Starting now, you can take part in Spot the Stranger – in shops displaying a red dot, find something in their window they don’t sell – prizes to be had for all the right answers. A firm favourite with young and old.
Then the main events kick off tomorrow night (Wednesday 18th) with the Crowning of the Queens, the Flora Dance and the Carnival rolled into one. (Normally the much-loved Flora Dance is on Monday in case you’re confused).
The Crowning of the Queens is when children of the town get to take part in lots of dressing up and waving, usually joining many other processions in Cornwall’s various villages (our little girl did it one year and loved it.)
They will then lead the Flora Dance, dancing through the town until Caffa Mill. Open to all and visitors are especially encouraged to dress up in white (unlike other towns we won’t mention!) and join in the very easy steps.
Everyone eagerly awaits the Fowey Carnival and this year will be no different. There’s always a mixture of wonderful and imaginative customs on display. It’s great fun to take part – the last time at five months pregnant I was a rather large green alien!
Thursday night sees a real Fowey tradition, the Giant Pasty, created locally by Quay Bakery. Only children are allowed a piece of this though, so grown ups – hands off!
We’ve been especially impressed by the music this year. As well as an array of busking through the week on the Town Quay, on Friday we’re also really excited to see Queen tribute Good Old Fashioned Lover Boys, who played to Regatta’s largest ever crowds in 2019.
And of course, rounding off the week on Saturday, John, Paul George and the other one return for Not The Beatles. Seeing ‘John’ perform the opening bars to Bohemian Rhapsody in 2019 – in a touching nod to the success of the Queen tribute the night before – is one of our most enduring Regatta memories ever.Please note – unlike previous years both of these bands will be in the grounds of Fowey River Academy – you can buy tickets here – just £5.
As ever on Saturday, fantastic fireworks will illuminate our beautiful Fowey Harbour.
As usual the week has been entirely brought to you by volunteers and donations. You can download a programme with all details here or printed programmes are available at Fowey River Gallery, Park Road Stores & Post Office, Four Turnings Garage and Val’s Place in Par.
And follow updates, including possible changes to events, on their Facebook page
Oh yes – and apparently there is also some sailing too…
