Newquay Lantern Parade and Trenance Cottages Light Switch On to Return This November

The much-loved Newquay Lantern Parade and Trenance Cottages Light Switch On will return for its second year on Friday 21st November, following the success of last year’s Trees and Tales event in Trenance Valley.

Organised by Newquay BID, Blystra Arts, and Trenance Cottages, the celebration invites the community to wrap up warm and welcome the festive season with an enchanting evening of light, music, and togetherness in one of Newquay’s most picturesque settings.

A Festive Spectacle in Trenance Valley

Last year marked a new era for the parade when it moved from the town centre to the tranquil surroundings of Trenance Valley, drawing record crowds to the lakeside setting. The change was well received, with the reflections of the lanterns creating a stunning display that many described as magical.

This year, the lantern parade will once again lead the celebrations, setting off from Trenance car park at 6pm and winding through the valley towards Trenance Cottages. The Light Switch On, hosted by Radio Newquay, will take place at 6.30pm–6.45pm, followed by live entertainment from crooner Andy Marshall.

Visitors can also enjoy food from The Garden Café, which will be serving throughout the evening so families can relax and make the most of the festive atmosphere.

Lantern Making with Blystra Arts

Throughout November, Blystra Arts will be working with hundreds of schoolchildren and their families across Newquay to create willow lanterns for the parade. All local schools will be taking part, each bringing their handmade lanterns to light up the valley.

There’s also an opportunity for anyone in the community to join in. A Willow Lantern Making Workshop will be held at the WI Hall on Crantock Street on Saturday 15th November from 10.30am to 3pm. This is a drop-in session, so there’s no need to book — simply turn up and craft your own lantern to take part in the parade.

For more information about the parade, light switch on, or workshops, contact Ellen at ellen@blystraarts.org.

Community Support and New Features

This year’s school and community activities have been funded by Experience Newquay, a Cornwall Council-funded project, alongside support from Coodes Solicitors — the main business sponsor — and Newquay BID, who are managing logistics and parade coordination.

The Light Switch On itself has been made possible with Cornwall Council’s Community Chest funding.

In 2025, Blystra Arts have also expanded the event through their Stories from the Station project, supported by Great Western Railway. This has opened up lantern-making workshops to groups such as Youth Art Connect, Age UK, and The Wave Project. Students from Treviglas Academy are also taking part, helping to build a spectacular five-carriage steam train lantern made entirely of willow, which will feature in the parade.

Lighting Up Trenance Cottages

As the parade arrives, Trenance Cottages will host the second-ever Light Switch On at around 6.30pm–6.45pm. The cottages, gardens, and bridge will be illuminated alongside the Christmas tree, creating a festive glow across the valley.

The Newquay Lantern Parade and Trenance Cottages Light Switch On is funded by Cornwall Council’s Experience Newquay project, part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as well as by Coodes Solicitors, Newquay BID, Cornwall Council Community Chest funding, and Great Western Railway.

This November, the return of the lantern parade promises another magical evening for Newquay — a night where art, light, and community come together to start the festive season in style.