Thousands of people lined the streets to cheer on Falmouth’s walking carnival which treated spectators to not one, but two incarnations of Falmouth Marine Band as it celebrated its 25th anniversary.
The main band, which led the parade, turned back time by replicating the original Cornish drinking tartan kilts first worn back in 1989. They were followed by a “motley band of former members” who were dressed in a variety of uniforms from the past 25 years and were led by the band’s president, David Spargo.
The carnival left Falmouth Rugby Club and made its way through the town centre to the Events Square with most of the parade managing to reach Arwenack Street before being caught in the deluge which had been threatening all evening.
It had attracted entries from many local clubs, organisations and individuals including the Pink Wiggers, 1st Trescobeas Scouts, Fit 'n Fun and Happy Days Nurseries, the Maritime Museum, which literally pushed the boat out, Falmouth Wheelers, Falmouth Art Gallery, 1st Tresco Bay Scouts and Cubs, the Last Chance Hotel dog rescue centre, Falmouth Road Runners, Falmouth Boxing Club, Truro Hash House Harriers and the Daka Doum Samba Band.
As the procession reached The Moor, the walkers were greeted by Falmouth's mayor John Body, who congratulated the band on its 25th anniversary and for raising an estimated £200,000 for local charities during the past quarter century. He also invited the band for tea and buns in the parlour later this year.
“The 2014 carnival collection realised just short of £2,000, which was down a little on previous years despite one of the largest crowds for some years turning out to watch the procession,” said the marine band’s Mike Knutton.
Town manager Richard Gates, who recruited the 35 volunteer marshals who policed the road closures and ensured the safety of all those taking part in the carnival, said: “I’m very, very pleased with the event, apart from the weather and there’s not much we can do about that.
“Thousands of people turned out and most of them stuck it out for as long as was possible considering the weather which was really appreciated. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped.”
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