The soft glow of lanterns reflected in the water of Helston’s boating lake made for a picturesque end to Saturday evening.

The 2024 Helston Lantern Parade took place at Coronation Park ahead of St Piran's Day with great support from both those taking part and watching.

All of Helston’s schools got involved, as well as Culdrose Community Centre, Park View Day Centre and participants of a lantern making workshop at the Museum of Cornish Life.

Falmouth Packet: Parc Eglos pupils with their lanternsParc Eglos pupils with their lanterns (Image: NQ)

City of Lights worked with local school children and community groups to create lanterns for the parade.

A long procession gathered in the car park of the Old Cattle Market ready to begin at 6.30pm, with lantern carriers completing two laps of the lake.

Falmouth Packet: St Michael's SchoolSt Michael's School (Image: NQ)

Around the edge were larger lanterns created last year for the parade, which this time took up static positions. They included Henry Trengrouse, two angels, a Cornish mining engine house and of course St Piran himself.

Participants carried smaller lanterns, including houses and stars.

Falmouth Packet: Millie with her lanternMillie with her lantern (Image: NQ)

The evening featured music from Helston Town Band, with folk musicians from MADE (Music and Dance Education) leading the procession. Members also performed stories of Helston.

The event was supported by Helston Town Council and Museum of Cornish Life, with this year’s parade the third since it was formed in 2022.

Falmouth Packet: Liane Jose and Pat Hickman from MADELiane Jose and Pat Hickman from MADE (Image: NQ)

It was one two Cornish themed events to take place on Saturday in the run up to St Piran’s Day on Tuesday.

The Helston Bakes Competition asked bakers to take along their homemade Cornish goods to the Guildhall for judging, with classes for traditional pasty, hevva cake and Cornish splits, each in categories for 16 and under, and over 16.

Falmouth Packet: Nanlsoe AcademyNanlsoe Academy (Image: NQ)

On St Piran’s Day itself, Tuesday, March 5, Helston will be celebrating in typical fashion with music at The Blue Anchor. Join for singing, Spingo beer, an open fire and Trelawny Shout at 9pm.

Falmouth Packet: Some of the participants of the lantern making workshop at the Museum of Cornish LifeSome of the participants of the lantern making workshop at the Museum of Cornish Life (Image: NQ)

Falmouth Packet: Helston Town Band performHelston Town Band perform (Image: NQ)

Falmouth Packet: Lanterns reflected in the waterLanterns reflected in the water (Image: NQ)Falmouth Packet: Culdrose Community CentreCuldrose Community Centre (Image: NQ)Falmouth Packet: St Piran by the lakeSt Piran by the lake (Image: NQ)