Newquay’s Creative Scene to Shine This Autumn with Month-Long Festival

Photo Credit: Kleiner Shames

Newquay is set to embrace its vibrant culture with the Be Newquay Festival, a month-long celebration from 1st November to 1st December 2024. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and managed by Cornwall Council, the festival promises a diverse array of activities and workshops that highlight the town’s unique identity and creative spirit.

Community-Centric Celebrations

Designed with the local community at its heart, the Be Newquay Festival will feature an array of events produced by local organisations. From live shows and exhibitions to well-being experiences and outdoor activities, the festival aims to offer something for everyone. Many events will be free or affordably priced, ensuring that all residents and visitors can participate.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy and local member for Newquay Central and Pentire, expressed excitement about the new addition to Newquay’s winter calendar, noting that it celebrates the town’s unique culture and thriving creative sector.

Highlights of the Festival

Street Art Murals: The festival will feature three large-scale street art murals in the town centre, led by Slapdash Studio. Renowned artists Kleiner Shames, Elle Koziupa, and 45 RPM will create murals that depict Newquay’s heritage and identity. There will also be street art workshops for the community to engage in.

Light Displays at Trenance Heritage Cottages and Garden Cafe: The cottages, cafe, and surrounding gardens will be illuminated with themed light displays for Halloween, Christmas, and St. Piran’s Week, providing a magical evening experience.

Winter Arts Programme: ALMA Artspace CIC, in collaboration with artist Robin Sullivan, will deliver a winter arts programme and a large-scale sculptural commission from 29 November to 1 December 2024. The programme will include exhibitions, workshops, and events at various venues throughout Newquay.

Monoliths: Robin Sullivan will also work with the community to create ceramic monoliths through a series of workshops during the summer. These workshops will allow participants to contribute to the artwork while learning about Newquay’s archaeological heritage.

To the Moon and Back by Rob Mennear: This immersive experience will combine dance, theatre, sound installation, and projection. Coinciding with the super full moon, it will transform spaces in the town centre and bring Newquay’s community stories to life.

Photo Credit: 45 RPM

A Boost for the Local Economy

The Be Newquay Festival is part of the broader Experience Newquay project, which runs until March 2025. This project, funded by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, aims to support a resilient year-round visitor economy and spotlight Newquay’s unique identity. It provides support in training, cultural curation, marketing, and impact evaluation, aiming to attract both local and national visitors sustainably.

With an investment of £365,426 from the Good Growth Programme, this festival is set to rejuvenate Newquay’s town centre and support local enterprises.

For more information and to sign up for festival announcements, visit www.benewquayfestival.co.uk. Interested organisations and businesses can get involved by joining the Experience network.

This project reflects a significant investment in Newquay’s creative and economic future, ensuring a vibrant and engaging winter season for all.