but admits has faced challenges.

The global pandemic played a big part in this, with band members catching the virus, and the cancellations of events due to government guidelines preventing social events to take place.

Back in 2020, the first year Flora Day was cancelled, the band uploaded a video on Facebook of themselves all playing their musical instruments individually, the video reached nearly 2,000 views, and lifted the spirits of many in Helston.

On Flora Day, the band will be wearing their new band uniform, which they have been fundraising for. The uniform will be blue and gold braid jackets, which Helston Town Council donated some money. The uniforms were purchased two years ago, but now the band will have a chance to wear them.

Falmouth Packet:

The band at Cheltenham after their win in April.

With only two more weeks until the big day, the band are keeping busy. They will be performing at Porthleven Food Festival on Sunday evening from 5.30pm April 24 outside The Harbour Inn, and next week they shall be visiting RNAS Culdrose to perform to the officers.

As Mayday is on a Sunday this year, the band shall be doing their annual Mayday parade on Monday May 2 - at 7am and then again at 7pm.