Festival for the Ocean
Festival for the Ocean Returns to Gyllyngvase Beach
Festival for the Ocean returns to Gyllyngvase Beach on Sunday 7 June from 11am–2pm for a free community celebration of Cornwall’s coast and marine environment.
Hosted by Falmouth Town Council and supported by Cornwall Council’s Fal and Helford Marine Recreational Mitigation Project, the event brings together local organisations, artists, researchers and conservation groups who will be leading a series of ocean-inspired activities.
Celebrate our marine environment through hands-on workshops, artistic activities, conservation demos, and more. Whether you’re popping by with the family or diving into every activity, there’s something for everyone.
Free and open to all – see you on the sand!
Timed activities include:
11am: Snorkel safari with Falmouth Marine Conservation
Midday: Basket Shark and Cuttlefish procession with Falmouth University
12.30pm: Marine mammal stranding demonstration with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMR)
1pm: BRUV underwater wildlife camera demo with Marine Biology Life
1.30pm: Community beach clean with Plastic Free Falmouth
Participating Organisations
Following last year’s Basking Shark parade, Falmouth University’s Beach beasties project returns with the new ‘Cuttlesticks’ procession — a 20-foot wicker mechanical cuttlefish raising awareness of the harm of polluted oceans on vulnerable species.
Visitors can join Falmouth Marine Conservation for a guided snorkel safari exploring local marine wildlife, while Marine Biology Life will demonstrate how underwater BRUV camera systems are used to study species living beneath the waters of Falmouth Bay.
Ocean Buffer Project will be bringing “mini oceans” onto the beach, offering opportunities to explore phytoplankton under the microscope and learn how these tiny marine organisms could help tackle climate change.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) will host a live marine mammal stranding response demonstration, giving visitors the chance to see how trained medics assess and stabilise stranded marine animals along Cornwall’s coastline.
University of Exeter marine researchers will lead interactive ocean science activities and experiments designed to bring marine education to life for all ages.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors can also take part in cyanotype printing, recycled plastic weaving , storytelling sessions courtesy of Falmouth Library, marine education activities, wildlife engagement, art workshops and a charity art and cake sale hosted by SPLANNA! – Falmouth Art Gallery’s Art and Climate Youth Group.
National Coastwatch Institution and Cornwall Radio Amateur Club will also be demonstrating how coastal watchkeepers and radio communication systems help support safety along Cornwall’s coastline.
