The ten-day Fal River festival is in full swing this week ater setting sail on Friday.

This year the festival has a programme of 150 events varying from music and drama, the arts and heritage to gig racing, swimming and walking.

The festival was established in 2006 and is now in its the eighth year, giving visitors and locals alike the chance to embrace the places, people, history, culture, sport and industry that are connected by this very Cornish river.

A mix of events is now taking place at dozens of locations around the Fal River, from Falmouth Art Gallery, Princess Pavilion and The Poly through to the National Maritime Museum and even Trelissick Garden, with the festival offering something for everyone.

Kicking off the fun was the popular Beer Fleet that sailed down the Fal to Falmouth, arriving at the Prince of Wales Pier early on Friday evening. From here a keg of beer was carried through the town centre to Events Square, for the opening ceremony of the festival.

This year’s fleet saw cold and blustery weather for the fleet's arrival, with the A&P tugs opening their water cannons for a spectacular entrance as it arrived in Falmouth.

On Saturday, highlights included the Fal Fish Festival, which this year ran for three days over the Bank Holiday weekend, while on Sunday the fun included Falmouth Boat Jumble.

On both days over the weekend there were fish auctions in aid of the Fishermen’s Mission.

Held to coincide with half term, this week sees a daily programme of events for families, from art workshops at Falmouth Art Gallery to activity session at the Princess Pavilion.

This weekend sees more popular annual events, such as the Castle to Castle Swim this Sunday, involving scores of people swimming from Pendennis Castle to St Mawes Castle from noon.

Earlier in the day thrill seekers will be abseiling down the National Maritime Museum on Events Square, between 10am and 4pm, in aid of BF Adventure.

A full, day-by-day schedule of events can be found in the Fal River Festival programme available throughout the town and online at www.falriver.co.uk/whats-on/fal-river-festival/programme