With Helston Flora Day just days away, Packet reporter Kate Lockett looks back at the history of the town's biggest event of the year, and her personal memories of the famous occasion.
For as long as I can remember Flora Day has always been a huge part of my life. From dancing as a child to being selected to dance The Midday in 2016 in memory of my dad it’s always been magical.
To this day, I remember walking down Church Hill with my mum and brother heading towards Parc Eglos to join the rest of my class to prepare for The Children's Dance.
I had butterflies in my tummy hearing the band play the last bit of the music for the end of the Morning Dance, and the whistles and bells starting up for the Hal-an-Tow.
Flora Day has provided many people in Helston with everlasting memories which will continue for future generations.
Pictured: A recent image of twins Jessica and Emily taking part in The Children's Dance with a picture of their grandmother Pearl Vidler dancing in the same dance in the 1960s.
Despite Flora Day being hundreds and hundreds of years old, the traditional dances and the steps have remained the same, with a slight change in some of the dance routes. One noticeable change is the style of dresses worn during The Morning Dance and The Midday Dance.
The Packet had a chat with Bridal Studio owner, Tara Trethowan who not only designs and styles the Midday ladies with dresses and custom-designed hats, she has also taken part in The Midday Dance several times.
Have you seen a significant change in dress styles over the years?
“Well, yes and no. Most people have decided to remain traditional with big prints. Big puffy sleeves otherwise known as ‘statement sleeves’ seem to be coming back as well.”
Has any of the dresses you have seen really stood out for you?
“I have seen so many dresses over the years, so I can’t really pick just one. However, for me, it’s big floral prints on the skirt of a dress.”
What would you like to see in the future for outfits on Flora Day?
“Lots more big prints! The more floral prints the better. It would also be wonderful to see all the little girls in The Children’s Dance wearing white.”
Tara, what does Flora Day mean to you?
“For me, it’s when the clock strikes 7am and the first big beat of the drum, it’s such an overwhelming feeling.
“When I see the ladies wearing dresses from the shop which we helped them pick or hats I had designed and made – it just makes me feel as if my work has been done.
“It really is the best day. But businesses in Helston need more support from the public to be able to support Flora Day.”
@packetnewspapers Packet reporter Kate Lockett went and had a look at the dresses available for The Midday Dance at The Bridal Studio in Helston 👗🎺🎶 #floraday #thebridalstudio #cornwall #lovefloraday ♬ original sound - ThePacket
READ NEXT:
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- Last but not least, the leading set of the Children's Dance for Flora Day 2023
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Flora Day 2020 - 2022:
When it was announced in 2020 and 2021, that Flora Day would be cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it caused a lot of heartache for people in Helston, especially those dancing for the first time.
Following the first announcement that Flora Day was cancelled, Helston Town Band wanted to boost the spirits of the public and published a video of each member of the band, in their own homes and gardens playing their instruments which were then put together.
When Flora Day finally returned in 2022, there were tears of pure happiness from everyone in the crowd - myself included!
Before the dancers set off for the first dance of the day, Helston Town Band paid its respects to local people who had lost their lives during the pandemic.
The band stood still whilst playing the first three refrains of the Flora Dance.
Pictured: Midday dancers from the past dancing through Church Street and a picture of Midday dancers in 2023. Credit: Helston Flora Day Association / Newsquest
With Flora Day 2023 now just days away the Packet would like to know what our readers' favourite part of Flora Day is in our poll below.
We wish everyone a very happy Flora Day, and let's hope the sun comes out for the day.
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