A brand new arts festival is coming to Falmouth.

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

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. As a result, they are set to create positive cultural havoc across the town with the first outing of the festival, celebrating and showcasing the very best of local, whilst also bringing the most exciting national and international, work to Falmouth's doorsteps.

Presented in partnership with Falmouth Business Improvement District (BID), The Cornish Bank, The Poly, Princess Pavilion, Stranger Collective with support from FEAST, AMATA Falmouth Uni, Miracle Theatre, Hall for Cornwall & WILD, FIAFest will bring high-quality, moving, quirky and accessible and cool theatre, dance, music, talks, pop up performances and more.

Attracting locals and visitors alike, this first-time theatrical event will include a ticketed programme as well as free and pop-up performances & events. There is also a complimentary artist development and local schools programme led by festival artists.

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."

Richard Wilcox, Executive Director of Falmouth BID, added: "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 9th July and continues until Friday 15 July with something for everyone across Falmouth towns venues, town, park and beaches.

What's on

Saturday 9th July

The Cornish Bank Outdoor Music Stage

A programme of live music featuring local bands

Church Street Festival Hub – all day Havoc Rules Family Adventure Trail Across Town.

Time Consultations

A phone theatre performance to give you your time back. See website for details for a chance to take part.

In The Company of Horses

A rehearsal of a new mythical piece of landscape theatre featuring horses, handlers and musicians. Kimberley Park – all day with short performance at 4pm.

Splendid Hut

A secret performance and cinema hut for family and adult intimate theatrical experiences The Moor - In the day and After Dark.

My Ukrainian Food Roots

A talk and cake event with Yana Spencer about Ukrainian culinary traditions and how she is using food to help the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The Poly – 12-1pm.

Guns and Rosies Tattoo Parlour

Join tattooists Rosie & Rosie in Aunt Phillipas Caravan for an inking experience with a difference Church Street Festival Hub – 2-5pm.

Dance with your Dinner?

Spot CScapes dancing waitresses in a selection of restaurants across Falmouth Town. Various locations 6-8pm.

Terra Coda

Olivier nominated composer Benji Bower's theatrical new orchestral love letter to the planet featuring a full orchestra, singers, electronics and dance. Princess Pavilion – 8pm.

Sunday 10th July

A programme of live music featuring local bands Church Street Festival Hub – all day.

Public

Aerial and circus company Ockhams Razor bring their latest show public to FIAFest 12pm and 2.30pm – Church Street Festival Hub.

Terra Coda

Olivier nominated composer Benji Bower's theatrical new orchestral love letter to the planet featuring a full orchestra, singers, electronics and dance. Princess Pavilion – 1pm.

Pub Poetry

Award winning writers Anna Murphy & Gareth Farr and illustrator Felicity Tattersall set out on an alternative pub crawl for unsuspecting punters. Various – 3-5pm.

Dance with your Dinner?

Spot CScape Dance dancing waitresses in a selection of restaurants across Falmouth Town. Various locations – 6-8pm.

The Reason Why LIVE

Live debate show following Seamas Careys infamous Cornish podcast The Reason Why. The Cornish Bank – 7:30pm.

Monday 11th July

Beatbox Academy

A grown-up beatbox gig from Battersea Arts Centres Beatbox Academy fresh from a sell-out International tour The Cornish Bank 7:30pm.

Tuesday 12th July

iMelania

Innovative multi-platform audio-visual theatre performance surrounding themes of being "foreign" The Poly 1:30pm and 8pm.

Beatbox Academy After School Clubbing

A family beatbox gig from Battersea Arts Centres Beatbox Academy fresh from a sell-out International tour Princess Pavilion 4pm.

Femmes de la Mer

Join these wonderful women on the beach for a blend of a cappella harmonies, folk and shanty following their performances at Manchester 02 and Brixton Academy Gylly Beach 6pm.

Swim while they sing

Gorran Haven Sea Swimmers and their famous hat sculptures created by Sue Hill and Meier Williams meet Femmes de la Mer on the beach for a dip. Gylly Beach 6pm.

Queer The Decks presents 'Open Dyke Night'.

A free entry, queer-friendly safe space and open stage The Cornish Bank 7:30pm.

Wednesday 13th July

Help I think I'm a Nationalist

Seamas Careys provocative sell out show about Cornwall returns for a short run at FIAFest Wood Lane Social Club 7:30pm.

Clunkmagazine presents: Sourface

The Anglo-French outfit who have been making a stir in London are bringing their sunshine indie vibes down to Cornwall. The Cornish Bank.

Thursday 14th July

In Order

Theatre maker & counsellor Sally Crooks presents In Order - an experimental laugh out loud self-help experience you can't afford to avoid. The Cornish Bank 11am and 2pm.

Shorts and Talks

A hosted screening and conversation event. In Conversation with Cornwall based Filmmaker Brett Harvey and Playwright Gareth Farr The Poly 5-6pm.

Help I think I'm a Nationalist

Seamas Careys provocative sell out show about Cornwall returns for a short run at FIAFest Wood Lane Social Club 7:30pm.

Sam Richardson & The Renegades

A soaring 4 piece roots-rock band hailing from the rugged north coast of Cornwall, Support from Bonetired. The Cornish Bank.

Friday 15th July

Help I think I'm a Nationalist

Seamas Careys provocative sell out show about Cornwall returns for a short run at FIAFest Wood Lane Social Club 7:30pm.

Twisted Tales

'Owdyado's deliciously depraved theatre double bill that reveals the darkness under the domestic Enys Gardens Fri 15 July & Sat 16 July 7:30pm.

The Hotsteppas and Ashanti Selah 'Shadows' EP launch

Collaborations and original material from Hotsteppas, Ashanti Selah, Dub Princess, and Donovan Kingjay all performed live by Hotsteppas. The Cornish Bank.

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