The countdown to Falmouth Carnival 2025 is officially on, and this year’s event is set to make waves!

Taking place on Saturday 9th August, the much-anticipated parade promises to be a dazzling spectacle, bringing colour, creativity, and community spirit to Falmouth Week.

With its origins as a local sailing regatta dating back as far as 1837, Falmouth Week has evolved into one of the major sailing competitions in the Southwest. The festival atmosphere onshore is just as vibrant, with a packed programme of daytime and evening activities for sailors and landlubbers alike.

There’s even more to look forward to this year as floats return to the Falmouth Carnival!

After a decline in entries in recent years, the Falmouth Marine Band has worked closely with the Falmouth Town Team and Falmouth Week committee to reintroduce decorated floats (up to 7.5-tonne vehicles) alongside the established marching parade. This means even more ways for local groups, businesses, and individuals to get involved and showcase their creativity.

This year’s themes invite everyone to take part in the Carnival in a way that suits them best.

There are three ways to get involved:

• Whatever Floats Your Boat – Demonstrate your artistic flair and enter a float into

this year’s Carnival.

• Fill Your Boots – Grab your friends and family to join the existing Marching Parade.

• No Pane, No Gain – Even local businesses can get involved in the shop window competition.

The Falmouth Marine Band has proudly led the carnival since taking over from the Lions Club, ensuring its legacy continues. Founded in 1989, the band is the driving force behind the parade, using its infectious energy and music to raise funds for numerous Cornish causes and local community initiatives.

Falmouth Marine Band Major, Timmy Vinnicombe, shares: “For nearly 35 years, Falmouth Carnival has been a fantastic mix of fun, tradition, and giving back. Our focus has always been on supporting local causes, and this year we’re excited to work alongside the wider Falmouth Week Committee to make the 2025 Carnival bigger and better than ever. With the return of decorated floats and fresh new themes, this is an incredible opportunity for the community to get involved and showcase their creativity.”

Carnival Committee Chairman Jim Gordon sums it up perfectly: “What makes Falmouth Carnival so special? It’s the community! Every penny raised goes back to local groups and charities, so we need people to take part, dress up, build a float, and make this the best parade yet. You will make the difference!”

The Falmouth Marine Band will once again lead the way, revealing a brand-new carnival costume as the parade departs Falmouth Rugby Club at 6:30pm. Expect vivid colours, rhythmic dancing feet, and an electric atmosphere as Falmouth comes alive for this much-loved tradition.

Mark your calendars, get planning your decorative floats and colourful carnival costumes, and sign up now! For more details and to register, visit www.falmouthcarnival.org.uk

For tickets and further information on shoreside events and sailing activities, please visit www.falmouthweek.co.uk

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