Falmouth is set to be transformed once again for the much-anticipated return of Falmouth Week, taking place from Friday, August 9, to Sunday, August 18.

The vibrant coastal town will welcome visitors for an exciting 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. Falmouth Sailing Week promises thrilling competitive action for participants as all different types of boats, from traditional working boats to sleek racing yachts, take to the water 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. The 10-day festival kicks off with the Pink Wig Parade on Friday, August 9, a colourful procession through the streets of Falmouth to raise awareness of and funds for breast cancer.

Pink Wig Parade
Pink Wig Parade (Submitted)

On Saturday, August 10, 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 class music acts taking the stage in the Falmouth Week marquee: 

Fleetwood Bac, the UK’s most authentic and the world’s first Fleetwood Mac tribute show, return 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. 

A night of beats and beach vibes as Café Mambo featuring Lovely Laura and Ben Santiago who will bring the iconic 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’ dynamic performance on Friday, August 16.

The week finishes with the 80’s vs 00’s extravaganza and a night of nostalgia featuring Goldie Lookin Chain, Coyote, Pat Sharp and Slipmatt on Saturday, August 17.

Rudi's Message
Rudi's Message (Submitted)

In addition to the lively evening entertainment, there is an array of daytime activities to look forward to. Visitors can use the S & D Eurofighter/Typhoon simulator on Events Square and 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. 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, in case the display cannot go ahead on Friday.

Comic and Movie Fest
Comic and Movie Fest (Submitted)

The True Butterflies Foundation will also return this year with their Comic and Movie Fest on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18. Expect special celebrity guests, photo opportunities, fancy dress, face painting, cosplayers and much more.

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 10 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.”

For tickets and further information on shoreside events and sailing activities, visit www.falmouthweek.co.uk