8th May 2009 - Helston Flora Fay - Hal-an-Tow
The oldest part of Flora day, the Hal-an-Tow, is completely different to the traditional Furry dances.
Revived in 1930 the Hal-an-Tow celebrates the arrival of Spring and the banishing of Winter.
This is a noisy event with the sheer number of participants taking part, all blowing whistles, singing or playing musical instruments.
Many are dressed in green and carry branches and greenery which are waved whilst they sing.
Others dressed in costume represent characters from the songs they sing.
The Hal-an-Tow starts at 8.30am by St Johns bridge.
The story plays out here and the procession moves onto another six "stations" around the town repeating their message.
The official guide says the traditional song is Elizabethan. The Chorus starts "Hal-an-Tow, Jolly rumble O".
We rejoin the Hal-an-Tow at the third station which is the junction of Cross Street with Church street.
The first verse of the Hal-an-Tow song celebrates people linked with May festivals.
including Robin Hood.
Local MP Andrew George takes the part of St Michael, who threw a massive stone at the devil who fell beaten into the Loe.
The second verse tells of the Spanish Armada.
The third verse tells of St George and the Dragon.
The official guide says a fourth verse was added by Morton Nance a Grand Bard of Cornwall to include St Michael, Helston and Aunt Mary Moses in the traditional song.
The seventh and final station is outside the Guildhall.
The Hal-an-Tow players enter from Meneage Street.
Whistles still blow.
and maidens dance.
the final chorus is sung.
The Hal-an-Tow players parade down Coinagehall Street.
still blowing whistles.
playing music and carrying bannewrs proud.
some now have to change into morning suits ready for the midday dance.
2 May
Thundercat endurance race
Looe bay
3 May
Looe Powerboat
Offshore circuit race
