Experience Newquay

4Motion bring their dance moves to the KillacourtThe Be Newquay Festival has concluded with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the town's event calendar. Over the past five weekends in November, nearly 2,900 locals enjoyed music, art, and community spirit in the heart of Newquay as part of the festival programme.

The festival significantly contributed to regenerating the high street and repositioning Newquay by highlighting its vibrant creative community. Footfall on each weekend in November 2024 increased by an average of 42% compared to 2023, demonstrating the power of events and activities to drive engagement and attract visitors to the high street.

Daisy Rickman and band perform at ALMA Winter Arts Weekend

Highlights included headline acts from renowned musicians such as local folk band Kana and the spellbinding Daisy Rickman, vibrant street art murals by Kleiner Shames and Ella Koziupa taking the town centre by storm as part of MUQY Street Art Trail (produced by Slapdash Studio), To The Moon & Back immersive performance, and interactive workshops from local businesses such as Phil Strugnell x SeaSpace, Tor Pottery, Olla Hiki Sauna and Dick Pearce Bellyboards. Collectively, the programme showcased the town's rich cultural heritage.

"We are thrilled with the overwhelming positive response to the Be Newquay Festival and how the local community got involved to show off what a wonderful town we live in", said Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy and local Member for Newquay Central and Pentire.

"The energy and enthusiasm from both performers and local people have been incredible. It's been a true celebration of creativity and community, breathing fresh energy into the town centre. We know from data that events like this drive footfall and foster a proud sense of place. The festival's variety of activities for all ages, either free or at affordable prices, has resulted in its resounding success and seeing an increase in footfall to our town centre.

The MUQY Street Art Trail is a particular highlight, with the Experience Newquay project team driving the investment of phase one, the town now boasts an enviable collection of artworks. With more murals to come in 2025, it's clear the project will leave a lasting impact on the town."

Local businesses were delighted to receive extra support during the quieter months and the opportunity to try new things.

Lol-A-destination Comedy Night at Dead Famous

Andy Peace from Saltwalls Gallery, who partnered with Headland Hotel as its artist in residence for the festival month, said: "The Be Newquay Festival has been fantastic for our community and my business, giving me the opportunity to try something new.

"Throughout the month, I hosted two workshops for the local community at Headland Hotel and participated in the live painting Seascape auction as part of November’s Big Newquay Market on Killacourt. Using the amazing coastline as creative inspiration, I was able to share my craft with a wider audience. I enjoyed bringing people together and sharing my painting process, which also supported my business during the typically quiet time of November."

Andy Pearce from Saltwalls at the live Seascape painting event

Be Newquay Festival, a month-long celebration of Newquay’s creative spirit, will take place from 1 November – 1 December 2024 funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and managed by Cornwall Council. A new season of events for autumn made up of activities and workshops will showcase the town’s vibrant way of life and unique culture.

Credit: Kleiner Shames

The festival has been designed with community at its heart, with local organisations taking centre stage to produce a diverse programme that reflects Newquay’s identity. With many of the events free or at an affordable price, there will be plenty to take part in, from live shows, workshops and exhibitions to outdoor and well-being experiences. Reflecting the values that matter most to the local community, the Be Newquay Festival will invite everyone to discover something new and be creatively curious about the town.

Brought to you by Cornwall Council project ‘Experience Newquay’ in collaboration with its local project partners, the first wave of commissions to be announced as part of the programme include:

• Street Art Murals: led by Slapdash Studio, renowned artists Kleiner Shames, Elle Koziupa and 45 RPM will paint three street art murals. Located in the town centre, these 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.
  

  
  

  Credit: Trenance Heritage Cottages

  
  

  
  
• Light Displays at Trenance Heritage Cottages and Garden Cafe: 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.
  
  
• Winter Arts Programme: ALMA Artspace CIC has been commissioned to deliver a winter arts programme and a large-scale sculptural commission, in collaboration with artist Robin Sullivan. From 29th November - 1 December 2024, ALMA will be hosting exhibitions, workshops and events at venues throughout Newquay to brighten the winter months, celebrate Newquay’s heritage and explore its cultural potential.
  
  
  Credit: Ingrid Pop

  
  

• Monoliths: working with artist Robin Sullivan, ALMA will 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, this 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.

In addition, a wide range of creative workshops and events organised by local businesses and organisations will be happening in the town centre during the month of November. From pottery to bellyboard painting, sauna experiences to literary talks, there will be something for all ages and interests.

Visit www.benewquayfestival.co.uk and sign up to the newsletter for festival announcements, as more acts will be announced over the coming months.

We're delighted to share our 'Be Newquay' guide, which has been co-created by the local Newquay community. It is made up of five positive actions you can take to help protect our wonderful town for the future.

We love where we live, work, play and surf. We know you’ll love it too.

By embracing the things that come naturally to us – our passion for the outdoors, kindness, creativity, community, and a desire to have a positive impact – we can help make sure every adventure in Newquay is sustainable, responsible, and enjoyable.

Be windswept and wild
Surrounded by surf, sand and winding coastal paths, Newquay’s wild beauty finds a place in your soul. Spend time in the natural world and enjoy long summer days swimming and barbecuing at the beach. Discover why we love the winter months and go hiking, coasteering and experience a clifftop sauna. We ask only that you leave nature as you find it, unharmed and beautiful for when you return – and we’re sure you’ll be back!

Be creatively curious

We write, sing and paint. We make and play. We’re poets, artists and performers. We’re excited to explore our heritage and share our creative spirit with you. From indoor art classes, workshops and spoken word nights to live performances on the beach and our winter lantern parade, be curious and get stuck in while you’re here. There is always something to discover, no matter the time of year.

Be kind and considerate

We invite and welcome kindness from each other and our guests towards our extraordinary people and places, our beaches, our heritage and the natural world. Be mindful of those around you – the people at work in the harbour, the brave RNLI crews and the wildlife you spot around Newquay’s cherished countryside and coastline.

Be part of our world

When you stay in Newquay, you become part of the fabric of our town. You don’t need to travel far to have a great time. Ensure your visit supports our businesses and communities by buying local and sharing what we offer. From wellness breaks to wassailing at Newquay Orchard, there’s plenty to inspire you in our itineraries.

Be a positive force

We love people visiting Newquay and the positive energy they bring to our town – even more so when they consider their carbon footprint. If you’re keen to reduce your impact, try arriving by train and using the electric Beryl Bikes to explore. Revel in finding secret spots on foot or exploring further by bus. Breathe in a spectacular view, find your peace and just be.

Most of all, be yourself. We’re so glad you’re here.

To find out more about the activities and experiences you can get involved in during your visit, head to www.visitnewquay.org

Photo by Ingrid PopExperience Newquay, which aims to encourage a resilient year-round visitor economy, has awarded grants to deliver cultural events during the winter months, and shortlisted six proposals to develop ideas for permanent installations across the town centre.

Together the selected permanent installations and creative activities will provide a cultural event programme for residents and visitors to enjoy during the traditionally quieter months.

Following an open call, a panel made of Newquay community representatives reviewed the proposals using criteria informed directly from consultation with residents and business owners where themes including “community, history, events, people” were identified. As a result,

Photo by Ingrid Pop

Moving Portraits by Rob Mennear (Part of Wide Open Autumn Season 2023) Photo by Emily Appleton

Six proposals for permanent installations have also been shortlisted. The projects include ideas for sculpture, graffiti, light installations and more. Each proposal will be developed further and will be reviewed by the panel. Two projects will go ahead and be announced in the spring.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy and local Member for Newquay Central and Pentire, said: "Experience Newquay’s cultural programme is putting community at its heart, from the co-creation of the criteria to the make-up of the judging panel. Newquay is on track to have an enviable programme of cultural activities and installations, which will inject a fresh energy into the town centre for residents and visitors alike.”

We want to create a network of like-minded organisations that can work together to become more resilient year-round. We will be running a skills development programme to meet the specific needs of the local business community. It will focus on collaboration and supporting you in developing experiential offers that appeal to out of season visitors.

Please sign up to our newsletter to keep up-to-date with recent developments and news.

We need your help to co-create Newquay’s Visitor Charter and encourage our visitors to love our place like a local. We see that as inviting everyone to BE MORE Newquay when they visit our place!

To ensure our visitor economy in Newquay contributes positively to our communities, our businesses and our much loved natural environment, we want to connect with our visitors and help them to help us.

A visitor charter is an invitation to encourage people to sustainably engage with a place.

An initial visitor charter workshop attended by local stakeholders resulted in the co-creation of the first draft and now we're gathering as much feedback as possible.

If you click here to review - it should take around 10 mins
Deadline: 19th Feb 2023

If you prefer to feedback separately/have any problems accessing the below link, email experiencenewquay@cornwall.gov.uk

Your feedback will inform the creation of the final version, which will be free and editable for businesses to use and promote to their customers/guests.

We’ve commissioned a destination survey to help understand patterns and behaviours of people visiting Newquay (both locals and overnight visitors). The survey is in partnership with Visit Cornwall’s and it will be distributed via their established networks.

However we would like the opportunity to capture your customers feedback too, and ensure we collect a truly representative dataset. In return for completing the survey, your customers could win £200 to spend on Cornish food & drink. And your business, will get access to the final evaluation report once it is ready.

If you are interested in promoting to your customers, download the digital assets on the right hand side of our Let's Talk page. You'll find different sizes for social, newsletters & posters. If you would like printed assets email experiencenewquay@cornwall.gov.uk.

Help us co-design a visitor charter for Newquay

If you are involved in the visitor economy, join Experience Newquay and CoaST on Wednesday 8th November for a informal session.

Event details
Wednesday 8th November
10am - 12.30pm
Mount Wise Community Centre
28 Mount Wise Newquay TR 2BJ

Light refreshments will be available.

We have launched an open call for cultural commissions for autumn & winter 2024.

We want to commission a range of organisations to deliver cultural events, workshops and activities as well as create permanent installations across Newquay town centre.

There are 2 grants available:

• Cultural Activities: up to £7,500
• Permanent Installations: up to £30,000

Head over to FEAST’s website for more detail and how to apply.

On Monday 9 October, between 11.30am and 5pm, we invite you to come and meet the Experience team at Mount Wise Community Centre in Newquay. There is no need to book, just drop-in when is convenient to you.

The Experience Newquay team will share plans for the programme: we will be asking what you and your organisation need to be more resilient out-of-season and you can learn more about our marketing campaign and how to get involved.

FEAST will be running workshops exploring the role of culture in town centres. This will be the opportunity to give your views and help us inform future activities.

To find Mount Wise Community Centre: what3words: ///glares.spacing.slopes
The venue is centrally located to walk to from town, however if you require parking Mount Wise pay & display is the closest car park.

Refreshments will be available all day.

Come and learn more about the project, what opportunities lie ahead, make connections and help us shape the programme!