Part of Flora Day is to feature on national television this year as part of a new show for children.

A film crew will be coming to Helston for the final practice of the Hal-an-Tow, as part of an episode of the new CBeebies show Treasure Tales.

This is described as a “fascinating history through objects series, based in Cornwall”, and is aimed at children up to the age of six.

It is one of a number of new shows announced for the BBC’s children’s channels, CBBC and CBeebies, with a focus on factual-entertainment.

Announcing it in October last year, the BBC said: “This live action series from Screen Glue Ltd unlocks the story of Cornwall’s rich history through found objects.

“Friends Fred and Pete live in the pretty Cornish village of Port Isaac and spend their days hunting for treasures. From mysterious hats to burnt buckets, pages of a diary to a broken telescope, each object has a story that Fred and Pete bring to life when they go on an adventure to discover more about the treasure’s secrets.

“Helping them on the way is Suzy who runs the Museum of Cornish Treasures in Post Isaac. Suzy knows a thing or two about the history of Cornwall and is on hand to offer pointers to the friends about how they can find out more about their discoveries and once the history of the item is unearthed, it may even end up on display in her museum.

“With challenges, songs and capers along the way, the items bring stories to life to provide a potted history lesson of the region in a fun, accessible way for children.”

The Hal-an-Tow, a celebration of welcoming back the summer after winter months, is actually the oldest and most traditional part of Flora Day, having taken place for hundreds of-years.

Falmouth Packet: An old photo of the processionAn old photo of the procession

In the nineteenth century the Hal-an-Tow was abandoned, but was revived again in 1930.

'Hal-an-Tow' was once more widespread, and was sung in other towns in Cornwall besides Helston. Some version of the song goes back to the 1600s, since the chorus was written down at that time, but the full verses were not recorded until the 1840s.

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The dance starts at 8.30am on Flora Day, after the Morning Dance finishes, beginning at St Johns Bridge, in St Johns Road. The route then will go up towards the Grylls Monument at the bottom of town, then proceed to Number 1 Cross Street – one of the oldest buildings in the town.

After this, the mobile pageant – which tells the story of St Michael defeating the devil, St George killing the dragon and arrival of St Piran to Cornwall – will then head towards Penrose Hill and will spend some time outside the historic Old Green School, which now belongs to CAST.

Falmouth Packet: An old photo of the Hal-an-TowAn old photo of the Hal-an-Tow

They will then move on to Meneage Street, the bottom of Trengrouse Road, and then back towards the Guildhall where they will finish, in time for the Children's Dance which starts at 9.50am.

Former mayor Gillian Geer, who also previously owned Gillian's Larder in Meneage Street, has been in charge of organising the Hal-an-Tow for 28 years and told the Packet: "Everyone is welcome to take part, providing they're physically well as it's quite a long walk from area-to-area."

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Children are also welcome to take part, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

This year’s Flora Day takes place on Friday, May 5, after being moved forward a day due to the King’s Coronation on the Saturday.

It had already been moved from the traditional May 8, which this year falls on a Monday – a day that traditionally never hosts Flora Day, due to this being market day in the past.