Giant Game Set to Take Over Penzance and St Austell

Penzance and St Austell are set to be transformed into a real-life game later this week, as a nationwide physical activity challenge launches across both towns at the same time.

Beat the Street will run from 25th March 2026 until 6th May, marking the first time the game has taken place simultaneously in two locations within the same county.

How the game works

Beat the Street turns towns into interactive play areas, encouraging people to walk, cycle or wheel between special sensors known as Beat Boxes. Around 45 of these boxes will be installed in each location, spaced roughly half a mile apart on lamp posts across the towns and surrounding areas.

Participants score points by tapping contactless cards or using a mobile app as they travel between the boxes. The further they go, the more points they earn.

The game is open to people of all ages. Primary school pupils will receive cards before the game begins, with parents, carers and teachers also provided with packs through schools. Members of the public can collect free cards from distribution points listed on the Beat the Street website, while anyone aged 13 and over can take part using the mobile app available on Google Play and the iOS App Store.

Players can join school or community teams, or create their own team with at least six members.

Who is behind Beat the Street

The game is being delivered locally by Active Cornwall as part of Let’s Go, a campaign being trialled in partnership to help communities shape activities that matter to them.

Funding comes from the Bupa Foundation, Cornwall Council and the National Lottery via Sport England. The programme is managed nationally by Intelligent Health and supported by local organisations including Healthy Cornwall, The Eden Project, St Austell Healthcare, Penwith Primary Care Network and Penzance Town Council.

Beat the Street was created by GP Dr William Bird MBE, founder of Intelligent Health and an expert in physical activity.

A focus on health and activity

The aim of the game is to encourage people to be more active and spend time outdoors. According to research, one in four people in England does less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week, while four out of five primary school children do not achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise.

Tim Marrion of Active Cornwall said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Penzance and St Austell. We know that one of the best things people can do for their physical and mental health is to move more and to get out into green space where possible, and Beat the Street really helps people do just that in a fun and engaging way.

“It’s free to take part in Beat the Street and it’s open to everyone regardless of age, ability or background. It’s an inclusive game that encourages you to exercise from your front door and to clock up the miles within the game framework.”

How to take part

Those interested can find more details and updates on the Active Cornwall website.

You can also join your local game here:

• Beat the Street Penzance
• Beat the Street St Austell

The six-week game aims not only to get people moving during the challenge but to leave a lasting impact on health and wellbeing in both communities.