Falmouth Week declared huge success despite Covid restrictions

From Falmouth Week Carnival to a show stopping firework display to adrenaline-filled sailing and end of-week evening entertainment, they said that Falmouth Week 2021 "really delivered", despite Covid restrictions.

Thousands of visitors flocked to Falmouth between August 6-15 to sample the very best that the town has to offer.

There was something for everyone with ten days of shore side entertainment and eight days of fleet racing, including the marching carnival, a firework display, the epic Action Sports Tour stunt bike show, live music on The Moor, art workshops, dragon boat racing, Cornwall Film Festivals Movie in the Park, and a music line-up that included Liberty X, Ultrabeat, The Bohemians, Fleetwood Bac, and Russell Howard.

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The Moor was a hub of free daytime activity for young and old alike with a 40-foot Victorian Carousel, a simulator and with the return of the well-loved giant LED screen where passers-by were encouraged to let their competitive side shine through with some interactive gaming sessions, thanks to Waggle Events.

Not only this, but a range of live local music acts entertained passers-by for part of the week, and a bustling market took place with everything from food stalls to arts and crafts to vintage antiques to clothing.

A total of 150 boats entered Falmouth Sailing Week during which good sailing breezes allowed great racing in both Falmouth Bay and the Carrick Roads on all seven days.

The Shrimper 19 class was the biggest with 21 boats while the Sunbeams (14 boats) and Ajax 23s (12 boats) both showed increases compared to recent years.

Longer courses were set for the Wednesday races with 38 boats competing in Falmouth Bay for champagne prizes sponsored by Ancasta, and another 48 boats racing in the Carrick Roads for prizes sponsored by Mainbrace Rum.

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This year it was possible to reinstate the traditional teas and prizegivings which are usually held at the six local clubs - Helford River SC, Mylor, YC, Restronguet SC, the Royal Cornwall YC, St Mawes SC and Flushing SC – which was greatly appreciated by all who attended.

“We were delighted to be able to run a near-normal Falmouth Sailing Week after the restrictions of last year, and we were particularly lucky with the weather,” said Nigel Sharp, chairman of the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association.

The family fun day on Wednesday brought thousands of people to Falmouth for a jam-packed day of activity including the Action Sports Tour, – who saw a record number of supporters viewing their stunt show - RNLI on the Quay, workshops, and entertainment on The Moor. Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions, the RAF Red Arrows were unable to hold an air display over Falmouth Seafront.

Event organisers said they had "worked tirelessly" to secure the Red Arrows and were disappointed to have to cancel the display, however safety was paramount for such an event. The RAF Red Arrows Display was sponsored by Falmouth Town Council, Falmouth BID, Pendennis, Gyllyngvase Beach Café and Vision Independent Financial Planning.

Evening entertainment by Southwest Bars and Events, took place on Church Street Car Park for the first time ever. This year saw three evenings of jam-packed entertainment, namely 80s vs 90s night on Friday, August 13, The Bohemians vs Fleetwood Bac on Saturday, August 14 and Russell Howard on Sunday, August 15. Despite various event changes and alterations due to COVID-19, the three events able to take place were a success. The three events took place in an open-air stage setting designed to maximise personal safety and offer reassurance for everyone attending.

Party goers certainly got into the spirit of things down at the new venue, particularly with various fancy-dress outfits for the 80’s vs 90’s Extravaganza.

Richard Gates, Town Manager and Falmouth Week Chairman said: “I’d like to personally thank everyone involved for their co-operation, commitment and hard work behind the scenes for delivering the best event possible, given the current circumstances.

"In order for the event to go ahead, it has been without doubt the most challenging within the changing environment. The community spirit of Falmouth is unparalleled and on behalf of the committee, I would like to say a big thank you to the sponsors and partners involved in the week as well as the volunteers and committee who give up so much of their time to support both the town and the event. This vibrant event simply would not happen without the generous support from all involved.”

Next year Falmouth Week will be taking place from Friday, August 5 – Sunday, August 14, 2022.