We want to get to know you more to help improve our service. Please take 2 minutes to fill out our survey here. Thank you! test2

This film is part of Free

Title of error

See Help

On with the Furry Dance

Lively revelry in an ancient tradition from Helston, Cornwall

Non-Fiction 1925 1 mins Silent

Overview

Eccentric local customs were manna to the newsreels. The Cornish town of Helston's Furry Dance (aka Flora Day), held annually in May, was one of countless such events that peppered the newsreel year, especially in summer - a 'slow news time' then just as it is today. The film is a fascinating record of one of England's more ancient folk customs - not that its history much concerned Topical Budget, which was happy to celebrate another example of Great British eccentricity, a "weird in and out the houses 'hop'".

Usually held on 8 May, the day-long festivities begin with a band marching through the town, accompanied by children dancing in the streets. The Furry Dance itself involves the band striking up a horn-pipe tune and leading the dancers, in couples, through a succession of houses. The event mark the passing of Winter and the beginning of Summer - "For Summer is a come O, and the Winter is a gone O", as the ballad Hal-an-Tow, a later addition to the ceremonies, has it. It's thought to be one of Britain's oldest surviving folk traditions, dating back to pre-Christian times.

Original title

On with the Furry Dance Topical Budget 715-2

Genres

Non-Fiction

Country

United Kingdom

Location

Helston

Language

English

Watch for free

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.

Watch for free

Helston Cricket Club Helston Cricket Club

News 1976 0 mins Silent Location: Helston

Helston Cricket Club play a match in the Cornish League

Watch for free

Helston Furry Day Helston Furry Day

Amateur film 1953 5 mins Silent Location: Helston

The Floral Dance at Helston Furry Day

Watch for free

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.

Watch for free

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

Watch for free

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

Watch for free

All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A

Short interview 2025 28 mins

Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.

Watch for free

Khichdi Khichdi

Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins

The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.