Be Newquay Festival Set to Wow Visitors with Packed November Line-Up

Excitement is building in Newquay as details of the upcoming Be Newquay Festival continue to emerge following the unveiling of two striking murals in the town centre. This vibrant new festival will bring a colourful mix of music, arts, wellness, and community events to venues across Newquay throughout November 2024.

A Month of Culture and Creativity

Running on weekends in November, the festival promises something for everyone, with a variety of activities, performances, and workshops planned. From music to theatre, comedy to wellness sessions, and even belly-board painting, Be Newquay will celebrate the best of Cornwall’s creative scene.

One of the highlights will be the Cream of Cornish Weekender from 1st to 3rd November, featuring candlelit performances from local band Kana and a series of comedy nights to get the audience laughing. On 15th and 16th November, Grit Productions will present To The Moon and Back, an immersive theatre experience under the stars, alongside community workshops that will help shape the stories performed.

Get Hands-On with Art and Music

For those interested in getting creative, the festival has a packed programme of workshops. Visitors can try their hand at painting belly-boards with Dick Pearce on 2nd and 9th November—a nod to Newquay’s surfing culture—or learn how to make electronic music at Alma’s Winter Arts Weekend: Moogie Wonderland Workshop on 30th November.

The final weekend will also feature a vibrant array of exhibitions, installations, and live music. Amy Brock-Morgan will lead a flag-making workshop, while Leila Galloway will showcase an art installation in the Fly Cellars. On 30th November, The New Eves and Daisy Rickman will perform live music, rounding off the day with a celebration of Cornish art and community.

Wellness and Wellbeing

For those looking to unwind, the festival offers a selection of wellness workshops, including mindfulness, yoga, and breathwork sessions. On 9th November, A State of Mind Studio will host a TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) workshop to help participants de-stress and restore balance.

Big Newquay Market Returns

On 2nd November, the BIG Newquay Market will make its return, bringing local traders to the Killacourt to sell crafts, artisan goods, and food. As part of the festival launch, a special event called Seascape: A Live Art Event and Auction will give visitors the chance to watch artists create works inspired by Newquay’s wild Atlantic coast. The artworks will then be auctioned, with proceeds split between the artists and community groups.

Street Art and Festive Fun

In addition to the murals already making waves in Newquay, another mural will be painted during the festival as part of the MUQY Street Art Walking Trail, launching on Lovenqy.co.uk. Visitors can also take part in street art workshops with Phil Strugnell, or get creative with abstract wood sculpture and collage at Project Eighty Three.

As the festive season approaches, the festival will also feature events like the Trenance Trees and Tales: Lantern Parade and the Christmas Light Switch On on 22nd November, as well as a willow lantern-making workshop on 16th November.

Supporting Newquay’s Year-Round Economy

The Be Newquay Festival is part of Cornwall Council’s Experience Newquay project, which aims to boost the town’s visitor economy during the low season. Supported by Newquay BID and Visit Newquay, the project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. For more details on the event schedule and ticketing information, visit the official festival website.

The project, running until March 2025, is designed to encourage sustainable tourism and support local businesses by regenerating Newquay’s town centre. The Experience Newquay initiative has received £365,426 from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, helping to fund a wide range of cultural and training opportunities in the area.