THE land-based aspects of Falmouth Week 2020 have been cancelled, but a sailing regatta is still planned.

The Falmouth Week Committee said it had made an unanimous decision to cancel the shoreside events for the week, due to take place from August 8 to 16.

A spokesperson said: "The Falmouth Week Committee has waited until now to see how the current Covid-19 situation was progressing.

"While it is the right decision, albeit a disappointing one, the health and safety of the Falmouth residents, traders and visitors is of most importance.

"All organisers are in agreement that social distancing could not be adhered to and therefore it is the right choice to make."

Falmouth town manager and chairman of the Shoreside Committee, Richard Gates, said: “Given that we are dealing with a global pandemic, it is not possible to host Falmouth Week without putting all those involved at risk.

"I would like to thank everyone for all their hard work and time this year that has already taken place and we look forward to August 6 to 15, 2021.”

Tim Vigus, from Falmouth Events and Southwest Bars and Events, added: "We always look forward to this key event in the Falmouth calendar and we are very much looking forward to welcoming you all back to enjoy the festivities of Falmouth Week in 2021 – for what we hope will be our biggest and best year yet."

Meanwhile the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association (POFSA) is continuing to make plans for Falmouth Sailing Week.

POFSA chairman, Nigel Sharp, said: "We are working hard to explore ways to organise a modified version of Falmouth Sailing Week that will ensure the safety of our volunteers and competitors, which we take extremely seriously.

“We opened the online entry system at the beginning of the month, albeit without yet asking for entry fees to be paid, and the owners of 41 boats have already declared an interest, which is tremendously positive.”

Falmouth Week 2021 will take place from August 6 to 15.

The 10-day event is a major attraction for locals and visitors alike with fleet racing for yachts, dayboats and dinghies as well as a packed schedule of day and night shoreside entertainment.

For further information on Falmouth Week see www.falmouthweek.co.uk