The G7 (or Group of 7) summit is an economic forum in which the leaders of seven ‘advanced’ democracies meet to solve issues and work together on global concerns.

The main topic of discussion this year will be the recovery of the global economy from Covid, including ‘building a stronger global health system that can protect us from future pandemics’. Also on the agenda will be talks on trade and climate change.

This year, diplomats and delegates will be at the conference venue in St Ives. The Carbis Bay hotel will host the 2021 G7 conference in Cornwall, with leaders and representatives from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The United Kingdom and the United States in attendance. If you are staying in one of our holiday cottages and are planning a day trip to St Ives, we’re sure you’ll find it much more enjoyable to visit after the conference is done and dusted.

Although taking place against the backdrop of the Cornish sea in St Ives, the world’s press will gather in Falmouth, and the weekend of 11-13^th June might see locals and visitors alike needing to take a little more time for their journeys. The press will take up residence Events Square, with a temporary pavilion erected in Grove Place car park.

With lots of planning involved, there are a few aspects listed below to be aware of that might make your stay a little easier. As always, we advise planning ahead to make sure that you get the most out of your stay with us in Cornwall.

Police presence

Do not be alarmed by the sight of more police in Cornwall during the G7 event. Thousands of extra police have been drafted in to help organise and secure the proceedings. Hard to miss is the large cruise ship docked at Falmouth harbour. This is the MS Silja Europa, which will house over 1,000 policemen and women over the weekend. A game of ‘spot the undercover police officer’ may also help to keep children amused whilst in the town!

Protests

With the eyes of the world on Cornwall, the opportunity to be heard on world issues, from environmental to foreign policy is unique for Cornwall. Some people will take the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights, and a section of carpark in Falmouth has been devoted to exactly this. During the weekend of 11-13^th expect to see protestors peacefully protesting under the supervision of Devon and Cornwall Police in the designated protest zone of the council’s Lower Church Street Car park.

We know that many of our guests are excited to be joining in on the ‘G7 Paddle Out Protest’ to call for climate action with Surfers Against Sewage. The paddle out will see people and placards take to the water of Falmouth Bay from Gyllyngvase beach at 10:30 am on Saturday 12^th June. Expect to see the seafront and beaches a little less serene than usual whilst this well-organised protest takes place.

Car Parks

Two of Falmouth’s car parks closest to Events Square will be closed during the event. Grove Place and Maritime car parks will be closed between 27^th May and 19^th June. To allow for peaceful protest Church Street Car park will be closed to pay and display between the 10^th and 13^th June.
Ponsharden park and ride will also be closed to the public from 11^th – 14^th June.

Events Square

The National Maritime Museum and Events Square will host the International Media Centre for the G7 summit and as such will be closed to visitors between 1^st and 18^th June. Restaurants within the square will be closed to the public, but Tesco Express will remain open for the duration of the event. During the summit, Events Square will be a restricted area, and guests staying in a holiday apartment on Events Square will be issued with a letter and will be required to show a form of ID to obtain access to parking and enter their apartments.

Rail

Train services will run as normal on the maritime line from Truro to Falmouth, but please be aware that Falmouth Town train station will be closed from 10-14^th June. Tickets for Falmouth town will be valid up to Falmouth Docks, a 10-minute walk away from Falmouth Town station.

Drones and Airspace

Significant restrictions are temporarily being implemented on Cornwall’s airspace. All unauthorised flight is restricted, which means that recreational drones will not be able to be flown between 7-13^th June. Anyone wishing to fly a drone during this period will need to apply for permissions via Devon and Cornwall police at this link.

Community Impact

A comprehensive information guide on what to expect during the G7 event can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website via this link.