Organised by Falmouth Marine Band Cornwall, the marching carnival is always a highlight of Falmouth Week.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a day filled with music, dance and vibrant entrants, as we celebrate the spirit of Falmouth.
Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family and show off your colourful carnival costumes!
Enter the spirit of Falmouth at the annual Carnival held in August to kick start Falmouth Week. Whether your looking to fill your boots by entering the marching parade or enter a float, or one of our shop window competitions we have the means for whatever floats your boat!
The Falmouth Carnival is managed and led by the Falmouth Marine Band and all money raised goes back to local Cornish Charities and Groups under ballot. To enter the ballot you either need to take part or be nominated by participants.
The 2026 Falmouth Carnival will take place on Saturday 8th August 2026 and we are keen for as many local people and groups to get involved as possible. To achieve this there will be several ways you can get involved.
What makes the Falmouth Carnival such fun? You do! It’s about the local community entering the spirit of Falmouth.
The core of any carnival is the floats.
In order to make Falmouth Carnival 2026 be as successful as possible, we are aiming at having as many floats as possible.
We are particularly keen to see local voluntary groups, clubs, organisations and charities taking part as well as local businesses.
The primary part of having a float is finding a vehicle and a driver. Traditionally this has been a flatbed lorry of some sort, however we are open to a range of suggestions and different types of vehicle. Obviously the type of vehicle you can find will determine how you can decorate it – but we would love to see as many wild and wacky entries as possible.
To support the construction of the floats, please see our ultimate guide to how your float can be set up.
To register for a float use the link below.
*ENTRY CLOSING DATE IS TO 12PM SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2026
We will rely on the generosity of lorry drivers and owners of all type of vehicles to take part in our procession. If you would like to volunteer your time as a driver – please register below and we will match you with a group looking for a float.
*REGISTER VEHICLE BY 12PM SAT MAY 1ST 2026
Anyone can enter the marching parade as a walking participant. You can dress up, make an elaborate costume or parade as a group. If you play instruments you could form or enter as a marching band!
This is by far the easiest way to get involved – all you will need to do is register using the link below.
*ONLINE ENTRY CLOSES ON 12PM FRI AUG 07TH 2026.
As part of the Falmouth Carnival celebrations we invite all shops and traders in the town to decorate their window(s) and take part in the annual Window Dressing Competition in the week leading up to the Carnival (Sat 1st – 8th August).
There will be three awards and windows will be judged on Impact, Effort, Originality and most of all – Carnival Spirit! This years themes for your interpretation are “Whatever Floats Your Boat” and “Fill Your Boots”.
*ONLINE ENTRY CLOSES ON 12PM FRI JULY 31ST 2026. – JUDGING WILL TAKE PLACE WEEK OF MON 3RD AUGUST 2026
To deliver the Falmouth Carnival we will need a large number of volunteers and marshals. This will involve wearing a high vis tabard and supervising a particular area of the Falmouth carnival. Full training will be provided and you will need to be available on Saturday 08th August from *1pm till 9pm (TBC).
*REGISTER INTEREST BY 12PM SAT JULY 25TH 2026
Do you have a passion for Carnival – and would like to get involved in a specific area of the Carnival? We are always looking for individuals who can bring value to the team. Register your interest with us – and a member of the team will get in contact to discuss.
*IT’S NEVER TO LATE TO PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
Please join in the carnival spirit and help us to make the town more cheerful for this big celebration for residents and visitors alike.
Many thanks On behalf of the Carnival Committee
Please email us info@falmouthcarnival.org.uk or send us a message on Facebook and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
