Newquay Zombie Crawl parade called off as storm forecast looms

The costumes are ready, the face paint is bought, and the forecast has other ideas.

This Saturday’s outdoor Zombie Crawl parade in Newquay has been cancelled because of forecast high winds, gusting conditions and heavy rainfall. But the rest of the day is going ahead.

Newquay BID made the call after keeping a close eye on the weather all week. The parade was due to start at 3pm on Saturday 24 October, running from Oakleigh Terrace through to Sainsbury’s. Organisers say they can’t guarantee it would be delivered safely in those conditions, and the safety of residents, visitors, performers, participants and event staff comes first.

Mark, Newquay BID Manager, said: “In my five years as BID Manager, this is the first time we’ve had to cancel the Zombie Crawl parade, and it’s a huge decision to make. The event has grown enormously and is loved by local people, families from across Cornwall and visitors from further afield. But we simply cannot put anyone at risk.

“Public safety has to come first, and with the forecast showing high winds and heavy rain, cancelling the outdoor parade is the right decision. Nobody can predict how quickly the weather can change. Last week the conditions were absolutely perfect. This week, they’re the complete opposite.”

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Halloween in Newquay is still on

The parade is the only part of the programme being cancelled. The free workshops, indoor performances and family activities planned across town on Saturday are all still happening, moved indoors wherever arrangements have been confirmed.

“Please don’t think Halloween is cancelled in Newquay!” Mark said. “The parade is cancelled, but the rest of our spooky Saturday is still going ahead. We have a whole host of free, family-friendly workshops and activities across the town, with indoor performances and plenty to keep everyone entertained.”

The free workshops include:

• Face painting
• Pumpkin carving
• Banner making
• Storytelling
• Wound-making and spooky make-up

Locations and timings for each activity are on the Newquay Zombie Crawl website.

Where the performances have moved

Performances that were planned outdoors are being brought inside where possible. So far the line-up looks like this:

• 11.30am, Circus Skills Workshop at C Space on the Crescent
• 12pm, Newquay Samba Band and 4Motion Dance group at Whiskers, Gover Lane
• 12pm, Bounce Dance Academy and Cornwall Theatre Group at the Unity Bar, Gover Lane
• 1pm, Rock Choir at Newquay Cinema
• 2pm, Titan the Robot at Newquay Cinema (a half-hour performance)

Creepy Karaoke and other Halloween entertainment are also planned at participating venues. Final timings for the Gover Lane performances should be checked before heading out.

Kids’ discos to keep the afternoon going

Once the workshops wind down, businesses around town are hosting children’s discos and parties. Salt Sheds on Beach Road is putting on a free children’s silent disco, and the Griffin is running a free kids’ disco too. More events are planned at other venues.

“From face painting and pumpkin carving to banner making, storytelling and wound-making, there is still lots of spooky fun to be had,” Mark said. “Many local businesses are also hosting children’s discos and parties during the afternoon, so families can keep the fun going after dressing up and enjoying the activities. We’re encouraging everyone to come into Newquay, enjoy the programme and support our local businesses.”

Spooky Newquay runs all half term

The Zombie Crawl is one part of Spooky Newquay, a wider programme of Halloween activities, events and business offers running through the half-term holidays. Local businesses have been organising their own events, family activities, discounts and spooky products, from zombie runs to themed experiences for children.

The idea is to get families and visitors exploring different corners of town and finding independent shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs along the way.

Next Saturday (31 October) brings an Earthwave record-breaking surf event at Great Western Beach, a market on East Street, and more activities and offers from participating businesses.

Check before you set off

Arrangements for individual activities may still change in response to the weather, so organisers are asking people to check the latest confirmed details on zombiecrawl.co.uk before setting off. Updates will also go out through Love Newquay, Newquay Town Council and other local partners on social media.

“We’re incredibly grateful to all the performers, community groups, businesses, volunteers and partners who have worked so hard to make this programme happen,” Mark said. “Spooky Newquay is about the whole town coming together, and there is still plenty to enjoy this weekend.”

And the parade itself? “We’re already looking ahead to bringing the parade back bigger and better next year.”