Packet photos of Helston Flora Day Midday Dance 2024

The town is always at its busiest for the Midday Dance on Helston Flora Day – and this year was no exception.

Also known as the Ancient Furry Dance, it was historically the dance for the gentry of the town – and the dress code of long gowns, hats and gloves for the ladies, and top hat and tails for the men, still remains.

Falmouth Packet: The Midday Dance at Lismore The Midday Dance at Lismore (Image: Colin Higgs/Helston Packet)

A spectacle of colour weaving its way through the streets, the Midday Dance featured around 180 couples who were this year led by the leading set of Tom Collins (aka 'Boomer'), Justine Dale, Lee Padgeth and Jenna Sobey (nee Firth).

The four previously spoke about the privilege of being asked to lead – one of the greatest honours that can be given to a Helstonian.

Falmouth Packet: The Midday Dance leaders, Justine Dale, Tom 'Boomer' Collins, Jenna Sobey and Lee Padgeth The Midday Dance leaders, Justine Dale, Tom 'Boomer' Collins, Jenna Sobey and Lee Padgeth (Image: Helston Packet)

Justine, dressed in white and pink, was first out of the Guildhall with partner Tom as the clock struck 12 noon.

They were followed by Lee and Jenna, dressed in a red floral gown with a frilled neckline.

Watch the start of the dance in our video below:

The two couples swapped places at the midway break in Lismore Gardens, with Jenna and Lee leading the procession back to the Guildhall.

Falmouth Packet: Justin Spargo, Naomi Bovey, Kerry Thomas and Aaron Thomas, dancing in memory of their late mum, Dawn Strike Justin Spargo, Naomi Bovey, Kerry Thomas and Aaron Thomas, dancing in memory of their late mum, Dawn Strike (Image: Sophia Marlow)

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On the way the dancers took in Meneage Street, Church Street and Cross Street ahead of the break, then afterwards danced through Penhellis – going inside the home for the first time since before the Covid pandemic – followed by the Old Vicarage Gardens, Leslie House Gardens and Lady Street.

Falmouth Packet: The spectacular spiral of dancers at Lismore The spectacular spiral of dancers at Lismore (Image: Colin Higgs/Helston Packet)

After heading around the Bowling Green, the dancers returned up Coinagehall Street to the Guildhall, to wide applause and cheers. Traditionally the Midday Dance ends with the singing of the National Anthem.

With the sun shining high in the sky, it was a particularly warm route round for the dancers this year, who were no doubt glad of some refreshment at Lismore and by the end of the dance.

Falmouth Packet: Dancing through Lismore House Dancing through Lismore House (Image: Colin Higgs/Helston Packet)

See below for more Packet photos of Helston Flora Day Midday Dance 2024 and in our gallery at the top of the page. The band will have their own separate photo gallery.

*Due to a camera memory card malfunction, we have been unable to access 2,500 images taken today; we are trying hard to salvage these.

Falmouth Packet: Justine Dale with her father, local butcher Chris Dale Justine Dale with her father, local butcher Chris Dale (Image: Helston Packet)