Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta Mixes Big Masts with Big Music
Visit the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta in Falmouth from 10th to 13th September and you'll have a chance to step onboard magnificent vessels, see a spectacular Parade of Sail and witness hundreds of international crewmen in their finery. But Cornwall's biggest event of the year isn't just about sea-based activities; back on dry land you'll find Falmouth in full festival mode.
Throughout the town there will tented shopping areas offering local produce and tempting visitors to sample the town’s tastiest treats, a weird and wonderful array of street entertainers and a jam-packed programme of family activities. But it’s when the sun goes down that the celebrations really get started!
Each night during the four-day Regatta there'll be a pick of places to end the day in style. Falmouth's Custom House Quay and Church Street car park will transform into “Sundowner” Quays where a steady stream of local bands will take to the stage sending a heady mix of tunes across the Fal Estuary. Head to the quay behind the Grapes pub to see the likes of Rudi’s Message and Three Minute Warning cast an upbeat vibe. Or why not take your place on Custom House Quay to enjoy the sounds of Falmouth Shout, Falmouth’s own sea shanty crew, and the Japanese drumming group, Tanoshii Taiko. Both locations are free to the public and include a handy on-site bar courtesy of the main sponsors, Skinners Brewery. But it’s Events Square which will be enjoying the largest slice of the action. Here you'll see the huge masts of the Tall Ships act as a spectacular backdrop to the Squares main stage where top acts will get your toes tapping and your dancing shoes on.
On Wednesday 10th The Glen Miller Sound of Cornwall’s Johnny Austin Big Band will get you In the Mood with Strictly Come Dancing for all ages! This will be closely followed by a night with the Breakthru Party Band featuring Paul McGahan on the Thursday. This evening is hosted by Platinum II who are celebrating 30 years in show business in association with Falmouth Beach Hotel.
Friday night will be one step beyond with an 80’s fancy dress party night with top Madness tribute band, Badness. And after the Tall Ships have been waved goodbye the event will come to a grand close on Saturday 13th September with Beach Boys tribute band, California Dreaming.
Samantha Groom of Carrick District Council, organisers of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta activities in Falmouth, comments: “With three entertainment stages there will be something for all ages and musical tastes and a great atmosphere throughout the town during the four days of the event. We are very grateful to everyone who has agreed to take part in the event and perform and we hope the crowds will be there to support their efforts”.
On top of all this Friday 12th September will also see the Princess Pavilion play host to the ‘Big Night Out’ Funk and Soul party as well as a Grand Fireworks Spectacular over Falmouth Harbour at 9.30pm.
Tickets to the main stage on Events Square can be purchase from the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the Falmouth Tourist Information Centre. The web site for ordering tickets online is www.ticketangels.co.uk/tallships or telephone 08705 30 30 30 – open 24 hours a day. For further information on the daytime and evening entertainment programme please visit the programme pages on www.falmouthtallships.co.uk.
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