When the Rain Couldn’t Stop Helston: Hundreds Gather for an Unforgettable Fireside Show

From Roadworks to Rain – But the Show Went On

What started as a potential washout turned into a shining example of Helston’s community spirit as more than 300 people gathered for the Fireside performance on Thursday 23rd October 2025.

Originally planned for Coinage Hall Street, the outdoor event was moved to Coronation Park after a change in roadworks disrupted the initial plans. Then, as a yellow weather warning swept in, it looked as though the performance might be postponed again. Instead, residents and organisers came together to make sure the show went on.

Helston Community College Steps In

Helston Community College became the hero of the evening when Finance Manager Jo Lynes and Facilities Manager Nick Pearce offered the school’s North Site atrium as an alternative venue. The canteen was transformed into a spectacular three-storey theatre, allowing the performance to go ahead safely indoors.

Helston Town Council, whose grant ensured the event could remain free, worked quickly to inform residents of the last-minute venue change through social media. The South Kerrier Alliance CIC also helped spread the word online, making sure no one missed out.

Standing Ovation for Beowulf

The performance of Beowulf, featuring storytelling and acrobatics from Nikki & JD and Lost Dog, captivated an audience of all ages — from babies to a couple in their 80s. The show ended with a standing ovation and cheers from the crowd, a moment that reflected Helston’s determination to keep the community connected despite the weather.

A Milestone Moment for Trevow Helston CIC

The event also marked an important milestone for Trevow Helston CIC, which recently celebrated its first year running the former chapel on Meneage Road as a creative centre for events and activities. In just twelve months, the group has hosted over 100 events and welcomed more than 5,000 attendees.

Creative Producer Guy Watson said:

“This event shows that brilliant experiences really do pull the community together and get Helston buzzing. We’re so excited to bring more events like this to Helston. Next up we want to bring something of this scale into the centre of the town – supporting local businesses and increasing footfall.”

Trevow Helston CIC operates the former chapel on Meneage Road as a creative events and activities space. For more information, visit www.trevowhelston.co.uk.

The night stood as a reminder that, in Helston, not even severe weather can dampen the fire of community spirit.