Large crowds gathered in Cornwall this weekend as Falmouth welcomed the return of its annual Festive Weekend.
The event has always been well received since its conception, bringing a significant boost to Falmouth at the same time.

Falmouth Packet: The ice rink was a big hit for many at the event The ice rink was a big hit for many at the event (Image: Richard Willcox)

The Festive Weekend is another event that has been funded and coordinated by the award-winning management partnership between Falmouth BID and Falmouth Town Council, aka the Falmouth Town Team, with support from the Christmas Working Group.

Hundreds of families could be found taking selfies in the snow globe on The Moor, which was complemented by a live performance stage that featured local choirs and bands and a Miracle Theatre 'Santa's Grotto', along with food and craft stalls.

Falmouth Packet: Christmas stilt walkers in Falmouth Christmas stilt walkers in Falmouth (Image: Richard Willcox)

The BID team worked with Miracle to invite people to donate unwrapped gifts and help Santa spread some joy to local families. Many donations were received, and there will now be distributed via various charitable centres including Falmouth Children's Centre, Dracaena Centre and Simon House.

Meanwhile, visitors to Church Street were greeted with a snowy scene, as professional snow machines created a 'wintery effect' which was said to be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Falmouth Packet: Father Christmas joined the children on the train Father Christmas joined the children on the train (Image: Richard Willcox)

Another big hit for visitors was said to be the festive snow train which carried large numbers of families on a Christmassy loop from The Moor to Events Square.

Father Christmas also took time out of his busy schedule to ride on the train over the weekend and give out sweet treats to fellow passengers and passers-by.

An artificial ice rink was another popular attraction on Discover Quay, with skaters of all ages enjoying the ‘ice'.

Falmouth Packet: Jill and her daughter Kelly, from the Black Pearl smiling with bauble in foregroundJill and her daughter Kelly, from the Black Pearl smiling with bauble in foreground (Image: Richard Willcox)

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall offered free entry to Cornish residents over the weekend, which was reportedly another popular attraction.

Choirs and bands from Falmouth and beyond performed on the square, alongside an ‘ice curling’ lane that had been installed.

Funds raised will contribute towards Falmouth Christmas 2023.

Falmouth Packet: Christmas street performers Christmas street performers (Image: Richard Willcox)

Falmouth’s cruise ship ambassadors were officially renamed the ‘Christmas Ambassadors’ for the day and helped during the festival. Dressed in light blue ‘Here to Help’ vests and the odd festive hat, they assisted in disseminating event information to visitors and helping manage the artificial ice rink, snow globe and festive land train operations.

Falmouth Packet: The live nativity group who were at Church CornerThe live nativity group who were at Church Corner (Image: Richard Willcox)

They were greatly supported by Falmouth Town Council staff and councillors who volunteered time to help the Town Team deliver this event.

Cllr Steve Eva, Mayor of Falmouth said: “Wow, what a weekend!

“The Festive Weekend bears testament to the strength of community spirit here in Falmouth, with many local groups, volunteers and traders getting involved.

“I have received terrific feedback from residents and visitors, impressed by how well Falmouth and its Town Team organise events.

“The festival really has bought Christmas cheer to many people, particularly at this challenging time.”

Commenting on the Festive Weekend, organiser Richard Wilcox, Falmouth BID Manager said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the Festive Weekend and the overwhelming feedback from the thousands of people who came into Falmouth over the two days has been hugely positive.

“Despite challenging conditions faced in the build-up event, we were delighted to deliver it for the benefit of the town, businesses, and residents.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to all our volunteers who came together so well to enable the full range of activities to take place.

Tracy Woodcock, who runs Bow Accessories outlets on Killigrew and Market Street, said: “The Festive Weekend is a great idea and a real boost to business.

“It’s of course a really challenging trading environment so the more activities, events, and reasons to visit our lovely town the better.

“The festival has things happening across the town, which really helps to create a magical atmosphere that everybody, young or old, enjoys. Well done to the Town Team, BID and all involved!!”