The South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA) is the regional film archive for the South West of England. Established in 1993, SWFTA's core collection comprises of the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and TSW (Television South West). The archive also cares for a significant number of donated film collections, both amateur and professional, dating back to the early 1900s.
This film is part of Free
Helston Furry Day
The Floral Dance at Helston Furry Day
From the collection of:
Overview
Annually on 8 May, Helston Furry Day, Flora Day or the Feast of St Michael celebrates the passing of winter and the arrival of spring. The Furry Dance is performed five times throughout the day. Once at 7am, the Hal-an-Tow pageant at 8am, the children’s dance at 10am, a midday dance and a dance in the evening at 5pm. The midday dance was for the gentry, who, adorning top hat and tails and best frocks, would cast out old for new.
The Hal-an-Tow means hoist the roof or literally pull on the rope because it transferred to Cornish sailors from the Dutch. The Pageant has revellers re-enacting historical and mythical themes of good defeating evil: Robin Hood and Little John; the Spanish; St George and St Michael all feature in the Hal-an-Tow, Jolly rumble O song. The verse of Aunt Mary Moses believed to mean God Bless Prince Charles in support of the Royalist Cavaliers against Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarians or Roundheads, is no longer sung.
Related
A Day in the Life of the Brewers of Helston A Day in the Life of the Brewers of Helston
Current affairs 1982 26 mins Location: Helston
The artisanal craft of beer-making reaches its climax inside one of Britain's most famous Brewpubs.
Helston Cricket Club Helston Cricket Club
News 1976 0 mins Silent Location: Helston
Helston Cricket Club play a match in the Cornish League
On with the Furry Dance On with the Furry Dance
Non-Fiction 1925 1 mins Silent Location: Helston
Lively revelry in an ancient tradition from Helston, Cornwall
This England - Cornwall: Helston Furry Dance and Villages This England - Cornwall: Helston Furry Dance and Villages
Amateur film 1934 6 mins Silent Location: Helston
The town of Helston comes out dancing in this charming amateur film of a unique springtime custom.
Gender equality at RNAS Culdrose Gender equality at RNAS Culdrose
News 1977 5 mins Location: Helston
Yes we can! Equal Opportunities for Women in the Navy
market town of Helston, Cornwall market town of Helston, Cornwall
News 1976 2 mins Silent Location: Helston
Heading to Helston? A look at the market town
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.