After three years's absence one of Cornwall's most iconic music festivals returns this weekend and will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The Blue Anchor in Helston will welcome back Helstonbury, a festival which showcases local musical talent, whilst raising proceeds for charity.

Helstonbury was created by Paul Turton back in 2001, where it was originally meant to be a one night gig to raise money for a young lady who needed funds for her wheelchair. Now, the festival will celebrate it's 20th year.

Although it has been three years since the event took place, before the pandemic, there is a "buzz" around Helston as this year's event approaches, said Paul.

He told the Packet: "I am excited, but a little apprehensive as it has been a long time since it last took place."

As it is the 20th anniversary of the festival, this year it will focus on Helstonbury nostalgia. There will be bands reunited and a daughter from a previous performer now performing herself.

It will also be an anniversary celebration for the Culdrose Military Wives choir, as they will celebrate their tenth year. They first performed together back in 2012 at Helstonbury, and they will be performing on The Al Rideout Stage on Sunday between 12pm and 1pm.

Various musical talents have been announced on the festival's website and social media pages. There is also an app available for download on the Apple app store and Google Play store.

Stone Roots will be performing once again at Helstonbury this weekend. Photo: Jake Riding

Stone Roots will be performing once again at Helstonbury this weekend. Photo: Jake Riding

Line up:

Thursday, July 21

Disciples of Funk from 5pm until 6 pm, followed by Helston School Jazz Orchestra from 6pm until 7pm.

Friday, July 22

Helston Introducing Stage will showcase talents from young local talent with all performers being 18 and under, and from 11pm until 11.30pm, Marmalade Shed will be taking to the stage.

On the Helston Music Foundation Stage, Laura's Dream, a south west based indi rock band, will be performing from 7.45pm until 8.30pm, and then from 10.45pm until 11.30pm Helston heavy metal band Black Leaves of Envy will be taking to the stage. The band's first gig was at Helstonbury in 2014, and this year will be the final time their original music is performed.

Helstonbury organiser Paul Turton (second left) gets to enjoy a pint Picture: Jake Riding

Helstonbury organiser Paul Turton (second left) gets to enjoy a pint Picture: Jake Riding

Saturday, July 23

From 12.15pm on the Al Rideout Stage, there will be performances from acapella singing group Synergy, indie rock band Riptide from 2pm followed by three-piece rock band Thee Minute Warning at 4pm and then at 6pm Go Go Skank will be taking the stage to perform ska, blues, rock, funk and even a little bit of brass brand. Classic rock cover band Crazy Horses will be taking to the stage at 8pm and following on from them will be well known Helston band Bobby's Helmet, who will be performing modern and alternative hits.

The Acoustic Stage will see performances from Stone Cutters from 1pm, followed by piano man Paul Simmons at 5pm. Cerys Basher, a singer/songwriter from the Lizard Peninsula, will be performing covers of acoustic rock songs, followed on by swing, country and jazz band Jack O Hearts, taking to the stage at 7pm. Following them will be singer/songwriter Kaj who will take to the stage at 9pm on Saturday evening.

Over on the Cannon Stage from 1pm will see multi instrumentalist Didge Syndrome, followed by BandEkoot at 3pm who will perform rock and pop covers, and then at 5pm, Whiskey Joe will perform some hits from the 1960's. Falmouth punk and new wave band Blackout will be performing from 7pm and from 9pm, Mod Life Crisis will take to the stage.

The Snug Bar will host performances from Tamsin McCardie, an acoustic singer, with a folky twist at 2pm, and Moya Dora, a folk singer from Staffordshire, will follow at 3.30pm. At 5pm, Lowenna and Josh will be performing a mix of jazz, pop and indie classics in a acoustic performance, and finally at 6.30pm Tom Henry will perform.

Sunday, July 24

On the last day of the festival, Culdrose Military Wives Choir will perform from 12pm on the Al Rideout Stage, followed by Zalick - a rock, pop and blues band at 1pm. From 3pm blues and rock band Blacktop Deluxe will be on stage, at 5pm classics and modern rock cover band High Voltage will be on stage and after this, 'Helstonbury Heroes' The Roustabouts Collective will perform Gypsy Folk. Stone Roots are at 9pm and then at 10pm DJ Tripdog and friends will be providing guests with a silent disco – a £20 deposit will be required on the door when you arrive.

Sara's Stage will host acts from Synergy at 1.30pm, Jam First at 2.15pm, Francis Gendall, No Apologies at 2.40pm and Black Bar Jar performing from 2.55pm. Later on in the day, guests can see performances from Anna Keirle at 4.30pm, and Hit and Miss at 5.45pm.

There will also be the Cannon Stage from 2pm, ending with Not The Beatles from 10pm, while the Acoustic Stage also begins at 2pm and includes Bob Seymour at 8pm and Bob Love at 10pm.

Weekend tickets, Friday to Sunday are £30 for adult, £15 for children and under five is free. Day tickets are £15 for adults, £7.50 for children, and under five is free. Tickets will be able to be purchased on the day, and no advance tickets are available.

There is more information about the performers, their schedules over the weekend on the Helstonbury website: https://www.helstonbury.com/ or visit the Facebook page.