A wonderful white weekend was had by all in Falmouth, as the third Festive Weekend brought Christmas cheer and snow, to the many visitors who came into town over the two days.

The event, since its conception, has been extremely well received, bringing a significant festive boost to Falmouth. The event is funded and coordinated by the award-winning management partnership between Falmouth BID and Falmouth Town Council – the Falmouth Town Team, with support from the Christmas Working Group.

Cllr Steve Eva, Mayor of Falmouth said: "Wow, what a weekend! The Festive Weekend bears testament to the strength of community spirit here in Falmouth, with many local groups, volunteers, and traders getting involved. I've received terrific feedback from residents and visitors, impressed by how well Falmouth and its Town Team organises events. The festival really has brought Christmas cheer to many people, particularly at this challenging time."

So, what was organised?

On The Moor, hundreds of families enjoyed taking selfies in the snow globe attraction. This was complemented by a superb live performance stage featuring local choirs and bands, a Miracle Theatre 'Santa's Grotto', and food and craft stalls.

The BID and council team proactively worked with Miracle to invite people to donate unwrapped gifts and to help Santa spread some joy to local families. A large number of present donations were received, and these will now be distributed via various charitable centres including Falmouth Children's Centre, Dracaena Centre, and Simon House.

Miracle Theatre 'Santa's Grotto' (Image: Richard Wilcox/ Falmouth BID)

Meanwhile, visitors to Church Street were greeted with magical snowy scenes, as professional snow machines created a wintery effect that was enjoyed by young and old alike.

Another big hit was the festive snow train which cheerily carried large numbers of excited families on a Christmassy loop from The Moor to Events Square. Father Christmas also took time out of his busy schedule to ride on the train over the weekend and give out sweet treats to fellow passengers and passers-by!

An artificial ice-rink was a huge draw down on Discovery Quay (Events Square) with skaters of all ages enjoying the 'ice'. To support this, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall offered free entry to Cornish residents over the weekend, which proved very popular.

Families enjoy skating on the Ice-rink (Image: Richard Wilcox/ Falmouth BID)

Choirs and bands from Falmouth and beyond, also performed on the quay, alongside an 'ice curling' lane which was also installed. Furthermore, Christmassy stilt walkers could be seen performing in the streets, adding to the weekend fun.

Cllr Steve Eva, Mayor of Falmouth and Mayoress Victoria on stage with one of the number of muscial performers. (image: Richard Wilcox/Falmouth BID)



Christmas stilt walker (Image: Richard Wilcox/Falmouth BID)

The train and artificial ice rink were only £2 a ride/skate, while the snow globe was £1, with prices kept low to encourage all to have a go while raising as much money as possible to contribute towards Falmouth Christmas 2023.

Falmouth's cruise ship ambassadors were officially renamed the 'Christmas Ambassadors', kindly helping out over the festival. Dressed in light blue 'Here to Help' vests and the odd festive hat, they assisted in disseminating event information to visitors, as well as helping to manage the artificial ice rink, snow globe, and festive land train operations. They were greatly supported by Falmouth Town Council staff and councillors who volunteered time to help the Town Team deliver this terrific event.

Santa travels around Falmouth (Image: Richard Wilcox/ Falmouth BID)

Commenting on the Festive Weekend, organiser Richard Wilcox, Falmouth BID Manager said: "We're absolutely delighted with the Festive Weekend and the overwhelming feedback from the thousands of people who came into Falmouth over the two days has been hugely positive. Despite challenging conditions faced in the build-up to the event, we were delighted to deliver it for the benefit of the town, businesses, and residents.

"I'd also like to pay tribute to all our volunteers who came together so well to enable the full range of activities to take place. The town was buzzing, the atmosphere terrific and we look forward to doing it all again next year!"

Another festive perfromance on Discovery Quay (Image: Richard Wilcox/ Falmouth BID)

Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Manager, and the second lead organiser said: "I'd like to thank the many people and organisations who kindly supported us in delivering the Festive Weekend including the fantastic Christmas Ambassadors, the Town Council team, and the Christmas Working Group.

"It's that positive community spirit that enables us to deliver a varied Christmas programme. For towns to develop and thrive in the future, there has to be a focus on the destination experience and so in Falmouth, we as a Town Team have worked hard over the last ten years to develop a year-round festivals programme that offers something for everyone."

Falmouth live nativity (Image: Richard Wilcox/Falmouth BID)

Tracy Woodcock who runs Bow Accessories outlets on Killigrew and Market Street, said: "The Festive Weekend is a great idea and a real boost to business. It's of course a really challenging trading environment so the more activities, events, and reasons to visit our lovely town the better. The festival has things happening across the town, which really helps to create a magical atmosphere that everybody, young or old, enjoys. Well done to the Town Team, BID, and all involved!!"