Thousands of zombies are heading for Newquay, with a robot in tow

Somewhere in Newquay, a robot called Titan is being lined up to warm up a crowd of the undead.

The Newquay Zombie Crawl is back on Saturday 24 October, just over two weeks away, as the centrepiece of Spooky Newquay. Organisers describe it as one of the biggest free Halloween events for families in the South West, and it costs nothing to join in or watch.

When and where the Zombie Crawl starts

Activities begin around the town from 10.30am. The main crawl sets off at 3pm from Oakleigh Terrace, near Asda and Newquay railway station, then makes its way through the town centre and finishes at Sainsbury’s.

Families and community groups will crawl, dance and shuffle along the route while spectators line the streets. Radio Newquay will provide the soundtrack, and the Newquay Samba Band will play on Cliff Road before joining the parade.

Organisers are promising giant monster heads, stilt walkers, dancers, street theatre, actors, circus performers and fire performers. Workshops, dance groups and circus groups will be on hand beforehand to help people get ready.

Titan the Robot and a first for the Cornwall Rock Choir

Before the crawl gets going, Titan the Robot will put on a show at Killacourt at 2pm.

The Cornwall Rock Choir will make pop-up appearances around the town through the day. It is the choir’s first time at the Zombie Crawl.

What else is on during Spooky Newquay week

The crawl is one part of a wider programme running through half-term week. After the procession on Saturday, businesses will host their own events, from family discos and silent scary discos to fancy dress and Halloween-themed activities. Later in the evening there are events aimed at adults.

Through the week, businesses across the town are taking part with dressed windows, spooky teams, special offers and activities.

A new website and QR code posters

This year the event has its own site. The official Zombie Crawl website carries full details of the day, workshop locations and timings, local business offers and events, information for participants and updates on the day itself. People can also share their own photographs there.

New posters with QR codes are going up around Newquay. Scanning one brings up interactive information showing where workshops and activities are happening, from Fore Street through the town centre to East Street, Cliff Road and beyond.

The NICI Hotel on East Street is hosting one of the workshops this year, alongside other businesses in the town.

Who is behind it

Spooky Newquay is a Newquay BID event supported by Newquay Town Council. The Newquay Lions, Blystra Lions, Newquay Veterans and other volunteers will help with the road closures and safety arrangements.

Organisers say the crawl has grown year on year and believe it is also one of the biggest events of its kind in the UK.

Mark, from Newquay BID, said: “The Zombie Crawl is such a fantastic celebration of our community. It brings together families, local businesses, performers, creative groups, volunteers and visitors and turns the whole town into one huge Halloween celebration.

“It’s completely free, it’s fun, it’s a little bit bonkers, and it gets bigger every year. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who gets involved and makes it happen.

“We can’t wait to see Newquay overrun with spookiness on 24 October. Be here… or be scared!”

Keeping children close on the day

With thousands of people expected, organisers are reminding families that the town will be very busy. Parents and carers are asked to keep children close throughout the day.

Marshals will be out across the event, alongside rangers in the town. Newquay Library will act as the central point for any children who become separated from their families, with the library team helping to reunite them with parents or carers.

Parking and getting there

Car parks around Newquay are expected to be busy. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and allow plenty of time to park and find a spot.

There is additional parking at Trenance, around a five-minute walk from the start of the crawl at Oakleigh Terrace.