Helston

Helston (Cornish: Hellys [ˈhɛlːɪs] ) is a town and civil parish in Cornwall, England. It is situated at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula, approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) east of Penzance and 9 miles (14.5 km) south-west of Falmouth. Helston is the most southerly town on the island of Great Britain and is around 1+1⁄2 mi (2.4 km) farther south than Penzance. At the 2021 census, the population of the parish was 11,611 and that of the built up area was 11,360. The former stannary and cattle market town is best known for the annual Furry Dance, known locally as the Flora Dance. It is said to originate from the medieval period; however, the Hal-an-Tow is reputed to be of Celtic origin. The associated song and music, The Floral Dance, is known to have been written in 1911. In 2001, the town celebrated the 800th anniversary of the granting of its charter.