Falmouth will witness a once in a lifetime procession through the streets on Friday as town and gown come together to mark the historic moment Falmouth becomes Cornwall’s first fully fledged university.

The celebrations on Friday, May 31 will see dignitaries, politicians, councillors and students walk through the streets, followed by a service of dedication at the Church of King Charles the Martyr.

Later in the evening a spectacular gala dinner will be held at Pendennis Castle to top the day of celebrations that formally acknowledges the “extraordinary journey of over 100 years of excellence in the creative arts”.

David Willetts, minister of state for universities and science, recognised Falmouth's status as a full university following a rigorous appraisal process, with final Privy Council approval granted in November 2012.

Over the last ten years Falmouth has seen student numbers triple to more than 4,000 and has benefitted from more than £100 million of investment in the facilities at its two campuses in Falmouth and Penryn.

Having started life in 1902 as a small art school, today it is recognised nationally and internationally as a multi-arts university offering art, design, media, performance and writing.

Professor Anne Carlisle said: "Achieving full university title has been one of our key goals and speaks volumes for the quality of our teaching, facilities and governance. It is also the culmination of the efforts of many in Cornwall who have supported our aspirations over several years. The day of celebrations will now cement Falmouth University's reputation for quality and innovation across all the art forms and further our drive to become one of the top five arts universities in the world. We want to develop the creative industries sector and bring creativity to other industries, and our students graduate with the confidence that they are joining one of the most buoyant employment markets in the world."

Falmouth Town Mayor, Councillor Geoffrey Evans, said: "Falmouth should be proud to be Cornwall's first official university town and this association is completely apt, complementing our vibrant and thriving community. We are proud to be the home of a learning institution that delivers all the art forms, unique to the UK. The Council recognises the substantial benefit of the investment that the university and its students bring to Falmouth. I am struck by the high number of graduates who set up their own businesses locally, enhancing our existing creative industries. Long may our association continue through this latest phase of the growth of our University."