Unimpressed with Helston Events? Why Not Get Involved?

Just over a week ago the first Helston and the Lizard street festival, Hellysardh, was staged. Later that evening Helston Carnival took place. Both events should have brought the town together for a day of celebrations which to a certain extent they did. However it didn't go unnoticed that there were a number of disgruntled people who weren't impressed with various aspects of the day. These opinions could be heard muttered at the time and in the days afterwards. So what happened and what can be done to stop the complaints next year?

On paper Hellysardh sounded great. It promised to be a 'true celebration of local talent in all its myriad of forms, including live music, dance, drama, poetry, food & drink, arts & crafts and much more.' Entertainment was supposed to take place at venues around town including Grylls Monument, the Sunken Garden, outside shops and on the street. Sadly this wasn't entirely the case. Admittedly the damp weather probably didn't help, but walking through town on the morning of 10th September you could have been forgiven for not realising anything was going on at all. That said it was the first year and lessons have no doubt been learnt.

Later on Helston Carnival made its way through town led by Helston Town Band dressed as the Village People. Behind them were a couple of floats and some walkers in fancy dress. It was a decent carnival and those taking part in it had gone to a lot of effort. The general feeling though was that it was too short and that compared to other towns in Cornwall it was not up to the same standard. While the quality of the entrants wasn't the problem, it would seem the number of them was disappointing for some and that is surely something that can be rectified?

We asked on Facebook and Twitter for your opinions on what could be done to improve the events next year and these are a few of the responses we received:

Roger Clotworthy: Both events seemed to have missed their targets. I feel that modern communication systems will never replace face to face verbal. Group meetings are, in my opinion, the best way to organise events, and get positive commitment.

Tracy Loomes: Helston should take a leaf out of Falmouth's book, their events are always well organised.

@Joxerthepirate: By holding it in May and calling it Flora Day..oh wait, it's been done

@WRadfordGaby: Get more people involved!

The bottom line is these events are for the people of Helston and if they're not supported by people in town we may lose them. It's easy to moan about what's wrong with them but why not get involved with helping out instead?

As of next year the Town Council won't be involved in the organisation of the Harvest Fair and Carnival. Instead a new committee will be set up to run it. If you think you can help to organise the event and get more people involved contact harvestfair@hotmail.co.uk

Likewise, if you would like to help with the organisation of Hellysardh, the people behind it would no doubt welcome your help. Get in touch with them here.