Falmouth’s Princess Pavilion is set to host renowned reggae singer and keyboardist Hollie Cook and dub legend Mad Professor next month at the annual Falmouth Reggae Festival.

Now in its fifth year, the festival is a family-friendly celebration of reggae, dub and ska in the heart of Falmouth in the tropical settings of the Princess Pavilion’s historic gardens taking place on Saturday, October 2.

And while the weather in early October may not be as tropical as the lineup, a large marquee will keep festival goers swaying into the early hours if a Caribbean-style downpour threatens.

Set across three stages, this year’s lineup features a variety of homegrown talent from within Cornwall and further afield.

Headlining the Garden Stage, Hollie Cook is the daughter of Sex Pistol’s drummer Paul Cook. Having spent the last year working on new material, and with a Covid-enforced hiatus from touring, Hollie is itching to bring her new material to the people.

Alongside Hollie, the Garden Stage will also feature The Upper Cut Band with Earl 16 and Tippa Irie, Dub Princess and Hotsteppas, Big Red Ass Band, The Barefoot Bandit, Skata-Likes and Innereyefull.

The festival in 2018

The festival in 2018

Meanwhile, dub legend Mad Professor headlines the Theatre of Dub, hosted by Noise Pollution Sound System. The Guyanese-born British dub producer and engineer is widely considered one of the leading producers of dub music’s second generation, and he was a key player in transitioning dub into the digital arena. Mad Professor has collaborated with a variety of renowned reggae artists, and brings a well-grooved show to this year’s festival.

Mad Professor will be supported by Konquerin Soundz with special guests Daddy Freddy and Blackout Ja, Raggamuffin, Dub Link Up, Pressure Roots Hifi, Seizmic Audio, 1618 Sounds, Salix, Ollspin and Beno. Meanwhile, The Garden Room, hosted by Pinnacle Soundsystem, will feature Pinnacle Sound, Countryman, Indian Billy, Nina, Jax Mix, Dubious Sounds, The Fitz, Reggae Reggae Source and Raggadee.

A spokesperson for Falmouth Reggae Festival said: “We’re really excited to present our fifth Falmouth Reggae Festival, and returning to the Princess Pavilion’s outstanding gardens is a perfect fit, so join us once again for a celebration of great reggae music and good times! This year’s event boasts a full-size marquee to protect us from any inclement weather, plus a stellar lineup across three stages of renowned bands, fantastic food and drink options plus a variety of stalls too.”

Beyond the music, refreshments include a Caribbean-inspired rum yard, the Aussie Smoker, a chicken shack and vegan options.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.falmouthreggaefestival.co.uk For all other enquiries, please email: info@falmouthreggaefestival.com