The Cornwall Blog

View from our apartment to Flushing After just having a lovely weekend away in Falmouth with my mum, I thought I would share some photos and thoughts with you here today. Returning to a place you have once lived is rather strange. There’s that sense of home, like something of this place is yours and always will be, but also the reminder that time moves on, that others have come and claimed and left their mark. It was about 18 years ago I was an art student here, so returning as a full grown-up was a lovely but strange thing to do.  Of course I have had many a day trip over the years and visited friends but our lovely long weekend helped me more readily soak up the new atmosphere. My main impression of how Falmouth has changed is that it has become a bit more cool and a bit more foodie-focusesed. There was of course the arty air before, creativity and independence proudly worn on its sleeve, but as with a lot of Cornwall (my neighbouring Fowey for instance) there are restaurants gal...

I love March in Cornwall, so many spring flowers are popping up everywhere, there is just the hint of that lovely warm sunshine, plus the possibility of snow. It also feels like Cornwall begins to open up and for us locals, a sunny day means places like popular St Ives or Falmouth radiate holiday fun. There are plenty of events up and down the county to mark high days and holidays, but what has caught my eye this month actually only opens on the 31st of March, but it looks worth the wait! Pirates! A brand new exhibition at Cornwall's Maritime Museum looks worthy of a visit. For years the folklore of pirates has provided fodder for books, movies and the imagination, this year the museum seeks to go under the surface and find out the truth behind the tall tales.  It has been quite a while since I have visited the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth but I think it really uses its space well, creating exhibitions that engage on an impressive scale. The teaser video on the website cer...

The National Maritime Museum have an exhibition opening in March that focusses on our fascination with the monsters of the deep. My film-buff brother always had a bit of an obsession with the B Movie, 'Creature of the Black Lagoon', but our cultural fascination doesn't stop there. In literature, film and theatre we are drawn to the uncharted world that lies beneath, and the monsters that may or may not inhabit it. Falmouth's great interactive museum is running an exhibition from the 20th of March allowing you to explore and discover the legends, folklore and science of these nautical heroes and villains. Find out more at their website.

June is alive with many a festival, the Royal Cornwall Show to name just one. But this month I want to draw your attention to the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival. Quite a mouthful but a really charming event in our Cornish calendar. Running from 16th to the 18th June 2017 this festival is a real celebration of community where the whole town comes alive with music. I was a student in Falmouth and the Sea Shanty festival was lots of fun. Now it is one of the largest in Europe with loads of free music all over the town. Falmouth is a gem of a destination festival or not, with a thriving high street, an ample sprinkling of pubs and eateries, the harbour, a castle, the beach! The roots of the festival started in 2003 when a group of singers wanted to keep alive the stories of the Tall Ships and the tradition of performing sea shanties and Cornish songs. The music with its rhythmic beat served to keep the sailers working together as they did their chores at sea. The ...

You may have seen the recent TV commercials for Chanel 4 's reenactment of the famous Mutiny on the Bounty. Head to Falmouth and you can see an exhibition all about the Cornish born Captain Bligh and his impossible voyage. For those who don't know, Lieutenant William Bligh was the commanding officer aboard the HM Bounty in the Pacific and he was cast a float by a mutiny led by Fletcher Christian in April 1789. Bligh and his men were left to die in a 23-foot boat. He managed to sail across 3600 nautical miles of treacherous water from Tonga to Timor in a remarkable survival story. The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth hosts this exhibition, running from the 17 March - 31 December 2017. You can see some original artefacts, like Bligh's coconut bowl, bullet-weight, horn-beaker and magnifying glass used to light fires. There is also a reproduction of the boat the 19 men squeezed into! This story has been passed down, twisted and romanticised, and the exhibition ...

"Tall Ships and Small Ships" - by John Dyer, the Festival's "Artist in Residence" A picture is telling thousands of words as school children across the country knuckle down to interpreting an oil-based celebration of one of this year’s great world Maritime events – the Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta. Artist in residence for the Regatta, John Dyer, has unveiled his fireworks and fiesta painting, based on memories of the last Falmouth Tall Ships Festival in 2008, which, with the help of story-tellers, performers, a playwright and a hip-hop poet, is getting youngsters deeply immersed in their own paint and salty tales. Damian Dibben, creator of the world famous “The History Keepers” time-travel series is part of the creative team for the BIG Art & Storytelling Tall Ships Project says, “This is a brilliant, original competition. John Dyer’s picture is bursting with character, life and colour – I can’t wait to see what stories it inspire...

The Courtyard Deli When visiting Cornwall there are so many fine places to eat but so many of them are hidden away and often locals hot spots. I wanted to share my favourite hidden places to eat in Cornwall, local ingredients cooked beautifully and once found you will also be going back for more. The Courtyard Deli Falmouth. This is a true hidden gem and when I say hidden unless you know about the small alleyway leading up to the Deli you wouldn’t know it was there. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful coastal town of Falmouth this Deli is definitely worth hunting down. With all the usual food you expect to find in a deli from beautiful breads to local cheeses they also serve amazing homemade cakes with delicious coffee. But the best thing about the Deli is when the Deli transforms into a tapas bar in the evening. My favourite is their Cornish mackerel fillets. Jon's Bistro Jon’s Bistro at The Bre Pen farm Mawgan Porth. When looking for hidden spots you can’t get mor...

The National Maritime Museum Falmouth has been shortlisted for the Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Award – by far the biggest museum award in Britain and the only one judged by families. The winner is picked by undercover family judges visiting the museum anonymously and reporting back on what they find. Kids In Museums are now recruiting families who would like to be judges. All a family needs to do is email award@kidsinmuseums.org.uk and they will be supported through the judging process. It’s free and fun, and gives another reason to spend time at a fabulous local museum! You are, of course, welcome to visit more than one venue too if it coincides with family holidays etc. We will pay reasonable travel costs for any judging families as well as covering your entry fees, if applicable. A few days after your visit, a volunteer would contact you to discuss how things went. It’s great The National Maritime Museum has got this far – and hopefully will get further! The winner...

If you are looking for something special for all the family this summer – look no further! Over the past two months Cornwall’s Miracle Theatre has been touring around the South West delighting audiences with their current show ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and now it's heading your way. Miracle Theatre has once again teamed up with the King Harry Ferry and the Fal River Team to offer audiences the chance to take a special ‘showboat’ from Falmouth to see The Importance of Being Earnest on Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th August at St Mawes Castle. The journey across the picturesque estuary will include a complimentary pint of ale from the local Skinners brewery range, a sunset cruise back to port, all hosted by the ‘Miracles cabin crew’ (Kyla Goodey and Sally Crooks of Trifle Gathering). This year the Showboats also marks the start of Miracle’s season of ‘Theatre around the Fal River’ this summer. “We are so pleased to be working with the Fal River team to run ou...

Join us for an evening of food and wine at the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society (also known as The Poly) in Falmouth on Saturday 12th March 2011. Rick will be hosting a one-off demonstration evening, from which all proceeds will be donated to the RCPS. "Recently I was shown around the Polytechnic and was amazed at how beautiful it is - so full of history, such high ceilings and elegant windows, but a bit frayed around the edges. I'm very happy to help raise funds to restore it." The evening will begin at 6pm (Poly doors open at 5.30pm) where you will be greeted with a glass of wine, then sit back and relax as you watch Rick cook three dishes from his latest book Far Eastern Odyssey, whilst sharing tips, techniques and anecdotes from his latest travels. Rick will also be signing books for guests after the event. Henk Wiekens, Chairman, Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society said “The RCPS is very honoured to have Rick Stein leading this fantastic fundraising opportuni...

A new exhibition showcasing the work of Falmouth-based photographer Oliver Raymond-Barker will be taking place at The Poly, Falmouth, from 1-7 March 2011. This is his first solo show and has been enabled by a development grant from the arts organisation Creative Skills Cornwall. Through the medium of photography and print Raymond-Barker explores his connection with the natural and built environment. The wild coast of Cornwall provides a wealth of inspiration, as does his work as an architectural photographer. His images seek to transcend the original subject and create a new vision, communicating the energy and essence of locations as he sees them. Raymond-Barker graduated from Birmingham Institute of Art and Design in 2002 with an honours degree in Photography. Following his degree, he worked as studio assistant and later digital manager for Sanctuary Studios in London before deciding to go freelance two years later. He has spent the last five years working in the outdoor adventu...

Our talented chef and BBC Masterchef winner James Nathan will be hosting a seafood demonstration evening at our Seafood Bar on Events Square in Falmouth on Tuesday 28th September. This informal evening begins at 6pm where you will be greeted with a glass of wine, then relax as you watch James demonstrate two seafood dishes. He'll be talking you through what's in season, tips and techniques, as well as sharing his experiences since winning BBC One's Masterchef in 2008. Stein's Deli in Falmouth will be open until 8.30pm. There will be 10% discount throughout the evening upon presentation of your ticket. Tickets £10. Spaces are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment. For more information and bookings please call Padstow Seafood School on 01841 533466.

600 children show their skill in the water during the British Life Saving Sport Nipper Championships, sponsored by South West Water. The event concluded a week of fun and sporting skill on the beach and in the sea for over 1,000 Surf Lifesavers. Back for the second time as part of Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week, Life Saving Sport, based on the equipment used by Lifeguards, is a showcase of the skill and fitness needed to save lives. The event is generously sponsored by South West Water who are delighted to be part of the Championships once again this year, as South West Water Customer Relations Director, Monica Read, explains; “South West Water is pleased to support Surf Life Saving communities around our beautiful coastline, by supporting the development of young Surf Lifesavers we can help to create the next generation of volunteers making our beaches safe”. It was an exciting week, starting with North Devon Surf Life Saving Clubs ruled the roost during the first part of the week with Sa...

Rick Stein will be signing copies of his books later this month at Stein’s Deli in Padstow and at his new restaurant, Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips, on Discovery Quay in Falmouth. The dates will be Friday 20th and Thursday 26th August 2010. Friday 20th August: 10.30am to 11.30am, Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips, Events Square, Falmouth 3pm to 4pm, Stein’s Deli, South Quay, Padstow Thursday 26th August: 11am to 12pm, Stein’s Deli, South Quay, Padstow Access to the queue is on a first come first served basis, please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Opening tonight (Friday 19th March 2010) on Discovery Quay, Falmouth – opposite the National Maritime Museum, Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips opens its doors at 5pm. Rick Stein and his ex-wife Jill have spent over thirty-five years building up their business in Padstow, which includes four restaurants, a deli, patisserie, gift shop, cookery school and 40 guest bedrooms, as well as a pub in the nearby village of St. Merryn, but Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips in Falmouth will be their first venture away from the Padstow area. “It’s great to be finally opening in Falmouth. Outside Padstow it’s my favourite seaside town in Cornwall. “Jill and I have looked around Cornwall for a long time for a place to expand beyond Padstow. Our inspiration for The Seafood Restaurant originally came from a restaurant in Falmouth that we frequented during the 1970’s, so it seemed only natural to finally open our own restaurant here. It’s a place we both know well. “I've always been fascinated by Falmo...

Film maker Brett Harvey on working within the video dance medium. “Video Dance” or “Dance for Camera” has established itself as a new and vital ingredient in the UK’s evolving film scene. Video Dance, uses movement in place of, or as well as, dialogue and is a rich medium that smashes the boundaries to redefine both dance and film, stretching our imagination and the way we think about what film can be. This course is designed to detangle the world of dance for camera The course will: · Give you experience and confidence of working in a new genre · Give you clear ideas and approaches to working in this highly creative area of film making · Stretch your imagination and ideas of what film making can be · Give you the chance to work creatively and collaboratively with a dancer · Give you insight and experience into a vastly growing area of the film industry Videodance can be seen on almost any media platform from iPods to feature films, commercials and television programs. Currently there ...

A local Falmouth Chef has been selected to appear in this year’s MasterChef the Professionals. Dan Gvalda, Senior Sous Chef at The Flying Fish Restaurant, will be showcasing his culinary expertise in the ever popular series starting this week on BBC2. This years’ series sees Michel Roux Jnr and MasterChef veteran Gregg Wallace hunt for the young chef of the year. Dan said: “Throughout my chef profession I’ve always dreamt of cooking for Michelle Roux Jnr and now that dream has come true! Being selected to appear on MasterChef the Professionals has been a highlight of my career to date and an experience not to be forgotten.” Dan has worked at The Flying Fish Restaurant as Sous Chef for the past year. His chef training began at 2 Rosette level and he’s no stranger to master chefs after previously working closely with Master Chef Kalvin Clarke. The Flying Fish Restaurant, situated on the beautiful Falmouth coast, reflects the very best of Cornish cuisine and style. Dan and the F...

The two day live music event Falmouth Sound which was due to be held on 29th and 30th August 2009 at Events Square, Falmouth has been cancelled. The following is an official statement from the organisers of Falmouth Sound 09: “It is with deep regret that we announce that Falmouth Sound will not be going ahead this year. It has been an agonising decision on our part as we have spent so much time and money trying to bring this high quality music event to the town. Unfortunately due to difficult economic conditions advanced ticket sales have not reached a point that would warrant staging such a large-scale event. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our team for their hard work and those people who purchased tickets and supported the event.” Ticket holders are advised to contact the ticket retailer they purchased from direct to arrange a full refund. Those people who purchased from the beach hut ticket office at Events Square will be contacted by the Falmouth Sound team sh...

Neville Staple EVENT CANCELLED: See explanation in this post ... One of Cornwall’s most exciting new music events reveals its full line up for this August Bank Holiday. As the end of the summer draws ever nearer, the Falmouth Sound team has given us all something to look forward to by announcing yet more big name artists that will be gracing the stage in Events Square, Falmouth on August Bank Holiday weekend. Joining The Wombats, The Boxer Rebellion and Fink on Saturday 29th August will be Irish singer/songwriter Foy Vance, who has been likened to Stevie Wonder and admired by Pete Townshend. And as if that wasn’t enough bang for your musical buck, Melo Park – featuring Sian Evans of Kosheen has also been added to the mix. Foy Vance On Sunday 30th August The Wailers and Gabbidon have some familiar faces as support in the form of The Neville Staple Band (featuring two-tone legend and member of The Specials), Neville Staple) who will be accompanied by ska songstress Pauline Black. And la...