As the St Ia church clock struck for noon yesterday, Falmouth Marine Band were in place in Royal Square ready to get the 2025 St Ives September Festival under way.
Falmouth Marine Band pass by Market House on their way to The Wharf
The drums sounded loud and proud as the band marched their way down Tregenna Place and High Street to the Wharf, eventually breaking for a pint — or two — in The Sloop. Vital refuelling.
Those of us who had been dodging showers for the past few days had feared the worst weather-wise, but as it happened the sun shone for most of the day, and the town was sheltered from a wind that gusted heavily over the bay at Hayle beach.
Piano Bike Girl, Chloe Marie Aston
As it happened, the Marine Band were a great booking to get the festival going, entertaining all ages, offering a repertoire from Distant Drums to Trelawney, and posing for photos with the huge crowds. Even the drivers held up by their parade were patient and, mostly, smiling.
All afternoon, there was great entertainment to be had all around town, from the folklore-inspired dance and song of Boudicca, to the foot-tapping latin rhythms of Samba Cambada, bluegrass-inflenced St Ives String Band, and shanty quartet Cork an Barbor.
Boudicca (left) and Cork an Barbor
But there was big interest in Piano Bike Girl, Chloe Marie Aston. She rides a tricycle (so, technically, Piano Trike Girl) upon which her father, Lee, has mounted a piano. She can play and sing, then pedal to her next location. The gimmick aside, Chloe is an excellent musician and singer, and the crowds loved her. Good luck as she attempts to play in every seaside town around the UK.
The festival continues for the next 13 days with a huge programme of events, and the street entertainment will return next Saturday with a fresh programme. It all gets under way from noon.
See the full list of September Festival events here.
