At the heart of Flora Day are the tireless members of Helston Town Band who make the event possible. 

Walking more miles than anyone else, they are at the front of all four dance routes, playing the Flora Dance tune as only they know how. 

Many younger members of the band also join in playing for the dances - with some taking part in their very first Flora Day on Friday.

For the two longest dances, the Children's Dance and Midday Dance, when two bands are needed due to the amount of dancers taking part, Helston is joined by guests from other bands in Cornwall.

Playing this year were members from Porthleven Town Band, Camborne Town Band, Breage Silver Band, St Stythians Band and Redruth Town Band. 

They have been thanked by Helston Town Band, which also thanked those who came from even further afield to take part, including Debbie Retallick from London and Matt and Joshua Curtis from Saddleworth.

This year saw Helston's longest-serving bandsman, Russell Harvey, playing his 75th Flora Day. To mark the occasion he was presented with a special certificate and a gift by musical director Kevin Johns, as members gathered before the start of the Morning Dance.

Falmouth Packet: Helston Town Band presents a certificate to longest service member Russell HarveyHelston Town Band presents a certificate to longest service member Russell Harvey (Image: Helston Town Band)

See photos of the band at this year's Flora Day below and in the gallery above. 

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Falmouth Packet: Helston Town Band on Flora Day 2023Helston Town Band on Flora Day 2023 (Image: Emma Ferguson)

Falmouth Packet: Helston Town Band on Flora Day 2023Helston Town Band on Flora Day 2023 (Image: Colin Higgs)

Falmouth Packet: Helston Town Band on Helston Flora Day 2023Helston Town Band on Helston Flora Day 2023 (Image: Emma Ferguson)

Falmouth Packet: Helston Town Band on Flora Day 2023Helston Town Band on Flora Day 2023 (Image: Colin Higgs)

Falmouth Packet: Helston Town Band on Flora Day 2023Helston Town Band on Flora Day 2023 (Image: Emma Ferguson)