Lismore gardens in Helston on Flora Day: timings gates open

For this year marks the first year of hosting for the new owners of Lismore House and gardens, Adam and Sarah Corbridge.

Since moving in just over five months ago, the family has been restoring and renovating the historic Cross Street property constantly, in preparation for this day.

Lismore is arguably one of, and to some the most, important properties on the dance route – perhaps with the exception of the town's Guildhall, where the dancers gather – and hundreds of people crowd into the gardens to see the Midday Dance process past the picturesque lake and spiral around the lawn.

For Sarah Corbridge, who with husband Adam bought the property from former owner of 27 years, Michael Jay, last November, it is an honour not to be taken lightly.

Sarah and Adam Corbridge on Flora Day

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She told the Packet: "We've just been restoring and renovating every part of the house, trying to prioritise things of importance. It's a big job.

"We've finished the back part of the house and spent lots of hours in the garden, with the help of some keen Helstonians that love Lismore. There are several amazing people the town that have helped us since we have moved in."

The couple were also delighted that Lismore's long-time gardener, Gil Richards, agreed to stay on.

Sarah said: "Everything will be the same as previous Flora Days. We're in the hands of the Flora Day Association, as it's the first time for us. Usually we're dancing through the gardens ourselves, but we're seeing it from a different angle now."

Colour in Lismore's gardens

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The gravel path behind the lake has been restored by the Flora Day Association, and Sarah has overseen the clearing of the paths – making a wonderful discovery in the process.

She uncovered a little chapel in the grounds, which she is now renovating, having the stained glass windows restored and replacing many of the artefacts such as bring a prayer table from Wales and an antique wooden cross. Although it will be safely locked up on Flora Day, the dancers will be able to get a clear view on their route through the gardens.

The small chapel that Sarah is restoring

Sarah and Adam have also added their own mark, by planting a flowering bird cherry tree in view of the house.

Now it is almost time for them to open up the gates to the general public, with Sarah saying: "We're looking forward to welcoming the whole of Helston back. Hopefully this will give a lift to people after a bad time through Covid.

"I just want everybody to have a good time and be happy in the day. I can't wait to see everyone's dresses going around the lake – it's an iconic view of Flora Day."

Sarah and Adam have made their mark on the garden by planting a flowering bird cherry tree

And she added: "We need to thank Michael Jay for waiting for us to be in a position to buy it. If it wasn't for him waiting then I don't know what situation Flora Day would be in now – it's down to him and his love of Helston. We're glad we were able to get here and help keep it for Helston."

Access to the Lismore gardens will be available to spectators for the Midday Dance from 11.30am and later in the day at 4.45pm for the Evening Dance, with the Flora Day Association stewards closing the gates once capacity is reached.