After three years Helstonbury made a triumphant return at the weekend – and it has raised record-breaking sums in its 20th anniversary year.

The festival, which showcases local musical talent while raising money for local charity groups, was held once again at its traditional home at the Blue Anchor pub.

Helstonbury was created by Paul Turton back in 2001, when it was originally meant to be a one night gig to raise money for a young lady needing funds for her wheelchair. Now, the festival has celebrated its 20th year in nostalgic fashion, bringing back many of the bands from the over the years – including those who performed on the Helston Introducing Stage who have gone on to become big names.

 

Festival founder Paul Turton (right) with Andrew Plenty Picture: Jake Riding

Festival founder Paul Turton (right) with Andrew Plenty Picture: Jake Riding

 

It was also an anniversary year for the Culdrose Military Wives Choir, celebrating their tenth anniversary, having first performed together back in 2012 at Helstonbury. They were back performing on Sunday, on The Al Rideout Stage.

This year, for the first time, there was also an app available for download on the Apple app store and Google Play store.

Acts included Helston heavy metal band Black Leaves of Envy, whose first gig was at Helstonbury in 2014, and this year will be the final time their original music is performed.

 

Go Go Skank on stage Picture: Jake Riding

Go Go Skank on stage Picture: Jake Riding

 

Others among the 65 artists to perform included Go Go Skank, Bobby's Helmet and High Voltage bringing high energy, along with the more acoustic sounds of Bob Seymour, Bob Love and Hit and Miss, plus plenty of new up-and-coming talent.

Kicking off the festival on Thursday evening were Disciples of Funk followed by Helston School Jazz Orchestra, Spyralz and the Fast Track Big Band.

Paul told the Packet that all records had been broken, with around £18,000 taken over the four days in tickets and sales of merchandise - around £4,000 more than was taken when it was last held in 2019.

This means the overall amount raised over the last two decades is more than £100,000. 

Paul said: "I was apprehensive at first, as it had been three years - what type of response we would have, would we get the crowds, especially in tough economic times with fuel and the cost of living. 

"But when we have paid off our bills we will have a large amount of money going to the charity." 

He described it as an "old style Helstonbury," adding: "The atmosphere was brilliant. It's been a long time since we've had that feeling, because of the pandemic, and it's good to know we have got back to where we used to be." 

Paul thanked everyone involved in setting up and holding the event, from the stage crew to the volunteers, bar staff, the crowds who came and of course the bands themselves, who gave up their time to perform. 

Pictures: Jake Riding

 

Entertaining the crowds Picture: Jake Riding

Entertaining the crowds Picture: Jake Riding

Some horsing around in the audience Picture: Jake Riding

Some 'horsing around' in the audience Picture: Jake Riding

Disciples of Funk opened the festival on Thursday Picture: Jake Riding

Disciples of Funk opened the festival on Thursday Picture: Jake Riding

Helston School Jazz Orchestra Picture: Jake Riding

Helston School Jazz Orchestra Picture: Jake Riding

Friday music on the Acoustic Stage Picture: Jake Riding

Friday music on the Acoustic Stage Picture: Jake Riding

Cerys Basher performs Picture: Jake Riding

Cerys Basher performs Picture: Jake Riding

Fans enjoying the occasion Picture: Jake Riding

Fans enjoying the occasion Picture: Jake Riding

Holly Turton with the Stone Roots Picture: Jake Riding

Holly Turton with the Stone Roots Picture: Jake Riding

Culdrose Military Wives Choir perform on Sunday Picture: Jake Riding

Culdrose Military Wives Choir perform on Sunday Picture: Jake Riding

All dressed up for Helstonbury Picture: Jake Riding

All dressed up for Helstonbury Picture: Jake Riding

The crowd enjoying the music Picture: Jake Riding

The crowd enjoying the music Picture: Jake Riding

There was a range of music Picture: Jake Riding

There was a range of music Picture: Jake Riding

One of the acts on Saturday Picture: Jake Riding

One of the acts on Saturday Picture: Jake Riding