An insider’s guide to Falmouth Week

August 13, 2018
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Wayne Rundle and David Brunton from Acorn Property Group’s Cornwall office share their top tips for Falmouth Week…

First of all, what is Falmouth Week?
It started as a sailing regatta back in the 1830s but has grown and grown so as well as lots of sailing events, it has a packed programme of onshore activities and entertainment.

Why go?
It brings people together with lots of fun activities for all ages – it’s a carnival of music, sporting competitions, fun fair, markets and family entertainment. And there is a lot to do that is free.

Top tip for a first-time visitor?
Arrive early using the ‘park and float’ or alternatively park in St Mawes and take the St Mawes to Falmouth Ferry.

Best places to eat and drink?

Falmouth is extremely busy during Falmouth week but the best place to eat is at The Old Chain Locker at Customs House Quay. It’s a good area to head to anyway as there are several other pubs nearby all doing good beers and excellent food. You can always order a takeaway fish supper at the award-winning Harbour Lights and sit down by the quay and watch the activities that go along with the festival. Do watch out for the seagulls though, they love chips too.

And your overall event highlights?

  • Regatta
    It is an amazing spectacle to watch with boats of all shapes, sizes and make from the old wooden gaff rigged luggers and pilot boats to the new GRP sleek line racing yachts – there is something for everyone.
  • Red Arrows
    The best place to watch is from the grounds of the Falmouth Hotel as the seafront can get really busy. At the hotel, there is also face painting, lawn games, a BBQ, gin bar and an ale bar. It’s also a nice spot to enjoy a jug of Pimms.
  • Grand Carnival Parade
    This is on Saturday 11 Aug led by the Falmouth Marine Band marching through town. A particular highlight is local legend Betty Stogs – a band which you can only join if you can’t play an instrument.
  • Pink Wig parade
    A ladies only event with the one stipulation, you must be wearing a pink wig. Over 3,000 women took part last year, painting the town pink and it’s all for a good cause, raising money for breast cancer charities. It was started by a local woman who had breast cancer, sadly she passed away but what started out as a few friends has grown into a huge event.
  • SKA Night
    Always good fun, it’s very popular and has a real festival atmosphere. It’s held in Events Square with the iconic National Maritime Museum as a backdrop and fronted by local band Rudi’s Message.
  • The 80s vs 90s Night
    A music clash with bands from both eras appearing – past years have seen Blue, Jason Donovan, Five, Go West and East 17 playing. But more than that, everyone dresses up to reflect the decade of their choice. It’s always a really popular night and sells out.

For more details on all the activities at Falmouth Week head to the official website here

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