No, we haven’t been partying with Donkey Kong (however fun that would be!). Apparently a ‘monkey’s birthday’ is the term given to a meteorological phenomenon in which rain falls while the sun is shining.  Not only did we find the name funny, but we couldn’t help but laugh as we were caught in the most confusing weather today in Truro, Cornwall – luckily we saw the funny side of being dressed for summer and squelching around in our flip-flops amid torrential showers!

Ah the joys of a good old British summer!

We couldn’t resist sharing this post with you. Some of you may have experienced this wonderful day before, but if not, read on and you will see why the town of Helston down here in Cornwall has been buzzing of late.

Together with hoards of other people, we descended on the streets of Helston yesterday, to experience one of the UK’s oldest traditions, Flora Day. It is a celebration of the passing of Winter and the arrival of Spring, and although the winter weather threatened to return and rain on the day, it held off and we were all able to celebrate in style!

The special event is usually held on 8th May, except when this date falls on a Sunday or Monday, then it is held on the preceding Saturday. The tradition sees couples dancing in their finest, top hats and tails for the men and only the best of  ball gowns for the women, as they weave all over town, painting the streets with colour and even passing through private houses and shops.

There were stalls selling Cornish crafts and homemade food, plus a fun fair for the young at heart at the bottom of the town, near the boating lake.

What a day…you should definitely come and join us next year!