Allantide, Cornwall’s own Halloween, waits below Tregonning Hill

Long before pumpkins and plastic skeletons, Cornwall had its own way of marking the darker turn of the year. And this half term, families can get a taste of it around a campfire near Helston.

Cornwall Heritage Trust is holding a free Allantide afternoon below Tregonning Hill this Wednesday (28 October), with apple roasting, storytelling and creative activities inspired by centuries of Cornish tradition.

What is Allantide?

Considered by many to be Cornwall’s answer to Halloween, Allantide is a celebration shaped by generations of stories, customs and folklore.

The trust says autumn’s darker days have a way of drawing people back to firelight and old stories. If your kids love a bit of campfire magic, this is aimed squarely at them.

What’s happening on the day

Everything takes place beneath the trust’s large canvas Scout Tent below Tregonning Hill.

There will be apple roasting, spellbinding storytelling and creative activities to try. Families can gather around the campfire and discover the tales and superstitions linked to this time of year, in a celebration that has brought people together for generations.

Do you need to book?

No. All the activities are free, there’s no need to book, and you don’t need to be a member of the trust to go along.

The event is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Allantide at Tregonning Hill: the details

• Date: Wednesday 28 October
• Time: 11am to 2pm
• Location: Tregonning Hill Field, Balwest, Helston, TR13 9TE
• Price: Free

Want a reminder nearer the time? You can register your interest on the trust’s Allantide event page.

The trust’s invitation to anyone thinking of coming is to embrace the turning of the year with a touch of old Cornish magic and mystery.