A month-long festival that aims to give Newquay a boost has continued with dynamic activities, performances and workshops throughout the town.

The Be Newquay Festival weekend kicked off with the launch of Phil Strugnell’s artist residency at SeaSpace between November 8 and 10.

Phil was invited to be their first artist in residence following his vibrant mural on the side of SeaSpace, Phil’s residency began with the opening of Versions, an exhibition of his works, which is displayed in SeaSpace’s bar and restaurant and will be on show until the end of November.

The residency also featured two engaging workshops. The first, held at SeaSpace, invited participants to co-create an abstract wood sculpture with Phil, as well as create their own card collages. The second workshop took place at Project 83, allowing attendees to explore unique forms of artistic expression.

The local community turned out in style, and the resulting artworks are now part of the “Versions Vol 2” exhibition at Project 83, which will run until the end of the festival.

Elsewhere, art enthusiasts enjoyed a hands-on Bellyboard Painting Workshop for Adults with the talented team at Dick Pearce and Friends, creating their own vibrant designs inspired by cool coastal themes. Pottery painting sessions took place at Tor Pottery where participants had much fun personalising their own ceramic pieces.

Wellness elements were also a strong draw with a stress-busting Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercise and Sound Bath session with Your Wellness Ocean, along with Nordic Spa mornings and evenings at Saunassa, fostering the ultimate relaxation.

Community-focused events including The Big Movement Pop-Up with 4Motion CIC Cornwall brought lively performances to public spaces throughout the town, while Upstart Theatre presented an immersive environmental performance via live action storytelling game, Red Planet: Revolution.

The Be Newquay Festival now heads into its third weekend between November 15 and 17, which will include family-friendly activities that honour Newquay’s cultural and natural heritage on the programme.

First up will be the much anticipated To The Moon & Back performance, with three shows over the weekend. Tickets are selling fast and there is only a few left for Saturday’s 8pm show. It is an immersive experience which combines dance, theatre, sound installation and projection, make sure you book now to be part of a walking tour with a difference.

Alternatively, or additionally, creatives can join a Wire & Write Workshop, or a Sip and Sketch session with local artist Andy Pearce at The Headland Hotel, along with Turk(ish), a unique show combining live music, storytelling and tightwire.

For the family, Trenance Trees and Tales willow lantern-making workshop is happening on Saturday, November 16. People can drop-in, for this free activity that will start to get them fully into the festive spirit, ahead of Trenance hosting the Lantern Parade for the very first time on November 22.

Literary lovers will enjoy an intimate and engaging author talk with Cathy Retzenbrink at the town’s boutique bookshop, Clemo Books or an outdoor writing workshop with local author Wyl Menmuir.

Tickets are needed in most cases, even when free of charge as spaces are limited. Weekend three is getting booked out fast, so make sure you plan your itinerary via www.benewquayfestival.co.uk.

For the full festival line-up, individual events happening across the weekends, and booking details, check out the What’s On page: www.benewquayfestival.co.uk/events  or follow the Instagram account at @benewquay_festival for continual updates.

The Be Newquay Festival is commissioned by Cornwall Council’s project Experience Newquay and supported by Newquay BID and Visit Newquay. It is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.