Since 2022 Blystra Arts have been involved in the lantern parade activity across Newquay, running workshops in schools and joining in the parade itself, adding wonder and awe to the parade with bigger, willow lanterns made by one of our main artists, Chris Nixon. In 2024 the parade moved to Trenance Valley, and we became more of a lead partner on the parade organising committee alongside Newquay BID, Trenance Cottages, both Lions’ groups and Wax Events. In 2023, 2024 and 2025 Blystra delivered all of the lantern parade activity in the town, with support from Experience Newquay (in 2023 and 2024) and GWR’s Customer and Community Funding (In 2025). These sessions included creative willow making workshops in the Newquay schools and community sessions leading into the parade events for these years. In 2026, we have delivered the community activity for the parade, running a community and adult lantern making workshop in the community.
The 2026 Newquay Lantern Parade will happen on Friday 20th November 2026 from 5.30pm. Timings for the parade each year are:
5.30pm – Spectators and parade groups gather.
6-6.30pm – The Parade
6.30/6.45pm – Trenance Cottages Light Switch On
6.45 – 7.30pm – Radio Newquay and post parade food at Trenance Cottages
Our 2026 event and activity have been made possible with support from Newquay BID, Newquay Town Council, Wax Events and Atlantic Hotel, Newquay. We are always looking for business sponsors for this much-loved community event, so please do get in touch if you would like to sponsor us. Email info@blystraarts.org for more details.
