Tag: falmouth events
What’s On: October 2021
October 01st, 2021
Spooky season is here, and with it comes a wide range of autumnal events and activities that are fun for the whole family!
With food festivals and fabulous performances, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes – make the most of the changing seasons on your family-friendly holiday in Cornwall this October.
Truro Food Festival
1st – 3rd Oct 2021
If you believe that the best way to the heart is through the stomach, then you have to check out the Truro Food Festival!
This three-day event is a jam-packed celebration of all the amazing food and drinks that Cornwall has to offer. The festival takes place with pop-up shops and activities across the city of Truro, with its central hub at Lemon Quay.
During the day, you can watch chef demonstrations, follow the local restaurant trail, and enjoy live entertainment from local artists, all the while taking your pick of the street food stalls!
And it doesn’t stop there! Every evening, you can also enjoy live music from local bands while sampling the best of Cornwall’s beverages at the Beer and Cider Festival.
Mevagissey Shanty Festival
15th – 17th October 2021
It wouldn’t be a trip to Cornwall without celebrating the sea and all those who sail it. That’s why it’s well worth the trip to the 13th-century village of Mevagissey. Just five miles south of St Austell, this small fishing port plays host to the second ever Mevagissey Shanty Festival!
The festival invites a variety of shanty and acapella groups to perform across the weekend to help the village extend its holiday season and boost local businesses.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy, fireplace sing-song, or you’d rather spend your evening by the main stage at the Cornish beer festival, you’re bound to feel like a true swashbuckler in no time.
Lowender Peran
22nd – 24th October 2021
Get in touch with your Cornish roots by visiting the Cornish festival of Lowender Peran held in Perranporth this October.
This music and dance festival is a true celebration of Cornwall’s Celtic heritage, with live music and performances taking place all weekend.
If you can’t make the trip, don’t worry! The festival will also be live streaming their Great Big Cornish Music Session event for people to enjoy wherever they are.
Halloween Quest at Pendennis Castle
23rd – 31st October 2021
If you’re looking for a spooktacular way to spend Halloween half-term with the kids, then head on over to Pendennis castle for their fantastic Halloween Quest.
For one week, this 16th-century castle near Falmouth becomes the perfect backdrop for a Halloween day out you won’t forget.
Follow the adventure trail around the grounds inspired by Cressida Cowell’s Wizards of Once series, or join the quest to find the legendary Cup of Second Chances. If you come in costume, you may even be in with a chance to win the fancy dress competition!
There’s definitely something for you and the whole family to enjoy this October! Discover even more autumnal activities below.
Image Source: Visit Cornwall
The River Fal Festival 2019
April 26th, 2019
Next month, the renowned Fal River Festival will return to one of Cornwall’s most popular holiday destinations. The charming harbour town of Falmouth will host the fantastic ten-day event, which will run from Friday 24thMay to Sunday 2ndJune. The celebration, which is now in its 13thyear, will hold over 150 events, from music and drama shows to sporting events and everything in between. For anyone staying in our luxury Cornish cottages during this time, we’ve created a guide to each area of events and when they’re happening so that you can plan your holiday in Cornwall accordingly!
Music and Drama
For those with a love for all things show business, the River Fal festival won’t disappoint, with a diverse range of performances scheduled over the ten days. Head out on the 24thMay to celebrate opening night with Betty Stoggs and the Beer Fleet revellers at the Greenbank Quay, enjoying Cornwall’s best Ceilidh and Barndance Band SPLANN. A Jazz night will take place on the Quay on the 27thMay or check out the talented solo violinist Thomas Bowes on the 30thMay. Whichever event you choose, the atmosphere is sure to be second to none as you enjoy some of Cornwall’s best talents.
Arts and Crafts
Numerous exhibitions will pop-up for the festival, including sightings of Morgawr, meaning sea giant in Cornish, at the Fish Factory Art Space. St Ives artist Kate Nicholson will also exhibit a wide range of her work, demonstrating the breadth of her creativity at the Art Gallery. The picturesque village of Flushing, which faces Falmouth from across the river will also get involved, with houses and businesses displaying their favourite works of art in windows for all to admire. From jewellery-making to political postcards, there’s any number of workshops over the ten-day festival, so be sure to browse their website to see if there are any that you and your family would like to get involved with.
Water-inspired Activities
Given the purpose is to celebrate the river, there is no shortage of water-inspired activities to take part in over the festival. Watch the beer fleet, which opens the festival, with boats of all shapes and sizes entering the harbour. Those looking for more adrenaline-fuelled activities can enjoy 50% off watersports at Swan Pool Beach on 29thMay, while those looking to relax on their holiday can buy tickets for either a Gin cruise (31stMay) or a Fizz and Chips cruise (1stJune). Do your bit for keeping Cornwall such a lovely place to visit and opt for cleaning the creek by canoe on 2ndJune.
Gardens and Walks
There are any number of fascinating walking tours or visits to local gardens that are sure to provide you with interesting information about the area. Take a history tour of Flushing, forage for wild food and seaweed and learn how to prepare it, keep your eyes on the skies during a bird-watching trail or release your inner child with a night-time rock-pooling session. The ancient Enys Garden will host a fun-filled fair on 1stJune, aptly named, Truly, Madly, Cornish, which is the perfect place to pick up some local souvenirs.
Food and Drink
The fantastic food and drink that is available in this beautiful part of the world has not been forgotten in the Fal Festival celebrations. Children with an interest in cooking can head to famous chef Rick Steins restaurant on the 28thMay for a very fishy workshop where they’ll learn all about the fish in our local seas and how to cook them. A mini beer fest on a working boat will take place over the bank holiday weekend whilst those looking to experiment with cuisine are welcome to attend the wood-fired goat festival on 26thMay. Tarquin’s Gin will be hosting a club evening on the 29thMay that is perfect for adults with a taste for gin.
Literature
Book-worms are not forgotten during the River Fal celebrations and can hear all about shipwreck survivors at the NMMC from 27thMay – 1stJune. A short film cruise will depart from the harbour on the evening of the 29thMay where you can enjoy a fantastic independent film, asking the director any questions you may have about the feature immediately after. The 30thMay sees a Words Out event hosted by Fish Factory Arts where you can enjoy an evening of supper and storytelling.
That concludes our guide to just some of what is happening during the River Fal Festival at the end of May. As any who have attended can attest, the family-friendly event hosts a range of celebrations, each as delightful as the next, with some of which you may only find in Cornwall.
What’s On: Falmouth Week 2018
August 06th, 2018
Falmouth Regatta started out as a sailing competition for locals in the Falmouth area back in the 1800s and has grown over the years into a week-long festivity, celebrating sailing and the local community. As one of the biggest events on the calendar in Falmouth, the week draws in visitors from around the country to enjoy all that the town has to offer, as well as to take part in some of the exciting boat races that take place during Falmouth Week.
This year, the event will kick-start on the 10th August with a Pink Wig Night for the ladies, aiming to raise money for the Cornwall Breast Cancer Team. The evening will consist of live music performances and a raffle, as well as plenty of cocktails to enjoy as the DJ takes to the stage. From the 10th to the 18th, there will also be some exciting things happening on The Moor, with a whole host of markets and stalls selling an array of local produce to sample as live acoustic music entertains. The Moor will also be home to a climbing wall, providing some fun for both kids and adults alike.
Falmouth warms up for the regatta, getting everyone excited on Saturday 11th as the Carnival hits the town. There’s lots of fun to be had on the rides and entertainment at the rugby club from 12pm before the big carnival parade commences at 6.30pm. With the marching parade ending at Events Square, a marquee will be set up to enjoy an assortment of live music following the carnival.
The sailing aspect of the regatta begins fully on Sunday 12th, with the first of the seven clubs involved, Helford River Sailing Club, hosting the races. Monday 13th will be the Mylor Sailing Club, while the Restronguet Sailing Club will host on Tuesday 14th each seeing an assortment of traditional crafts, dinghies and keelboats taking to the waters. Wednesday 15th is the Ancasta Champagne Race Day, the biggest race that sees yachts following a 25-mile coastal course. Thursday’s events are hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, whilst St Mawes Sailing Club hosts on Friday 17th. The final regatta day, on Saturday 18th, is held by Flushing Sailing Club. Over 450 yachts are expected to take part in the regatta over the week, making it the largest (and best) sailing regatta in the south-west.
One of the biggest days of Falmouth Week will take place on Tuesday 14th, as the Family Fun Day. The RNLI will be putting on a show, with a day of fun for free, with entertainment and music on The Quay, accompanying a number of stalls. At the Church Street car park, the Action Sports Tour will be putting on some impressive displays throughout the day and offering up taster sessions for you to give some new skills a go. In the evening, head to Falmouth Bay for the best views of the RAF Red Arrows display, which starts at 6pm.
Friday 17th August, also sees a huge assortment of activities, with the Science in the Square event providing some intriguing scientific knowledge as a fun free family event. In the evening, adults can travel back in time with the Epic 80s vs 90s Extravaganza, a themed evening of fancy dress and music from Go West and Snap! End the night with an incredible fireworks display over the stunning Falmouth Harbour at 10pm.
If you’re a fan of all things movies and comic books then don’t miss out on the Comic and Movie Fest taking place on Saturday 18th. At the free event, you can meet some of your favourite characters from comics and movies, as well as getting a photo opportunity with some of the special celebrity guests! Be sure to come along dressed as your favourite character. As the week draws to a close, the fun still continues, with a dragon boat race on Sunday 19th to really get the adrenaline pumping!
If you want to take part in this fun week celebrating Falmouth and the surrounding areas, then it is not too late to book an incredible luxury Falmouth holidays! For more events taking place in Cornwall this August, check out our complete What’s On in August guide!
Image Credit: Tim Green
Fal River Festival 2018 Guide
May 14th, 2018
Celebrating the history and culture of the Fal River, and the people who live around it, the Fal River Festival runs from 25th May to 3rd June this year. With celebrations lasting for ten days, and over 150 events to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone. Displaying the creative feats of locals, with plenty of art, film, theatre, music and food, the festival gives you the perfect excuse to explore the area of outstanding natural beauty and all it has to offer. Here are some of the biggest events taking place for the festival
Falmouth Street Food & Craft Ales Festival
A festival within a festival, the Street Food & Craft Ales festival takes place each year in Falmouth, this year from the 25th – 28th May. The best street food in Cornwall will welcome you to Events Square with the delicious aromas from the diverse collection of mouth-watering dishes. The flavourful feast is paired with the finest of Cornish craft ales. Accompanying the food and drink will be a market showing-off local produce, arts and craft. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, then there will also be live music performed throughout each day!
Coastal & Woodland Foraging Course
Head to Pendower beach to learn how to survive in the wild, identifying foraging and cooking up nibbles that are found in the wild. Explore the Bluebell woodlands to discover what is edible and which are poisonous. Following the stream down to the beach, see if you can spot the variety of seaweed that is sought-after by many a chef, as well as the many other seaside edibles available. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, learn how to safely incorporate them into some yummy modern recipes. The event ends with a big cook up on Pendower Beach so that everyone can have a taste! The foraging course takes place at 10.30am to 1.30pm on the 28th May. Booking is essential; an adult ticket costs £25, teenagers £10 and children go free!
Treasure From The Sea
This free exhibition is taking place on the 29th May, celebrating the launch of new children’s book ‘Treasure from the Sea’. The exhibition displays treasures and oddities obtained through beachcombing, with cabinets full of finds from the beach. The book’s illustrator, Sarah McCartney, will be at the exhibit, showcasing some original drawings from the story, as well as her resin sculptures, prints and sea photography.
Film On The Ferry
Transformed into the only floating cinema in Cornwall, the King Harry Ferry will have a huge cinema screen on board for you to enjoy a film in open air, as you float on the river. The screening of the Oscar Award winning film Dunkirk (2017) will take place on 29thMay, while Cast Away (2000) will be screened on 31stMay. Both films will begin screening at 10pm, with the ferry picking up viewers on the Philleigh side of the river at 9.30pm, and those on the Trelissick side at 9.40pm. Bring along a fold out chair, so you have somewhere to sit, and remember to wrap up warm! Tickets cost £9 for adults and £7 for under 16’s and are available on the Fal River website.
Parklive
Head to Kimberley Park for a series of acoustic live music performances from 6 unique musical acts, alongside a variety of activities. As you listen to the tunes, get involved with the circus skills workshop, theatre and storytelling activities and plenty of art and creativity! ParkLive takes place on 27th May from 12pm to 5.30pm.
For more activities taking place over this week, check out our May half-term guide here! If you would like to enjoy the Fal River Festival, then why not come and stay with us here at The Valley for a luxury Falmouth holiday!? This week we are having a flash sale, so book now to get the best deal!
Image Credit: Tim Green
Don’t Miss The Amazing, Action-Packed Sea Shanty Festival in Falmouth this June
June 06th, 2017
The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival is just two weekends away. From Friday 16th June to Sunday 18th June, the stunning seaside town will come to life and be filled with energy, fun, music and food.
Fundraiser announced to raise money for the renowned Sea Shanty Festival
January 19th, 2017
January is the time of New Year resolutions, from booking holiday get-aways for the rest of the year and allowing yourself to experience new things. So, if any of these things ring a bell it may be time to book your Falmouth get-away. If you’re looking to experience authentic sea-side life there is no better time to visit Falmouth than in June, when the renowned Sea Shanty Festival brings cheer and liveliness to the quaint, sea-side town. This festival is one of the biggest maritime music concerts to be held anywhere in Europe, and should not be missed!
