Dawn French has been formally installed as our first Chancellor. In her first speech as Chancellor, the actor, writer and performer said she would be "a warrior" for the students and for the University.

The day began in the morning sunshine with local school children gathered on Falmouth Moor ready for the town's Paint the Town Yellow procession. Redruth 

School Samba Band lead the way with children from ten local schools handing out bunches of daffodils to the crowds.

The Academic Procession with Dawn, the Mayors and Macebearers from Falmouth University, and Penryn and Falmouth towns followed, led by Kernow Pipes and Drums.

The procession finished at the Church of King Charles the Martyr, where Dawn was then formally installed as the University's first Chancellor in a ceremony featuring performances and readings from the University's Academy of Music and Theatre Arts students.

The making of the Cornish themed ceremonial gown and headpiece has been a 'top secret' operation with very few catching a glimpse of them before the day. They were designed by students from the Fashion and Textiles Institute, while the headpiece was made by contemporary jeweller Mirri Damer. The robes were placed upon Dawn in the Church by the students.

After the ceremony Dawn emerged as Falmouth University's Chancellor to delighted crowds who then waved her and other VIPs off on the Lizard Stallions and Coach, who transported them along the sea front and up to Pendennis Castle for a private reception.

At Pendennis Castle guests enjoyed a celebratory dinner with entertainment from Truro High School for Girls Chamber Choir, Falmouth town's very own The Oggymen and folk singer Seth Lakeman.