This film is part of Free
On with the Furry Dance
Lively revelry in an ancient tradition from Helston, Cornwall
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.
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
Helston Furry Day Helston Furry Day
Amateur film 1953 5 mins Silent Location: Helston
The Floral Dance at Helston Furry Day
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: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.