ONE of Cornwall’s favourite festival destinations, Falmouth, has announced another event addition to its year-round calendar.

The inaugural pilot of the Falmouth International Arts Fest (FIAFest) will deliver theatre, music, dance and more - as well as look to showcase the potential for a large-scale performance festival in the future and bringing local, national and international talent to the port.

FIAFest is the brainchild of Charlie Bunker and Gabby Vautier, co-directors of imPOSSIBLE Producing.

During the pandemic, Gabby and Charlie, both Falmouth residents, spotted the opportunity that Falmouth was perfect for a performing arts festival – something similar to Manchester International Festival or the Oerol Festival in Holland.

This first-time theatrical event will include a ticketed programme as well as free and pop-up performances & events as well as complementary artist development and local schools programme led by festival artists.

FIAFest will turn the town’s Church Street carpark into a Festival Hub for free and pay-what-you-like pop up performances, including an outdoor music stage with The Cornish Bank, Acrobatics, circus and dance in PUBLIC by world renowned Ockhams Razor, Trifle Gatherings Theatrical Tattoo Parlour, and a secret cinema experience with The Splendid Hut.

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Gabby Vautier, FIAFest Founder and Co-Director of imPOSSIBLE, said: "Falmouth is famous for its fabulous festivals and we are so excited to bring FIAFest to the mix.

"Expect to laugh, cry, be surprised, see things you have never seen before, feel understood, feel different and ultimately want it all to happen again next year."

Charlie Bunker, FIAFest Founder and Co-Director of imPOSSIBLE, added: "We couldn’t make things possible without our brilliant artists and partnerships.

"We are so grateful to be supported by the brilliant and brave Falmouth BID and to be working in association with such fantastic local creative companies including The Cornish Bank, The Poly, Princess Pavilion, Stranger Collective, AMATA Falmouth Uni, Hall for Cornwall, WILD & FEAST."

Richard Wilcox, Executive Director of Falmouth BID, said: "Falmouth’s enviable festival calendar gets bigger and better every year, and Falmouth BID is delighted to be able to support the inaugural FIAFest via the proactive new umbrella group of Falmouth Creates.

"With many entrepreneurial businesses and organisations flourishing within our vibrant community, FIAFest is another brilliant example of grass roots collaboration.

"Falmouth is a dynamic and creative destination, which punches well above its weight; attracting people from all around the world for its festivals and events, superb food and drink scene, bustling high street and community offering."

Falmouth International Arts Festival starts on Saturday, July 9 through to Friday, July 15 across Falmouth towns venues, town, park and beaches.