50 photos of Helston Carnival 2023 in the Packet newspaper

People lined the whole route for the event, which saw huge support from spectators and many colourful entries.

From Cruella De Vil in the walkers to a Star Wars themed float complete with Chewbacca, R2D2 and Darth Vader, there was a diverse range on show. 

The Star Wars float (Image: Emma Ferguson)

The Lizard Child Trust, a long-time entrant of the carnival, this year chose a zoo theme, with some impressive animals joining the youngsters that go there, while 2nd Helston Brownies chose an ecological message and warned of plastic pollution with their costumes. 

The extended Wallis, Hosken and Hosking families chose a Cornwall My Home theme, dressing as all things Cornish - from a Cornish pasty and chough to a gig rower, Flora dancer and even a Cornish Piskie.

Cornwall My Home float (Image: Emma Ferguson)

Helston Town Band led the procession, dressing as footballers and including footie favourites Sweet Caroline and It's Coming Home amongst their playing repertoire.

A number of renditions of the Flora Dance along the route also brought huge cheers and applause. 

A number of vintage tractors and other vehicles took part, including an old Clinton's Welding Helston vehicle that brought back memories for some watching.  

A Finding Nemo themed decorated car (Image: Emma Ferguson)

Radio Cornwall James Dundon ended up the procession with one of his musical street organs.

Carnival entries gathered at Helston Tesco carpark for judging, with certificates and prizes awarded before the procession left the carpark at 6pm to walk through the town.

Gillian Allen as Cruella De Vil with 'Pongo' (Image: Emma Ferguson)

The carnival turned left out of Tesco and moved along Clodgey Way, down the hill at the traffic lights along Trengrouse Way and turned right into Meneage Street. It then turned left at the traffic lights down Coinagehall Street to the bottom, turned around at the Grylls Monument and moved back up through the town along Wendron Street, Godolphin Road and right at the top back to Tesco.

There were ten different classes, including both vehicles and walkers, with each class winner winning a trophy, and cash prize donated by Flambards.

Smiles from the mayoral vehicle (Image: Emma Ferguson)

Bubbles were blown at the crowds from the Under the Sea float (Image: Emma Ferguson)

Lizard Child Trust's zoo theme (Image: Emma Ferguson)

The Clinton's Welding Helston vehicle (Image: Emma Ferguson)

See more photos in the gallery at the top of the page.