Newquay’s Trees and Tales Captivates Crowds on Be Newquay’s Fourth Weekend

Be Newquay Festival’s Fourth Weekend Delivers Festive Cheer

Newquay’s Be Newquay Festival continued to dazzle last weekend (22nd – 24th November) with its enchanting Trees and Tales event, lantern parade, and a host of creative workshops. The month-long festival, now in its fourth weekend, drew locals and visitors alike to Trenance and beyond for a festive celebration to remember.

Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On

The highlight of the weekend, Trenance Trees and Tales: Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On, took place on Friday, 22nd November. Hundreds gathered as the lantern parade, led by local schoolchildren and community members, wove its way from Trenance Carpark to Trenance Cottages. The dazzling procession, held in partnership with Blystra Arts, showcased illuminated creations in a glowing display that marked the first time Trenance hosted this popular tradition.

The evening culminated with the switching on of the new light display at Trenance Cottages. The façade of the cottages and surrounding gardens were transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland, accompanied by the glow of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Local performers and choirs filled the air with festive music, while storytellers Rob Copeland and Kate Stebbing-Allen regaled the crowd with magical tales.

Visitors kept warm with cosy drinks and delicious food served by Lakeside Café, the Garden Café, and Trenance Cottages, creating an atmosphere of festive cheer. Reflecting on the event, Jill Willmott, Chairman of Trenance Cottages, shared her gratitude:

“Wow, what a night! Thank you to everyone that came out to support the Trenance Trees and Tales: Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On, including all the wonderful children and their families with their amazing lanterns and all the performers and groups that made the event possible. We’ve often dreamt of having such an event at the Cottages, so to see it happen was mind-blowing. The atmosphere was magical. Thank you, Newquay, you’ve smashed it again. The lights will stay on every night right up until Christmas so do come down to experience them. Additionally, the candle-lit museum, shop, and café are open every Thursday night from 6–8pm until Christmas.”

Workshops and Wellness Activities

The weekend also included a range of engaging workshops across Newquay. At The Headland Hotel, resident artist Andy Pearce hosted his second Sip and Sketch workshop, while A State of Mind Studio offered a Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) and Sound Bath session, designed to help attendees relax and restore balance.

What’s Next: ALMA Winter Arts Weekend

The festival’s final weekend, ALMA Winter Arts Weekend, promises a packed schedule of festive activities. Highlights include a festive organ recital and mulled wine at St Michael’s Church on Friday, 29th November, followed by a day of family-friendly workshops and storytelling on Saturday. Saturday evening features live music from The New Eves and Daisy Rickman (£15 per person, booking essential). Sunday celebrates Newquay Monoliths with Stone Club Day, complemented by art installations around town and activities at the Killacourt Christmas market.

For the full festival line-up, event details, and ticket bookings, visit benewquayfestival.co.uk/events. Updates are also available via the festival’s Instagram account, @benewquay_festival.

About Be Newquay Festival

Commissioned by Cornwall Council’s Experience Newquay project, the Be Newquay Festival is supported by Newquay BID and Visit Newquay. Part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project invests in Newquay’s visitor economy, aiming to create a sustainable, year-round cultural experience.

Experience Newquay is a two-year initiative funded with £365,426 from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which focuses on regenerating town centres and supporting local enterprises.

For more information about the festival and to plan your visit, head to benewquayfestival.co.uk.