Flora Day - Friday 5th May 2023

Helston, in south west Cornwall, is home to the legendary Flora Day and the Furry Dance. 

This old tradition dates back to around 1790 and not only is it locals who attend, but also visitors from all around the world. Those who have connections with Helston, or who once lived in the town, often revisit on this very special day. In recent years it has also been live-streamed so that those unable to be there can still enjoy it from afar.

Flora Day is a celebration of the passing of winter and the arrival of spring - there are numerous dances throughout the day, all accompanied by the fantastic Helston Town Band.  There are several road closures and the participants dance all over the town and are a spectacle to behold. The crowds are spectacular and the entire town comes to a halt to celebrate this magical day.  In fact, on Flora Day, all the local schools are closed, as well as many businesses, though shops are nearly all open to serve all the visitors on the day.

In addition, Coinagehall Street in Helston is lined with craft stalls and market traders - with a large funfair down the road in the Penrose Car Park (funfair open Thursday evening and all day Friday).

The symbolic flower of Helston is Lily of the Valley and this is worn by the dancers, members of the band and all officials.  Visitors are often seen wearing it also.

Order of the Day

7am - Early Morning Dance

8.30am - Hal-an-tow

9.50am - Childrens' Dance

12 noon - The Midday Dance

5pm - Evening Dance

For those in Cornwall at this time of year, Helston's Flora Day is an event not to be missed.  It's a real family-friendly day out.  The dancers and musicians bring the town to a standstill and everyone enjoys the wonderful atmosphere. And undoubtedly, not only will you hear the Furry Dance tune throughout the whole day - it'll be ringing in your ears for sometime afterwards too.  

Bringing the seaside into your home - creating coastal vibes

Being on, or beside, the sea has always been important to me - being near the ocean helps me get things into perspective, brings a sense of calm and it's simply my happy place.  Whether the sea is still or stormy, the beauty is equal and the effects are the same for me.

So why not bring some of these coastal vibes into your home?  Create the perfect seaside living space for you and those you love.  Decorate with neutral tones and add colours of the ocean with your accessories or pictures - or choose your own shade of the ocean for your walls with maybe even a feature wall.

Driftwood is great for bringing a little bit of the coast to your home, as are bare floorboards or tables and chairs in whitewashed wood. All give the feeling of seaside living and beach house style. A few nautical coasters can be dotted around, perfect for your drinks. Here at Cornish Magpie we've a huge range of nautical inspired coasters - think spider crabs, seals, starfish, lobsters and so many more.  If you're looking for coastal home accessories, we've plenty to inspire you and bring a seaside vibe to your living space.

Placing a few favourite photos around your home in beach-inspired frames can add to the coastal living vibe, think of shells, rope and again, driftwood. Why not have a favourite photo made into a canvas to hang on your wall? Or what about a tide clock?  Tide clocks indicate how many hours there are until high tide or until low tide - they're a great way of knowing what the ocean is up to and the tide clocks at Cornish Magpie are simply beautiful - stylish and understated, they make a wonderful addition to any ocean lover's home, adding subtly to the coastal theme.

You can really get creative in your kitchen - there are so many beautiful coastal accessories and homewares to inspire you.  So even when you're washing up you can think of the seaside. Check out our tea towels section, there's a huge range of coastal inpired designs including A Storm in a Teacup, Mackerel, John Dory plus lots more...and our tea towels are a great size, 100% cotton - and colourful too.  A great way of bringing the seaside into your kitchen, or a great gift if you're wondering what to buy that coast loving friend.

What about hammams in your bathroom?  These colourful and bright lightweight towels come in a range of designs and colours to suit your theme.  Maybe a coastal inspired candle or two? Enjoy a bath surrounded by the scent of the ocean waves. Why not use a scallop shell for a soap dish?  

And even when you're outside, having a cuppa, the coastal vibe can still be with you - choose your favourite mug, put your feet up and have a little daydream of the seaside or holidays past - or dream of those to come.

We can't all live by the seaside but we can certainly enjoy a little bit of it in our homes.  A few little coastal touches here and there can make all the difference.  Let me know you bring the seaside home, I'd love to hear from you.  And of course, if you're looking for coastal gifts and homewares, just check out everything on offer here at Cornish Magpie - I hope you find something you like.  Wishing you all love and happiness.

Shirley xx