Falmouth councillors are supporting plans to lay on a host of activities and entertainment in the town during this summer’s Tall Ships Regatta, but unusually questioned why the shut down time was so early.

Tim Vigus, of South West Bars, and Anna Druce, of Visit Cornwall, attended a meeting of Falmouth’s licensing sub-committee to explain two applications for limited period licenses in respect of Falmouth Docks and Church Street car park.

The docks licence would cover entertainment areas on Duchy Wharf and County Wharf where marquees will be erected which will host plays, films, dance, live music and bars from 10am until 8pm, although the end time applied for is 10pm. There will be CCTV coverage of the area and stewards and marshals will be on hand to control the crowds.

Ms Druce told councillors it is planned for the sites at the docks to be open between noon and 8pm on the Thursday and 10am and 8pm on Friday and Saturday, adding: “The application is for longer in case we need to alter our opening times.”

On hearing this, Councillor Diana Merrett asked: “Why do you have to shut at 10pm for an event as big as tall ships?”

Mr Vigus said: “The primary concern is public safety. We would love for us to be open until 12, but the site is situated in a working dockyard and that is where the issues are. The ships will be having evening activities on board, but for the general public the thought is that if we shut down the facilities, we will see a flow of people coming back into the town again.

“There are other activities going on throughout the town, so the fun doesn’t have to end at the docks.”

The Church Street car park application seeks a licence to be able to provide activities including children’s fairground rides, a continental market and an acoustic stage and bar.

The times sought are from 11am until 9pm. There will again be CCTV coverage and stewards and marshals to ensure the smooth running of the events.

Again Ms Merrett thought 9pm was too soon to end the activities, but Mr Vigus said: “We do not want to create too much of a nuisance. Hopefully, the main focal point will be at Events Square.”

The sub-committee has recommended Cornwall Council approve the two applications as applied for.

Chairman, councillor Rowenna Brock said: “We are incredibly keen to pull this off with the biggest bang ever.”