There is one question on most Helstonian’s lips this week and that is: Will the lily of the valley be out in time for Flora Day?

With just three days to go, it’s not looking promising for the festival’s main symbol.

Worn by every dancer, band member and Flora Day official, not to mention a good proportion of the watching crowd, the sweet smelling bloom is a mainstay of the event, but its presence is in serious doubt this year.

Thanks to a cold spring, with not a great deal of sunshine, the white sprigs – which famously made up the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding bouquet – are struggling to blossom in time for the big event.

This has led to a degree of panic from those taking part, not least the lead sets of this year’s dances who have been watching nervously and investigating secret supplies.

Those lucky enough to have a supply in their garden looking promising having been offering portions for sale on social media – to huge demand.

Others who usually have plenty are watching the ground in despair at the shoots that have only just started to appear. They include Hermione Morrison in Penrose Road, who usually sells bunches for charity, but has put the word out that she will be unable to do so this year.

Many people have reluctantly accepted that the fresh version is just too hard to come by this year and have turned to the artificial variety.

This has led to great debate on Facebook on which suppliers offer the most realistic looking flowers.

Both Heathercraft and town florists Sweet Pea have been inundated with requests – not least from the harassed parents of the 1,500 or so schoolchildren taking part in the Children’s Dance, who each have to wear a buttonhole along with the rest.

Rachel Booth wrote on Facebook: “I’ll be getting fake. Such a shame.”

Serena Ward agreed: “I’ve never had to wear fake lily of the valley ever and I’m gutted they are gonna have to this year.”

A spokesperson for Sweet Pea said they had received lots of pre-orders that were all being fulfilled with artificial flowers this year and from Thursday onwards there would be more buttonholes made up available to anyone yet to find one.

She added: "Our customers have all been fine about it. They understand it's not come out this year."

See the Packet’s Flora Day preview feature, including details of the road closures, on pages 16 and 17.

Keep an eye out on the website thepacket.co.uk on Saturday for live, rolling coverage of the dances, with a full round up and 16-page picture special in next week’s Helston Packet.