Helston Flora Day 2023 Midday Dance leaders named in Cornwall

Lloyd and Lisa Harris, Darren Wallis and Lisa Ashdown have been named as the four who have the privilege of leading the Midday Dance around Helston this Flora Day.

First out the door of the Guildhall at 12 noon will be Lloyd and Lisa Harris – one of the few married couples to be asked to lead together.

Lloyd, who many people will recognise as working for Lloyds Bank in Helston and more recently Collingtons - also serving as a town councillor for a short period before having to step down through ill health at the time - said: “It’s just unbelievable – it hasn’t sunk in.

“Being Helston born and a Helstonian I’ve danced the Flora many times, but you never think you’re going to lead.

“To get the invite was just unbelievable.”

So unbelievable, in fact, that at first the full meaning of what he was reading didn’t register to Lloyd, and he went to take the dog for a walk.

“I thought it must have been a mistake that I got an invite, as we hadn’t applied. I was halfway round the field with the dog when I thought ‘Lead gentleman?’ I ran all the way home!”

He said they were particularly happy to be asked to lead together.

“For Helston people it’s like getting married again. We’re so proud to have been asked,” added Lloyd, who began dancing with St Michael’s School and continued through Helston School, before moving on to the Midday when he met Lisa.

Lisa and Lloyd on a previous Flora Day (Image: Harris family)

Lisa, who works for Gear Farm making pasties, said she was “thrilled to bits” at the honour, adding: “It’s a real shock – but a good shock. I had to read the letter twice.

“I was at work when Lloyd was video calling me, and he was white as a sheet.”

Their daughter Daisy will also be dancing with Parc Eglos this year – the same school that Lisa danced with as a child, before moving on to Helston School. At the turn of the millennium she danced the Midday as a four with her dad, sister and late brother.

Lisa added: “It’s just the atmosphere of the day that I love. It’s pure joy.”

READ MORE: 59 Helston Flora Day Midday Dance photos 2022

Making up the leading set will be Darren and Lisa.

Darren, who used to run Darren’s Taxis for eight years, along with Ace Aerials, before returning to work for BT who he was previously with for 12 years, described himself as “ecstatic” to be asked to lead.

He said: “I’m a big fan of the Midday, and have always wanted it.”

After attending Porthleven Primary School, he went on to dance with Helston School and then moved on to the Midday Dance.

He described Flora Day as “like Christmas,” adding: “It’s an honour to dance anyway, let alone to lead.

“When I dance I never care if I’m at the front or at the end, it’s just the taking part, but being up pole position will be a bonus this year. I’m just ecstatic and looking forward to it.”

Darren is married to Laura, who owns BeGorgeous hair and beauty salon in town, and they have three children.

Laura is in fact best friends with Lisa Ashdown, who Darren will be partnered with in the leading four.

Darren and Lisa dancing the Midday Dance previously (Image: Darren Wallis/Lisa Ashdown)

Lisa said she was “still quite shocked” at having been asked to lead, adding: “I can’t believe it. I’m just really, really chuffed.”

She certainly has the experience, having danced through Nansloe Primary School and then Helston School, before doing six or seven years with the Morning and Evening Dance.

This year will be her ninth or tenth time dancing the Midday.

Lisa, who until recently worked for Frugi, has always lived in Helston and her mum Karen Jones used to run the Angel Hotel for 15 years.

Lisa loves Flora Day so much she even named her daughter Lily Mae after the lily of the valley.

Lily Mae led Parc Eglos School last year in the Children’s Dance and Lisa’s son George danced for the first time, which she described as really special, adding: “This year it will be even better!”

The couples will swap places at Lismore Gardens, so that Darren and Lisa lead the second half of the dance up front.

Normally held on May 8, this year's Flora Day takes place on Friday, May 5.

Originally it was scheduled for Saturday, May 6, due to traditionally never being held on a Sunday or Monday, but was moved forward a day so as not to clash with King Charles's Coronation. 

The coronation will take place in Westminster Abbey, eight months after the monarch’s accession and the death of the Queen, with the Queen Consort being crowned alongside Charles.