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
Current affairs 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
Current affairs 1976 2 mins Silent Location: Helston
Heading to Helston? A look at the market town
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George 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
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.