The inaugural Falmouth International Arts Fest lands this July.

The festival 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. 

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. 

Benji Bower. Credit: Steve Tanner.

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."

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.

FIAfest flyer.

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

Key highlights include Terra Coda; an Orchestral love letter to the planet created by Olivier nominated composer Benji Bower, (Princess Pavilion 9th & 10th July), iMelania, from digital performance duo Varjack Lowry who will challenge your tech skills and your opinions on immigration (The Poly Tuesday 12th July) and the BAC Beatbox Academy, fresh from their sell out International tour with gigs for grown-ups (Cornish Bank Monday 11th July), and a family after school clubbing event (Princess Pavilion Tuesday 12th July).

Terra Coda. Credit: Steve Tanner.

FIAFest will turn the town's Church Street car park into a Festival Hub for free and pay-what-you-like pop up performances, including an outdoor music stage with The Cornish Bank, Acrobatics, circus and dance in public by world renowned Ockhams Razor, Trifle Gatherings Theatrical Tattoo Parlour, and a secret cinema experience with The Splendid Hut.

Cornwall artists will also be platformed at the centre of FIAFest; Seamas Carey will be bringing back his sell out show Help I Think I'm a Nationalist (Wood Lane Social Club Wednesday 14th-Friday 15th July.). Seamus will also be running a debate night following his hugely provocative podcast The Reason Why exploring being Cornish (The Cornish Bank Sunday 10th July) whilst Cscape's dancing waitresses will be delighting diners across the town (various restaurants in Falmouth Sat 9th and Sun 10th July) and Femmes de la Mer on Gylly Beach (Tuesday 12th July). There's even Equinopera - a horse opera in Kimberley Park (Saturday 9 July).

Ockhams Razor.

And for the adventurous, a family Havoc Rules adventure trail cooked up by Stranger Collective will invite little people to do things differently (Saturday 9th July). Festivalgoers can enter a theatrical lottery for a secret Time Consultation phone performance by Washington born artist Paula Varjack (Saturday 9th July) and Sally Crooks, theatre maker and counsellor, will be sorting audiences out in her new self-help show In Order (The Cornish Bank Thursday 14th July.) 

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."

The Splendid Hut.

Falmouth International Arts Festival starts on Saturday 9th July and continues until Friday 15th July with something for everyone across Falmouth towns venues, town, park and beaches.

Visitors can find out more and book tickets here.