Wake the Giant!

Wake the Giant! by The Lost Giants
Supported by Trevow Helston & South Kerrier Alliance
Friday 28th August | 11am–3pm (procession at 3pm)

FREE EVENT — Playful Park

Something massive is coming to Coronation Park — and it needs YOUR help to come alive!

Wake the Giant is a brand new event for Helston, created by The Lost Giants — Amy and Ruth Webb, Cornwall’s very own professional giant makers. Born from a 35-year-old giant-making tradition in Lostwithiel, The Lost Giants revive and reimagine folk practices, bringing communities together through the shared magic of making and celebration. Now they’re bringing their extraordinary craft to Coronation Park for a day like nothing the park has ever seen.

From 11am, the park becomes a hive of making and mischief. Help dress the giant, craft your own makeshift musical instruments, and gather together to celebrate summer’s bounty. Inspired by the Cornish tradition of “shallal” — where communities took to the streets to make themselves heard for miles around — the morning builds towards one glorious, noisy, colourful moment.

At 3pm, it’s time. Lead a bonkers, noisy procession around the lake — the bigger the crowd, the bigger the noise! Bring the whole family, bring your neighbours, bring anyone who loves a bit of joyful chaos.

Nothing like this has ever happened at the park before. Don’t miss the chance to be part of it.

What is Playful Park?

Playful Park is our 2026 project transforming Coronation Park into a vibrant destination for family fun all summer long. At its heart is a spectacular giant painted floor mural designed by local artist Lisa Curtis — packed with games for all ages, free to play and here to stay as a permanent new addition to the park. Alongside the mural, there’s an interactive running track, community bunting-making, the Big Scribble (where you get to draw all over the paths!), a two-day games expo, busking from local young musicians, Play in a Day with the Minack, roaming Commedia dell’arte, Wake the Giant, a family sports day and much more running right through the summer holidays.

Support free events at Coronation Park

This year, over 60% of our events at Coronation Park are completely free. We do this because we believe that everyone in Helston and on The Lizard deserves access to brilliant events — regardless of what’s in their pocket. The South Kerrier Alliance CIC is a not-for-profit organisation and we don’t receive any regular public funding. Every free event we put on is only possible because of the support of people like you. If days like this matter to you and your community, please consider making a donation here.

Event-Specific Information

• Suitable for all ages — the whole community is invited.
• This is a free event. No booking required — just turn up!
• Workshops run from 11am. The procession begins at 3pm.
• All materials for instrument-making and giant-dressing provided.

What do I need to know?

• This event takes place across Coronation Park, Helston, TR13 0RA.
• Lakeside Cafe will be open serving hot and cold drinks, ice creams, cakes and a range of family-friendly meals.
• The event will go ahead in all but the most extreme weather conditions, so please dress for the Cornish weather.
• There is a small pay and display car park at Coronation Park — all proceeds support the running of the park. There is a larger pay and display car park at Castle Green and at the nearby Fairground car park.
• There is level access to Coronation Park. If you have any additional access needs that you’d like to discuss with us, please email Guy at guy@lovehelston.co.uk.
• There are accessible toilets at the rear of Lakeside Cafe.
• Events may be filmed or photographed and the material may be used by the South Kerrier Alliance CIC and its partner companies/organisations for evaluation, promotion or other projects. Please make sure everyone in your party is aware of this.