Falmouth International Arts Festival (FIAfest) is back with a packed four-day programme of theatre, comedy, music and live performance, bringing together leading UK and international artists alongside some of Cornwall’s most exciting creative talent.
Running from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th March, FIAfest 2026 includes a Rewind Party with 90s legend, Mr Motivator, comedy from acclaimed comedian and TV regular Sarah Keyworth (Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats, House of Games), and a unique immersive experience, courtesy of world-renowned Belgian theatre company, Ontroerend Goed.
Penryn-based Impossible Producing launched FIAfest in 2022 with a town-wide outdoor spectacular that drew more than 10,000 audience members. The festival is curated by Creative Directors Gabby Vautier (Young Vic, Barbican, Manchester International festival) and Charlie Bunker (Wildworks, Arts Council England), who specialise in creating theatre, events and experiences locally, nationally and internationally.
FIAfest 2026 begins with the Made-in-Cornwall Showcase Summit. The summit showcases new work by local and South West artists developed in the Impossible Ideas Studio. Many of the Made-in-Cornwall Showcase performances are on sale to the public as part of FIAfest, including Emily Alden’s In My Head; and Sad Bride, created by Charlotte Merriam and Charlotte Vickers.
For the wider UK performance industry, the summit includes conversation and practical advice on how to make ambitious theatre and experiences happen amid challenging economic conditions. National industry delegates – including West End Director Matthew Dunster (2:22, The Hunger Games) will lead the conversations and events.
Impossible has invited leading producers and programmers from across the UK to attend FIAfest and see first-hand the quality of work coming out of Cornwall. Official Accommodation Partner for FIAfest, The Falmouth, will host the guests.
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 adds, “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.”
Full programme details and tickets at fiafest.org.
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