A month-long celebration of Newquay’s creative spirit will take place in November to help the town become a year-round destination.

Be Newquay Festival will include live shows, workshops, exhibitions, outdoor and well-being experiences to showcase the town’s vibrant way of life and unique culture between November 1 and December 1.

ALMA Artspace CIC has been commissioned to deliver a winter arts programme and a large-scale sculptural commission, in collaboration with artist Robin Sullivan. Exhibitions, workshops and events will be hosted at venues throughout Newquay to brighten the winter months, celebrate Newquay’s heritage and explore its cultural potential.

ALMA will also deliver an ambitious large-scale sculptural commission in the form of ceramic monoliths. Each monolith will be made in collaboration with the community during a series of workshops held throughout the summer where people will be able to contribute directly to the artworks whilst learning more about Newquay’s archaeological heritage.

To the Moon and Back by Rob Mennear will combine dance, theatre, sound installation and projection to create immersive experiences that entice and surprise. Coinciding with the super full moon, the evening experience will invite people to explore spaces in the town centre that have been transformed and co-created with residents, bringing stories of Newquay’s community to life. 

A wide range of creative workshops and events organised by local businesses and organisations will also be happening in the town centre during the month of November, which will include everything from pottery to bellyboard painting, sauna experiences to literary talks to ensure there is something of interest for all ages.

There will be street art murals led by Slapdash Studio. Renowned artists Kleiner Shames, Elle Koziupa and 45 RPM will paint three street art murals in the town centre. The large-scale artworks will depict various aspects of Newquay’s heritage and identity. People will be able to see them being painted and there will be street art workshops for people to have a go. 

There will be light displays at Trenance Heritage Cottages and Garden Café. The cottages, cafe and surrounding gardens will be illuminated with themed light displays to coincide with seasonal events, adding something special for Halloween, Christmas and St. Piran’s Week.

People will be able to enjoy the evening illuminations and a programme of events and performances throughout the autumn and winter.

The Be Newquay Festival, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and organised by Cornwall Council project Experience Newquay in collaboration with its local project partners, has been designed with community at its heart, with local organisations taking centre stage to produce a diverse programme that reflects Newquay’s identity.

Many of the events will be free or at an affordable price, from live shows, workshops and exhibitions to outdoor and well-being experiences.

The Be Newquay Festival will invite everyone to discover something new and be creatively curious about the town.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy and local Member for Newquay Central and Pentire, said: “It is great to add a new event for Newquay during the winter months, particularly one that celebrates the town’s unique culture.

“Newquay is an amazing place to live and work and boasts a buzzing creative sector. The Be Newquay festival will be a celebration for the local residents as well as an opportunity to share with wider audiences in Cornwall and beyond. We know from data that events drive footfall into town centres, and this festival will help breathe new life into the town centre.”