Coronation Boating Lake, Water Carnival: Information

The Old Cattle Market Helston has shared an exciting announcement today (Wednesday) which revealed the return of a Water Carnival. 

The family and group event is set to take place on July 20, 2024, to coincide with Helston Town Band's Fete and the Museum of Cornish Life's fair.

According to the Old Cattle Market, the event first took place in 1912 when Lower Green was flooded. A water carnival was begun to encourage fun on the newly created Boating Lake.

In a bid to bring more events and activities to Coronation Park, organisers want to revive the carnival which vanished from Helston’s calendar around a hundred years ago.

First prize in the Water Carnival on Helston Boating Lake in 1913 (Image: Helston Old Cattle Market)

Organisers have shared more details about the event, including how members of the public can take part.

A post on the Old Cattle Market website reads: “We want to hear from up-for-a-challenge, lets-give-it-a-go, more-than-a-little-competitive groups to create their own water-borne floats for our pedalo-powered Water Carnival Grand Parade.

“A top-notch team of judges will be called to award the winning float £100 and the enviable honour of leading the Grand Parade around the lake.”

Information is also provided for groups who wish to enter. These are as follows:

How many floats will there be?
We only have space for 9 floats (the number of rowing boats and pedalos we have to hand, and groups will be invited to create a float on a first-come-first-served basis.

What should we make?
We would like to see spectacular creative installations that can float on the Boating Lake. They will then be towed by the resident swan and flamingo pedalos, and rowing boats, for the Grand Parade.

Is there a theme?
We aren’t setting a theme for the Grand Parade this year, so the world is your oyster.

Who pedals the pedalos and rows the boats towing the floats?
Ideally, each group will pedal or row their own floats pedalo or boat. But if this isn’t possible for your group let us know.

What if my float sinks or we get into trouble?
The boat crew from Naughty but Ice will be on hand to wade out and rescue floats and float creators – they’ll also help you launch your float.

Is there a limit on the size and weight?
We aren’t putting restrictions on the size or weight of the float but don’t forget you will need to pedal or row it around the lake!

Can we be on the float?
Not for this year. Everyone in your group must be either on dry land on your pedalo or in your rowing boat. That doesn’t mean you can’t use ropes or bullies to create animation on your float, they’ll just need to be operated from your pedalo or boat.

What will happen on the day (20th July)?
We will ask you to bring your float to the Coronation Park between 8-10am.

People transporting floats will be able to drive up to the lake. The Naughty but Ice boat crew will help you launch your float into the lake.

Timings below are subject to change as the event is developed.

• All floats must be in the water by 10am.
• Floats will be judged at 3pm.
• The Grand Parade will launch at 4pm.
• Floats must be removed from Coronation Park between 6-8pm.

What should I make the float out of?
Your float can be made of anything you have to hand but it must be able to stay afloat and be able to be attached to a pedal or rowing boat. We’ll work out fixings at a planning meeting together.

What will be judged?
Judges will be looking for the most spectacular and creative float design. Visitors to the park will also be able to judge entries and the “Helstonians Choice” award will be given to the float with the most visitor votes.

How much is it to enter?
We’re charging £10 per group – a bargain considering the £100 prize!

Alright, we’re ready to enter – what do we do?
Great! Get in touch for a form by emailing guy@cousinjacks.org or calling us on 07792858435. Don’t forget we can only accept the first 9 entries so get in touch ASAP.

To find out more information, visit The Old Cattle Market.