Amazing

Penhellis is truly privileged to be able to be part of the amazing flora day celebrations held here in Helston. During this fantastic day our ground are awash with colour and joy as the procession spin an whirl through the gardens Helston, the Cornish market town, where for hundreds of years, the townsfolk have celebrated and enjoyed the wonderful tradition that is FLORA DAY. This ancient festival is usually held on May 8th , unless that date falls on a Sunday or Monday, in which case the previous Saturday is taken. It is a Spring festival to celebrate the end of winter and mark the arrival of the new vitality and fertility with the trees and flowers bursting into life. The houses and shops of the town are decorated with greenery and floral arrangements to express the spirit of renewal.

When the big bass drum strikes the first beat of the dance at seven in the morning, the spirit of the day is stirred and the celebrations commence. Some eighty couples dance through the streets, entering selected houses and shops to drive out the darkness of winter and bring in the light of spring.

The colourful Pageant, known as Hal an Tow, tells the history of Helston with the participating characters singing about the challenge of the Spanish Armada, the English patron saint, St. George and the fight between St Michael and the devil.

http://www.helstonfloraday.org.uk

Welcome to Helston Farmers’ Market where the very best of locally produced food can be found on the first Saturday of each month (except January) from 9.30am to 1.00pm at the Old Cattle Market, next to Lidl’s and the Boating Lake in Helston.

The market is a project of South Kerrier Alliance Community Interest Company (SKA CIC), a social enterprise, formed by volunteers, to address the needs and aspirations of the people of South Kerrier, Helston and its surrounding parishes.

The market is also organised by a team of dedicated volunteers who work hard to ensure that the market delivers high quality, local food straight from the producer and in doing so, helps to support small growers and enterprises.

Established in 2008 and starting with 13 local producers, the market has grown to be the largest of its kind in the County with over 40 local producers selling the finest quality produce.

 

The idea behind the market is to:

 

enable local food producers, farmers to sell their produce direct to the public give customers the opportunity to buy fresh, locally grown, homemade and handmade produce and products, raise public awareness on issues that involve locally produced food, sustainable farming and land management. Almost all of the seasonal produce on offer has been raised, grown or made within a 20 mile radius of Helston with care and attention to quality and provenance.

http://helstonfarmersmarket.co.uk