Crowds of people came out into the evening sunshine to see Helston Carnival return for 2024.

The popular event is always a highlight of the autumn calendar, concluding the annual Helston Harvest Fair celebrations.

There were ten different classes showcasing the talent of local participants – from three different sizes of float, to decorated vehicles, vintage cars and other decorated transport with wheels, whether that be a bike, buggy, wheelchair or similar.

(Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet)

There were also classes for walkers – both groups and individuals. Winners were judged in every class.

Each class winner received a trophy and cash prize donated by carnival sponsor Flambards, with lots of soft toys of the theme park mascot Ferdi also handed out.

(Image: Kate Lockett/Helston Packet) (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) Winner of the large float was The Addams Family, who came complete with cobwebs and the soundtrack to accompany them.

Winning the small float trophy was ‘Riley’s Memories’, depicting emotions from the Inside Out 2 film recently in cinemas.

(Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) An adorable band of mini pirates came first in the small walking group, while the Lizard Child Trust won the large walking group with ‘Old McLizzie’s Farm’.

Ally Atkinson won best walker as a ‘mobile phone’ – a walking red telephone box.

(Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) Others to take part including Helston Rugby Club’s Raptors youth team, 2nd Helston Brownies as the ‘Super Brownies’, some of the cast of Children of Eden being performed by LAMB Theatre Group in October, and Ron Williams on his tractor, pulling the ‘I’m feeling chough-ed’ float – complete with the Cornish bird.

(Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) Helston Town Band led the carnival as always and this year dressed as members of ABBA and pop stars from the 1970s – playing tunes to match.

However, they broke the theme outside the Guildhall, where the carnival paused for the band to play the Flora Dance – to huge cheers from onlookers.

(Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet)(Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) Also getting involved were a large range of vehicles, from vintage tractors and lorries to decorated cars.

Entries started arriving from 3pm to set up, with judging takes place in the Tesco car park at 4.45pm.

(Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) The carnival then left the car park at 6pm to begin its route along Clodgey Lane, down Trengrouse Way and through the town centre.

It headed down Meneage Street and to the bottom of Coinagehall Street before heading back up the street along Wendron Street, Station Road and returning to Tesco.

(Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) Helston Harvest Fair is looking for more volunteers to help organise and run the event each year.

With a fun dog show, busy horticultural and craft show, and the traditional harvest trail around the shops all taking place, people are encouraged to give just a few hours of their time either in the run up to the events or on the day, to help make it possible to continue.

If you are able to help email info@helstonhf.co.uk or call 07770 347544.

(Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet) (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet)

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