Flora Day – a tradition that dates back centuries – is a celebration of the arrival of spring. In the 1970s, it was as eagerly anticipated as it is today, if not more so. The whole town would come alive with the energy of the celebrations, the streets adorned with fresh flowers and filled with the sounds of merriment.
In 1973, the day began as it always does, with the early morning dance. As the sun began to peek over the horizon, the first strains of the famous Flora Day tune could be heard, played by Helston Town Band. Couples decked out in their best outfits would step out into the cool morning, threading their way through the town in a lively procession.
But it wasn’t just about dancing. Oh no, Flora Day 1973 was a full-on spectacle, a feast for the senses. The scent of the bluebells, gorse and laurels used to decorate the streets wafted through the air, mingling with the mouth-watering aroma of Cornish pasties and freshly baked scones from the local bakeries.
If you were a child in Helston in 1973, Flora Day was probably the highlight of your year. Kids got a day off school to participate in the Children’s Dance. Over a thousand children, dressed in white and wearing flowers, would march through the town. As a child in the crowd, the excitement was palpable, the joy infectious.
The climax of the day was, of course, the Midday Dance. In 1973, the gentlemen wore their finest morning suits, while the ladies donned spectacular dresses, often with a floral theme. Starting from the Guildhall, they weaved their way through the town, even dancing in and out of selected houses and shops, a tradition unique to the Flora Day festivities.
As the day drew to a close, the Evening Dance provided one last chance for everyone to join in. By this point in 1973, the formalities were largely forgotten. It was a time for friends and neighbours, and even visitors, to link arms and dance through the streets. The town echoed with laughter, music, and the sound of dancing feet.
Flora Day in 1973, as in every year, was more than just a celebration of spring. It was a testament to the community spirit, the continuity of tradition, and the infectious joy that typifies Cornwall. It was a day when all worries were set aside, and the town danced in unison, welcoming the bounty of spring and the promise of the sunny days ahead.
