Falmouth’s biggest summer festival is just around the corner, kicking off this Friday.
Falmouth Week 2024 begins this Friday, August 9 and runs until Sunday, August 18, with a vibrant blend of sailing, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions.
At the heart of Falmouth Week is its renowned sailing regatta, one of the largest in the south west, as participants take to the water in all different types of boats, from traditional working boats to sleek racing yachts, for an exhilarating display of skill and strategy.
While sailing enthusiasts revel in the action on the water, Falmouth Week offers a diverse range of activities on land, with a busy programme of events.
The ten-day festival kicks off with the Pink Wig Parade on Friday, a colourful procession through the streets of Falmouth to raise awareness of and funds for breast cancer.
On Saturday the lively Falmouth Marching Carnival will parade from Falmouth Rugby Club at 6.30pm, through the town centre, before finishing at Events Square. Following the carnival, Falmouth Soul Sensation and Kernoasis promise a night to remember at the free-to-attend carnival night in the Falmouth Week marquee on Church Street Car Park.
Throughout the week, there will be a whole host of music acts taking the stage in the Falmouth Week marquee, courtesy of Southwest Bars and Events:
- Fleetwood Bac, the world’s first Fleetwood Mac tribute show, returns to Falmouth on Sunday, August 11.
- Shaun Ryder’s Black Grape will bring their funk and electronic rock fusion on Monday, August 12.
- Falmouth Rocks on Tuesday, August 13 promises electrifying performances from AC/DC UK and The Foos Fighters.
- Get ready for a night of beats and beach vibes as Café Mambo featuring Lovely Laura and Ben Santiago bring the Ibiza experience to Falmouth on Wednesday, August 14.
- Rudi’s Message returns for Ska night at Falmouth Week on Thursday, August 15.
- Re-enact the glory days of Queen with The Bohemians on Friday, August 16.
- Finish the week with the 80s vs 00s extravaganza and a night of nostalgia featuring Goldie Lookin’ Chain, Coyote, Pat Sharp and Slipmatt on Saturday, August 17.
In addition to the evening entertainment, there is an array of daytime activities to look forward to. Visit the S & D Eurofighter/Typhoon simulator on Events Square or learn how to juggle at the Boom Circus workshop on Tuesday , August 13.
The Action Sports Tour return with their awe-inspiring displays on Wednesday, August 14 and discover artisanal and locally sourced products within a picturesque waterfront setting at the Discovery Quay Market from Thursday, August 15 to Saturday, August 17.
The Moor is set to be a hub of family-friendly, free daytime activity with creative workshops from Falmouth Art Gallery, a vintage hand-turned carousel, face-painting opportunities as well as a climbing wall and other interactive games from the Army and RAF from Monday, August 12.
In addition, there will be a variety of market stalls and free live music organised by Source FM from Wednesday, August 14.
The highlight of Falmouth Week is the free air show on Wednesday, August 14, which will see three display teams take to the skies over Falmouth Bay with exhilarating manoeuvres and daring stunts. Starting at 6.15pm, spectators can expect breath-taking displays from the Aerosuperbatic Wingwalkers, JetPitts and Slingsby Firefly.
Best viewpoints include Falmouth seafront, Pendennis Headland, Castle Beach and Gyllyngvase Beach. Visitors are advised to plan their travel arrangements in advance as the Falmouth seafront will be closed to traffic from 3pm.
Don’t forget to step outside for the Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, August 16. The dazzling display will once again light up the sky over Trefusis Headland, with viewing points along Falmouth Harbour, Events Square, Custom House Quay, Prince of Wales Pier and the Docks Lookout Point.
As usual, Saturday, August 17 will be reserved as a wet weather back-up for the fireworks, in case the display cannot go ahead on Friday.
The True Butterflies Foundation will also return this year with their Comic and Movie Fest on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, 10am to 4pm at the Princess Pavilion. Expect special celebrity guests, photo opportunities, fancy dress, face painting and cosplayers.
Richard Gates, town manager and Falmouth Week committee chair, said: “Falmouth Week is a shining example of our town’s vibrant community spirit and rich maritime heritage. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to join us in this ten-day festival delivered by a wide variety of groups, organisations, volunteers and societies.
“We have a terrific shoreside programme of entertainment and activities that perfectly complements the varied sailing regatta out in Falmouth Bay.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners and sponsors whose involvement ensures we can provide such a vibrant programme of activities for everyone to enjoy.”
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