Goodbye winter, hello spring: Suited and booted Cornish folk take to the streets to celebrate ancient festival heralding the end of winter

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Updated: 16:39 EST, 7 May 2011

Thousands of people took to the streets today in Cornwall to celebrate what is believed to be one of Britain's oldest traditions.

The men of Helston donned top hats and morning suits while women put on their best frocks to dance through the streets to celebrate Flora Day.

The origins of the dance are pre-Christian and are connected with ancient spring festivals all over Europe. It was believed to usher in prosperous harvests after winter.

Suited and booted: Dancers leave the Guildhall to take part in the Flora Dance as they celebrate in Helston, Cornwall

Ancient: The Flora Dance, also known as the Furry Dance, is one of the UK's oldest customs still practised today and is said to be a celebration of the passing of Winter and the arrival of Spring

The dance is held every year on May 8th unless that day falls on a Sunday or Monday, when it is held on the preceding Saturday.

The Flora Dance, also known as the Furry Dance, is one of the UK's oldest customs still practised today and is said to be a celebration of the passing of Winter and the arrival of Spring.

Dances - which go all over the town and even in and out of private houses and shops - happen throughout day.

However the highlight is the midday dance - which was traditionally the dance of the gentry in the town - which is why men still wear top hats and tails while the women dance in dresses.

Dances - which go all over the town and even in and out of private houses and shops - happen throughout day

Knees up: The Helston Town Band leads the Flora Dance through the town as they celebrate Flora Day

People dance as the Helston Town Band leads the Flora Dance through the town

Getting in the swing: A Helston resident gives it his all at the festival

A couple walk in a parade through the town's main street