Helston is a town and civil parish in Cornwall, England in the UK. It is situated at the northern edge of the Lizard Peninsula approximately 12 miles (19 km) east of Penzance and 9 miles (14 km) south-west of Falmouth. Helston is the most southerly town on the island of Great Britain and is around 1.5 miles (2.4 km) further south than Penzance. Helston is situated along the banks of the River Cober in Cornwall. Downstream is Cornwall's largest natural lake Loe Pool, formed when a shingle bar obstructed the mouth of the river by increasing sea levels forming a barrier beach. To the south is the Lizard Peninsula, an area important for its intricate geology and wildlife environments. The town is among the mildest areas in the country and frosts are almost never serious. The population in 2011 was 11700. Residents are able to get involved in a range of yearly celebrations that occur at several points throughout the year. The former stannary and cattle market town is best known for the yearly Furry Dance, known regionally as the Flora Dance, said to stem from the medieval period. However, the Hal-an-Tow is considered to be of Celtic origin. The song, and music, associated with the Furry Dance is known to have actually been composed in 1911. In 2001, the town honored the 800th anniversary of the granting of its Charter. The town additionally has an active sporting scene, with Helston RFC, Helston Athletic FC and Helston Cricket Club all having prominent roles within the community. The Swallows Gymnastics Club is also very popular within the region. For all your home improvements, be sure to identify trustworthy contractors in Helston to make certain of quality.