11:18am Wednesday 5th August 2009
Falmouth Marching Carnival is shaping up to be a highlight in the programme for Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week. The carnival will take place on Saturday, August 8, at 6.30pm, and will be led by Falmouth Marine Band, who will only reveal their costume for 2009 on the night!
The carnival will form up at 5.30pm and lead off from Falmouth Rugby Club, to the famous melodious strains of the oil drums of the Marine Band, down Killigrew Street, along Market Street, Church Street, Arwennack Street and Grove Place to Falmouth Watersports Centre where refreshments will be provided for those taking part, with a free disco for youngsters taking part.
This is the 21st year of the band’s involvement in Falmouth carnival. “Our long-suffering supporters will be delighted to hear that we have still not attended any rehearsals,” said bandleader Paul Wickes. “What’s more we’ve put someone else in charge of the weather this year and we are confident there will be no repeat of last year’s near wash-out.”
The band was formed two decades ago to breathe new life into a failing town carnival and started organising the event four years ago when the event was again near collapse because of insurance and other problems. This year, other organisations such as VisitCornwall, the town’s traders, and Falmouth Art Gallery are adding their skills to those of helpers in previous years such as the Falmouth town manager, Falmouth and Penryn Lions Club and local police officers.
A collection will be made during the carnival procession with all proceeds going to local charities and good causes. “We expect this year’s marching carnival to be the biggest and best yet and, given the usual generosity of the people of Falmouth and visitors, we are looking for a record collection,” said Paul.
At least four more bands will also take part in the carnival including the Golowan Band and dance troupe, Pensamba Band from Penzance and Falmouth Youth Club and Church Club Bands. Betty Stoggs will entertain spectators as this years ‘Carnival Queen’. There will be no mistaking the Carnival as it entertains the crowds on its way through Falmouth.
The organisers are inviting anyone wishing to join in all the fun of the Carnival - brush off your favourite fancy dress and come on down! They particularly want to involve more children and families in the Carnival, and to help - Falmouth Art Gallery are running free art workshops on the three Saturdays leading up to Falmouth Week on July 25 and August 1-8.
Pupils and staff at Falmouth School are looking forward to Falmouth Week 2009. Students of all ages are working hard producing promotional material including a large banner, which will be displayed in the main street to promote the Falmouth Carnival. Also, Falmouth Waterfront Crew which is made up of students from Falmouth School are working hard building a giant Whale which will feature in the carnival and they hope that the sea creature will be even bigger and better than last years massive octopus!
Also, looking forward to Falmouth Week are Hollye Sangster and the Jazz Band from Falmouth School, who will be performing on the Moor during the week, so the young people in the community will be able to participate and enjoy the festivities.
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