Tall Ships fleet to gather for start of Funchal 500 race

A fleet of 25 Tall Ships will be in Falmouth from 10th to the 13th September before the start of their race to Funchal, Madeira, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first settlement on the island.

Visitors to Falmouth will be able to step onboard magnificent vessels, see a spectacular Parade of Sail and witness hundreds of international crewmen in their finery. Falmouth itself will be in full festival mode.

Throughout the town there will tented shopping areas offering local produce and tempting visitors to sample the town’s tastiest treats, a weird and wonderful array of street entertainers. In the evening a wide selection of live music will be on offer, and a spectacular fireworks display will round off the event.

Samantha Groom of Carrick District Council, organisers of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta activities in Falmouth, comments: “With three entertainment stages there will be something for all ages and musical tastes and a great atmosphere throughout the town during the four days of the event.”

Tickets to the main stage on Events Square can be purchased from the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the Falmouth Tourist Information Centre. Tickets can also be bought online or by telephoning 08705 30 30 30. For further information on the daytime and evening entertainment programme please visit the event’s website .

Picture: STI