Connecting on the Court (COTC) was a one-day celebration of Newquay held on the Killacourt in May 2022 and 2023 and was for both Newquay businesses and for local people. The event ran from 11am – 3pm, had a non-commercial emphasis and was created by local people for local people. It primarily showcased all the wonderful organisations and people in the town and the brilliant and positive work they do to make Newquay a unique and community-led place. The events had a workshop area – which was family focussed, had 30+ stalls and there were performances happening across the day on the bandstand.

Connecting on the Court celebrated Newquay and offered a platform to the many not-for-profit, community, third sector and charitable organisations in the town. It gave these types of businesses a place to showcase their work, but also provided a place where they could connect with one another, share ideas, network, and form relationships and partnerships which will benefit the Newquay community well after the event has finished.

Connecting on the Court was conceived by Blystra Arts and other partners, who coordinated the funding and legal aspects, and the delivery of the arts workshops, storytelling and of course the Bubble Bikes. Blystra worked in partnership with Sprout Spoken who programmed the performances and coordinated the stall holders. Other partners included Newquay Orchard who provided free space for us to meet in the planning process and Newquay Town Council who partly funded the event.

Special thanks to SproutSpoken and Blystra Arts for organising a wonderful vibrant event.” Cornwall Green Party Joe Brook – Newquay Town Councillor: Trenance NewquaycouncillorkatieaLarsen