Visit the Fal River Festival
24th May - 1st June 2008
Become a battling medieval warrior, listen to a sea-themed organ recital, sail in a traditional oyster dredger or explore the image of the river in poetry and prose - and these are just a few of the activities in this year's Fal River Festival. Now in its third year, the festival features arts and crafts, drama, literature and music in or near the River Fal and culminates with a 14-mile sponsored walk around its coastline.
The organisers of the festival are encouraging everyone to celebrate the water by leaving their cars at home and arrive at their chosen event by boat. Fal River Links, one of the festival's lead sponsors, works with many local boat operators who are all geared up to lay on numerous pleasure boats and ferry and water taxi services between Truro, Falmouth and St Mawes.
Each day throughout the festival there is a range of different activities to suit all. For those interested in music and drama, The Tin Violin is a play which tells the adventures of Joseph Emidy, a slave born in West Africa in 1775 who later became a famous celebrated Cornish violinist and composer. Tom Wilkinson's will play the famous Willis organ at Truro Cathedral for his 'Sea Themes' organ recital.
A creative workshop run by Falmouth publisher Victoria Field will provide opportunities to explore the image of the river in poetry and prose; while those interested in art can either take part in a cartoon workshop where Nick Brennan will demonstrate how to put cartoon characters in their place, or visit one of the many exhibitions taking place throughout the festival.
Family entertainment is high on the agenda with trips to Falmouth Lifeboat Station, seal spotting adventures with Orca Sea Safaris and the chance to step back in time to become a medieval warrior dressed in full armour and ready for battle! Mylor Yacht Club is offering free taster sessions on their yachts around the harbour and the Mylor Shuttle runs three trips a day from Prince of Wales Pier in Falmouth.
If you enjoy Cornish food and drink, you have not been forgotten. Jump on board a Newman's Cruise boat from Falmouth's Custom House Quay or an Enterprise Boat from the town's Prince of Wales Pier and head into Truro where nearly 40 regional food and craft producers will offer tempting treats from a marquee on May 30th and 31st. If you prefer somewhere a little quieter, the tranquil setting of Trelissick Garden provides a lovely backdrop for a similar food fair on May 31st and June 1st.
Enjoy walks and gardens along the Fal with guided trips around St Anthony Lighthouse and St Mawes Castle or a bat walk through Trelissick Garden. The festival will culminate with a 14-mile sponsored walk around the Fal on June 1st to help raise funds for selected local charities.
For more information the festival, pick up a leaflet from any tourist information centre throughout Cornwall or visit www.falriverfestival.co.uk.