Falmouth International Arts Festival Returns This March

Cornwall’s international arts festival is back with four packed days of performance, comedy and live experiences across Falmouth.

FIAfest Returns to Falmouth

Falmouth International Arts Festival, also known as FIAfest, returns from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th March 2026, bringing together leading UK and international artists alongside Cornwall-based creative talent.

The four-day programme includes theatre, comedy, music and live performance, with highlights such as a Rewind Party featuring 90s fitness icon Mr Motivator, comedy from Sarah Keyworth, and an immersive performance experience from world-renowned Belgian theatre company Ontroerend Goed.

From Town-Wide Spectacle to Established Festival

FIAfest was launched in 2022 by Penryn-based Impossible Producing, starting with a town-wide outdoor spectacular that attracted more than 10,000 audience members.

The festival is curated by Creative Directors Gabby Vautier and Charlie Bunker, who work across local, national and international theatre and live events.

Made-in-Cornwall Takes Centre Stage

FIAfest 2026 opens with the Made-in-Cornwall Showcase Summit, highlighting new work by local and South West artists developed in the Impossible Ideas Studio.

Public performances as part of the showcase include In My Head by Emily Alden and Sad Bride, created by Charlotte Merriam and Charlotte Vickers.

Alongside performances, the summit offers conversation and practical advice for the wider UK performance industry, focusing on making ambitious theatre during challenging economic conditions. National delegates, including West End director Matthew Dunster, will lead sessions and discussions.

Industry Attention and Local Support

Impossible has invited producers and programmers from across the UK to attend FIAfest and see the quality of work coming out of Cornwall. Festival guests will be hosted by Official Accommodation Partner The Falmouth.

Gabby said, “FIAfest is a platform through which we can showcase the incredible Cornwall-based artists we’ve been working with through our Impossible ‘Made-in-Cornwall’ programmes. We pepper that with national and international acts, all of which bring something different to Cornwall.”

Charlie added, “There’s something for everyone – heavy subjects like race and gender are tackled through brilliant, accessible performances, and of course, our Saturday Spectacular with Mr Motivator is a chance to get your mates together and your neon on for the ultimate party night.

“Cornwall has a vibrant creative sector and a rich pool of incredible talent. This festival is all about showing what we have to offer, and thanks to low ticket prices, it’s also about inspiring local audiences – giving people the opportunity to see acts they might never usually take a chance on.”

More Highlights Still to Come

Other performances include Falmouth-born writer and performer Emma Frankland with No Apologies, comedian and podcaster Cally Beaton with her show Namaste Motherf**kers, and female-led performance company Figs in Wigs, bringing Astrology Bingo to the festival.

Funding and Support

The festival is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, managed locally by Cornwall Council through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

FIAfest is also supported by Falmouth Business Improvement District as part of Falmouth CREATES. BID manager Keren Cooksey said, “We are delighted to continue our support of FIAfest into 2026. Through our BID business plan, we aim to deliver year-round social and economic benefits for the town, including our Falmouth Creates initiative which FIAfest plays a key role in. The festival brings incredible creative energy, attracts new visitors, and provides an important platform for local talent, helping to strengthen Falmouth’s reputation as a vibrant, culturally dynamic destination.”

Full programme details and tickets are available via the FIAfest website.