Falmouth University has been announced as the official sponsor for the 10th annual Fal River Festival; set to be one of biggest cultural celebrations Cornwall has ever seen.
Taking place over ten days from 22nd May, the Festival will highlight the artistic and natural riches of the Fal River area, which stretches from Truro down to Falmouth and St Mawes, attracting national and international visitors to the shores of the river.
Professor Anne Carlisle, Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive of Falmouth University, said the University was thrilled to be supporting the event for the second year running: "The Fal River Festival is a fantastic event, which not only highlights the many attractions of the area, but seeks to develop them through innovation and cultural exchange. As the UK's leading Arts University, it is a perfect collaboration and one we look forward to seeing flourish once again this year."
The 2015 programme will be more diverse and ambitious than ever before under the auspices of Creative Director Anna Druce, who counts the visit of the Olympic Torch to Cornwall and Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta in her event portfolio.
Anna is busy curating a packed line-up of music, visual arts, food, theatre, exhibitions, storytelling, sports and children's activities, which will see the towns and villages, creeks and footpaths of the river come alive with the sights and sounds of a unique festival.
Integrated into the festival will be the eagerly-anticipated Viking Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, with various fun and educational events taking place along this theme.
Immersive theatre and circus performances on an exhilarating scale will take place at Trelissick National Trust Garden, Events Square in Falmouth and the King Harry Ferry, provided by Swamp Circus amongst others.
There will also be an opportunity for final-year Creative Event Management students from Falmouth University to showcase their work, including organizing a Cornish Bake-Off at Events Square in Falmouth to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, where the cake decoration will have a Fal River theme.
Other events include Films on the Ferry, the Beer Fleet sail, artists Open Studios, storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and various guided walks around the river.
Tim Light, Director of Fal River Cornwall, said:
"The programme which is taking shape is quite remarkable. Events will take place along the length and breadth of the river as part of a cultural celebration which reflects Cornwall's rich artistic heritage and wealth of natural beauty. We're delighted that Falmouth University is sponsoring the event for the second year in a row; the collaboration demonstrates that Cornwall is a world-class cultural destination for visitors and students alike."