*ENTRY CLOSING DATE 12PM SAT 01ST AUGUST 2026
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 sector organisations and charities taking part as well as local businesses.
The primary part of having a float is finding a vehicle that is fully insured has a valid MOT at time of the Carnival along with road tax and a driver with a valid driving licence. 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, there are some guideline FAQs and below some tips as to how your float can be set up.
*ENTRY CLOSING DATE IS ON 12PM SAT 01ST AUGUST 2026. PLEASE READ THE BELOW INFORMATION BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR ENTRY.
If your creation is not motorised and can propel itself under human power it can be entered under the Marching Parade!
If your creation is not motorised and can propel itself under human power it can be entered under the Marching Parade!
The only rules for human powered floats is that if your entry is wheeled it does not exceed 7m in length!
Please ensure it is less than 2.5 meters wide.
Depending on what your entry is you may be asked to prove that your creation can stop on request.
Please consider a braking system for wheeled creations that are entered into the Falmouth Carnival Marching Parade.
Depending on what your entry is you we may ask you to provide a minimum of two walking marshals who are aged 18+ and able to wear hi vis jackets during the parade. Walking either side of the front wheels of your creation.
Thank you for taking the time to read our ultimate float guide.The guide has been written to help you create a float that will blow the competition out of the water.
If you have any questions, please email: info@falmouthcarnival.org.uk
1. Vehicle maximum maximum width – 2.5 metres. No more than 7.5 tonnes, *unless agreed directly with the organisers.
2. It is the responsibility of all owners of participating motor vehicles to notify their insurers with their intended use and ensure that all vehicles are street legal.
3. Vehicle entrants and their group are required to provide their own risk assessments in respect of any injury arising or damaged caused to third parties, person or property in relation to the event. A Risk Assessment document will be sent to you to fill out and return when you apply for entry.
4. Additionally, wheel Marshals need to be in situ to prevent any accidents or injuries to participants on foot. We ask that you have a minimum of two marshals wearing high viz bibs walking either side of the front wheels of each vehicle. We will contact you when you enter to advise if your entry requires more Marshals.
– Vehicles over 3500kg (Not exceeding 7500kg). 12 Meters
Any vehicles that exceed this will not be permitted to take part in the Carnival procession in 2026.
6. It is the responsibility of all owners of participating motor vehicles to notify their insurers with their intended use and ensure that all vehicles are street legal.
7. Vehicle entrants and their group are required to provide their own risk assessments in respect of any injury arising or damaged caused to third parties, person or property in relation to the event. A Risk Assessment document will be sent to you to fill out and return when you apply for entry.
8. A certificate of Insurance or suitable indemnity must be in force covering the use of the vehicle and float in the carnival at time of use. The vehicle must be taxed and MOT’d and the driver must have a valid driving licence.
The first step to creating the ultimate float is to assemble a strong team of people who can dedicate the skills and time required to design and construct your entry.
Over the years, entrants have consisted of local community groups, organisations, businesses, neighbours and even groups of friends so there is NO excuse not to enter a float.
Once you have established a strong team, it is time to decide what form your final float will take. At this stage, it is a good idea to consider the size and type of vehicle you may require.
Almost any vehicle is acceptable to enter the procession, with a number of local businesses offering the temporary loan of a vehicle and/or trailer for a short period of time before & after the procession.
PLEASE NOTE: Most suppliers of Floats usually require confirmation early in the process due to demand and operational requirements. And all motorised vehicles will require appropriate
All floats, no matter the size require a theme with almost anything being acceptable.
When meeting to decide a theme, is advisable to choose an easily recognisable & eye catching theme with a catchy soundtrack as this will not only draw attention to your entry but also influence the judge’s final decisions.
In the past, entrants have designed floats based on, historical events, fiction, TV programmes & films, just to name a few.
At this stage of the process, it is also a good idea to decide on any costumes, props & scenery that you may require.
PLEASE NOTE: Please choose a theme that avoids the potential of causing offence or references current affairs.
The committee reserves the right to disqualify any entry that contravenes the rules outlined in the official entrance pack.
As a family friendly event, the committee strongly encourages fun and light hearted themes.
Please Note: The Falmouth Carnival is an inclusive and non political entity therefore we hold the right to refuse entry to anything that may cause distress or cause conflict for our viewing public.
When selecting your materials for your float, it is important to consider the durability of your design as the length of the procession and the British Weather will seriously test the durability of your float.
Each float must be under the supervision of a suitable person who will walk alongside the float. The supervisor must be in contact with the driver at all times. Should the supervisor have any concerns with the float, the float must be stopped until such time as it is deemed safe to proceed. At no time must any water, flour or other missiles be thrown from the float. If this is observed from any float, the said float will be immediately be expelled from the procession at the next suitable exit on the route.
N.B. Children on floats must be seated and strapped in.
Safety rails/ropes must be on all floats to prevent persons falling.
In years gone by, entrants have utilised PVC banners and 8mm thick plywood boards to act as side skirts as both materials have proven their durability.
Although the procession is held on closed roads, there is still a requirement to ensure that the driver of the vehicle has full visibility at all times & that where possible none of the moving components on a vehicle or trailer are obstructed or restricted by decorations. Banners on the front and back of a vehicle are permitted as long as the driver still maintains full visibility.
Most of the companies who loan vehicles & trailers for the procession either own or lease their vehicles and trailers and often therefore have strict rules as to how things are attached to them. Prior to decorating your vehicle, please speak to either your vehicle provider or driver as they will happily advise what is and isn’t acceptable.
On a final note, where possible try and source recycled materials for your float such as pallets, wooden boards, and fabrics as this will not only save you money but also help the environment.
As a committee, we encourage all floats to be as vibrant and colourful as possible but would like to request that where possible, all balloons and plastic used on your float is either biodegradable or are recycled after use.
No passengers may be carried on a carnival float unless it is in the procession. Whilst the float is in the procession the maximum speed will be 5 MPH. No one is to climb on or off the float whilst the float is in motion.
Vehicles which have trailers attached must have a means of preventing any persons crossing between the vehicle and trailer.
Please bear in mind that the weather in Cornwall can be very unpredictable at times, so it is advisable to design your float to withstand anything from blazing hot sunshine through to gale force winds and torrential rain. One good method is the use of cheap ponchos that you can put on over your costumes as they can quickly be put on and removed if the weather is changeable.
Taking into account the build time and the procession itself, the day can become quite drawn out and you may find it quite tiring to be on your feet all day, therefore, it is advisable to provide seating for everyone.
We would advise against using plastic garden furniture as due to the movement of the vehicles and nature of the route, they often snap which can cause injury due to sharp edges.
The best form of seating can be anything from sturdy metal-based chairs, hay bales & even camping stools as all can safely flex with the movement of the procession.
It is highly advisable that you load your vehicle with snacks and drinks to last the afternoon as it can get quite warm at times.
Under no circumstances can Float entrants drink alcohol before or during the parade. This includes drivers, participants and marshalls.
