Cutlass wielding pirates, Zumba dancers, skateboarders and obstacle runners descended on Falmouth to mark the energetic start to ZestiFAL 2016 at the weekend.

ZestiFAL, which runs until Wednesday, July 27, is a vibrant and colourful event organised by the Falmouth BID, which brings together a host of local sports clubs and activity providers for five days to offer a wide variety of free taster sessions and challenges.

With four zones in operation during the festival - Studio and Active Zones on The Moor, Team Zone on Events Square, Beach Zone on Gyllyngvase Beach and a Family Zone in Kimberley Park, there is a huge variety of free activity for all ages and abilities.

In the Studio Zone on The Moor, local gym clubs, personal trainers, well-being and fitness instructors undertook a range of free classes, from reflexology and massage to Zumba and Pilates. Meanwhile, Mount Hawke Skate Park provided a skate ramp which was enjoyed by many Falmouth children and adults alike. A P1 Powerboat on display, climbing wall and children’s games completed the weekend line-up on The Moor.

Events Square drew significant interest thanks to the presence of a giant inflatable jump mat also laid on by Tuff Enuff and Splatmat. Daring participants were challenged with climbing up to a ten metre high platform before undertaking the "leap of faith" on to the huge mat which hundreds did to great delight from watching parents and friends.

Watersports and gym sessions were laid on at the Gylly Beach Zone. WESUP Paddleboarding Centre put together a special program of free and discounted daily taster sessions, while Falmouth-based Cornish Diving School took first time and experienced divers out. Gylly Surf Lifesaving Club co-ordinated a special Women in Waves session while St Michael’s Gym supported with free beach studio classes. Beach Volleyball have-a-go sessions were co-ordinated by Cornwall Beach Volleyball Academy.

Richard Wilcox Falmouth BID Manager said: “It has been a lovely first couple of days for ZestiFAL and I have been delighted at the number of residents and visitors who have come along and tried the many different free sports and activities we have laid on.

"The festival aims to work with as many businesses as possible and showcase the range of brilliant opportunities there are in our town for people, and it was lovely to experience the town filled with energy and excitement over the weekend."

Tony Borrett, owner of Tuff Enuff added: "We were delighted to bring some of our Tuff Enuff equipment to ZestiFAL. The interest in the obstacle course and big jump was huge and the damp weather on the Sunday morning certainly didn’t deter the many many people from challenging themselves. It was a great atmosphere which was enjoyed by myself and my team.”

More ZestiFAL information can be found at falmouth.co.uk or on Facebook via the ZestiFAL page.