Unleash Creativity
Be Newquay Festival is a month-long celebration of the town’s buzzing creative spirit, and this year SeaSpace is carving out its own space in the line-up. Tying into our very first Artist Residency with SeaSpace mural creator Phil Strugnell from 8 - 10 November, we’re adding more colourful happenings to the mix with workshops, art expos and large-scale collabs both here at SeaSpace and in the heart of the town itself. From bustling meet-ups and hands-on crafting to exhibitions and markets, here’s our pick of the Be Newquay Festical action…
OUR FESTIVAL FAVES
2 November, 9am: Dick Pearce Bellyboard Painting, Unit 7, Hope Yard
Join renowned bellyboard shaper Dick Pearce and friends for a colourful Kids Bellyboard Painting Workshop, where young artists can get creative as they design, paint and take home their very own bellyboard. Grown-ups wanting to take part can hop onto the adult-only session held on the following Saturday 9 November;
Tickets £50 in advance, price includes materials and board.
2 November, 10am: BIG Newquay Market, Bank Street and Killacourt
The BIG Newquay Market is a destination market hosted on the first Saturday of the month from the Spring held on Bank Street and the sea view green. Browse over 50 stalls packed with goods from small, local & indie makers, bakers, producers, growers, artists, designers, creators and curators.
8 November, 7-11pm: 'Versions'- solo exhibition by Phil Strugnell @SeaSpace
Bring your art appreciation as we launch our first Artist Residency with contemporary local creator Phil Strugnell (the man behind our colourful wall mural). Sink some craft beers, listen to some tunes by 'The Analogue Cabin Radio Show DJs' and browse Phil’s artworks as you take a nosey around Seaspace’s bar and restaurant spaces.
9 November, 10-1pm: Abstract wood sculpture and card relief workshop, SeaSpace
Summon your artistic side as we come together to collaborate on a giant wooden mural in Phil Strugnell’s first workshop as SeaSpace Artist in Residence. Guests, locals, and art lovers are all invited to be part of the fun as Phil leads the charge.
10 November, 12-3pm: Abstract collage workshop, Project 83
Pitch up to the independent quarter of Wesley Yard to discover Project Eighty Three, a gallery and event space, where Phil holds court, leading a workshop in abstract collage inspired by typography, abstraction and street art.
16 November, 12.30am: Wire & Write Workshop, St Michael’s Church Hall
A rarely seen combination, step up to aerialist Poppy Plowman’s tight wiring and creative writing workshop. Setting the subject theme on the art of wiring, Poppy will then incorporate some of the group’s writings into her one-woman live show Turk(ish) on 17 November.
23 November, 10am: Paint a Pot, Tor Pottery Works
Take your pick from a range of premade bisque-ware items, and get your hands dirty as you splish and splash your way through the glazing process. Let Tor Pottery owners Jenna and Danielle show you the ropes in this free-to-attend session.
30 November–1 December, 11-2pm: Hebaska Immersive Exhibition, The Fly Loft
Set in a cavernous space previously used for storing pilchards, the Fly Loft above Newquay Harbour invites the public into the mesmerising collaborative installation ‘Sound Solid Liquid Light’. The exhibition, devised by Penryn-based artist Leila Galloway, focuses on a mass of organza, which flows and shimmers to create an immersive experience.
Down low on tickets
Keep your eyes peeled for the £FREE sign and Festival Fivers, if you’d like to come along, but funds are low. For certain festival events, you can choose a free ticket or subsidised tickets for only a fiver, opening up the arts for everyone.
