People have been encouraged to hold personal Flora Day celebrations next Friday and warned not attempt to gather in town or in groups.

Anyone breaking the rules is likely to face a fine from police, which will be dispersing gatherings.

May 8 should have seen Helston filled with thousands of people for its annual feast day of dancing and music, but due to the coronavirus lockdown this can no longer happen and the 2020 event has been cancelled.

However many residents of the town, along with Helstonians living around the world, will no doubt still be keen to celebrate and so people are encouraged to mark the day at home and then share photos online via the Flora Day @ Home Facebook event page and on the Helston Flora Day Association page.

Nick Wills, honorary secretary of the Flora Day Association, said: “The Flora Day Stewards are very disappointed that there will not be the usual celebration of Flora Day.

"We will nevertheless be celebrating it at home, doubtless like many others who hold Flora Day dear.

"We’d love you to post your photos of your ‘at home’ Flora Day, but please comply with government guidelines."

Photos can be posted on the Facebook pages as well as shared on Twitter and Instagram to @helstonfloraday using the hashtag #Floradayathome

The association has stressed the importance of people staying at home and not attempting to gather in their usual party groups, to prevent the spread of the virus.

The association said: "This week Helston would be due to celebrate one of the most important days in our calendar, unfortunately this cannot be the case this year.

"We understand completely the difficulties this disruption has caused, but the action the government has taken is absolutely necessary, for one very simple reason. If too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to cope. This will cost lives.

"We must slow the spread of the disease, and reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment in order to save as many lives as possible.

"That is why we are reiterating the governments one simple instruction – you must stay at home this Flora Day.

"You should not meet friends or relatives who do not live in your home."

It reminded people of the specific few reasons when people could leave home: buying food and medicine, exercising once a day, seeking medical attention and travelling to work as a key worker, if unable to work from home.

"These rules must be observed. So, if people break the rules, the police will issue fines and disperse gatherings.

"Please this Flora Day, stay at home," added the association.