A NEW colourful mural has been created in Newquay town centre to help attract visitors.

The artwork featuring a fisherman tending to his nets has been created at the junction of Fore Street and Sydney Road by talented artist Elle Koziupa as part of the forthcoming Be Newquay Festival in November.

The vibrant artwork will form part of a free street art walking trail celebrating Newquay’s unique heritage and identity.

Elle has brought her ‘photo-realism’ style to life after being inspired by photographs from Newquay Museum and Archive. The 20-year-old already has an impressive portfolio, working on large-scale mural projects nationally.

Elle said: “This mural pays tribute to the rich fishing heritage of Newquay, a town that has long been shaped by its coastal ties.

“Historically, Newquay was a bustling fishing village, where fishermen worked tirelessly to bring in catches that supported both local families and the wider economy.

“The man depicted, with a weathered face and focused expression, evokes the image of a traditional fisherman repairing nets by candlelight, a nod to the traditional artist, John Wright of Derby, whose work often includes a full composition.

“The depiction is a nod to the past, honouring those whose livelihoods were bound to the sea, their stories woven into the fabric of Newquay's maritime history.”

It is the second mural to be unveiled as part of the initiative. The first mural is an abstract beach scene created by Cornwall-based artist Kleiner Shames at MIX NQY in East Street

Artist 45RPM will create a third mural at the back of The Walkabout in November in collaboration with Gather & Grow, which provides a community group and space for adults with learning disabilities.

Each mural will have a QR code, which will contain information on the artist and the design.

The mural walking tour is being organised as part of the Be Newquay Festival, MUQY between November 1 and December 1 to help the town become a year-round destination.

Experience Newquay is funding the first stage of the project, spearheaded by Jack Tierney from Slapdash Studio and Dirk Parker, a BID board member, active Newquay Town Team member and local business owner. Together, they identified the opportunity to use street art to communicate Newquay’s unique heritage and identity and improve the high street.

Jack said: “Slapdash Studio are really proud to have produced this exciting new mural.

“We wanted to go against the expectations of what street art is with this one, and produce something that reflected the deep historic ties between the town and it's fishing trade.

“To create the image for Elle to work from we staged a photoshoot at the old fly cellars.

“We dressed the place with props from the time and tried to make it look as authentic as possible. It was a really fun way to create the design for the mural and we're so excited with the outcome. The feedback has been fantastic!

“Elle is a versatile artist whose work spans multiple disciplines, fusing classical influences with contemporary street art. Drawing deeply from the techniques of Renaissance masters, her visual compositions evoke the rich chiaroscuro lighting seen in the works of artists such as Caravaggio and Joseph Wright of Derby.

“Like these old masters, Elle’s attention to dramatic contrasts between light and shadow conveys an intense, almost cinematic atmosphere in her pieces.

“Her murals, often painted on urban structures, bring history and classical artistry into modern contexts, reintroducing Renaissance aesthetics into today’s urban landscape.

“Though rooted in classical art traditions, Elle remains a modern creator at heart. Her multidisciplinary approach allows her to blend fine art with more accessible, public-facing art forms such as murals.

“By merging the timeless beauty of the Renaissance with today’s visual narratives, she invites viewers to engage in a conversation that bridges the old and the new.”

Residents and visitors have welcomed the new mural of the fisherman.

Jenny and Dave Hickling from Derby, who are on holiday in Newquay, said: “I think the mural is just what Newquay needs. It is amazing. I think the murals will help attract people to visit Newquay.”

Tatjana and Markus Wurth from Germany, who are on holiday in Newquay, added: “We really like it. We are from a small village in Germany and you do not find things like this. You have to go to Berlin. We think it is a great thing.”

Resident Jack Day added: “I think it is an incredible piece of artwork. There is some amazing skill that has gone into it.”

The Be Newquay Festival, designed with the local community at its heart, will feature a variety of events produced by local organisations. The month-long celebration will take place on weekends in November at different venues across the town. Weekend highlights include an Alma Winter Arts Weekend, Groundswell’s Cream of Cornish Weekend, Trenance Cottages’ Trees and Tales, and To The Moon and Back by GRIT Productions. Plus, a whole host of wider workshops and experiences.

Newquay BID is seeking additional walls for mural next year, with third-party private funding nearly secured.