Newquay Zombie Crawl parade cancelled due to Storm Austen – but Halloween activities will go ahead

Organisers of Newquay's annual Zombie Crawl have cancelled Saturday's parade because of forecast strong winds and heavy rain, but say the town's free Halloween activities and entertainment will still go ahead.

Newquay BID confirmed the decision on Radio Newquay this morning, following days of monitoring the weather ahead of Saturday 24 October.

The popular parade, which was due to leave Oakleigh Terrace at 3pm before making its way through the town to Sainsbury's, has been cancelled over concerns for public safety.

However, organisers have stressed that the parade is the only part of the programme being cancelled, with workshops, performances and family-friendly activities moving indoors at venues across Newquay.

Mark Warren from Newquay BID said it was the first time in his five years as BID manager that the parade had been cancelled.

He said: "The event has grown enormously and is loved by local people, families from across Cornwall and visitors from further afield. But we simply cannot put anyone at risk.

"Public safety has to come first, and with the forecast showing high winds and heavy rain, cancelling the outdoor parade is the right decision.

"Nobody can predict how quickly the weather can change. Last week the conditions were absolutely perfect; this week, they're the complete opposite. We're already looking ahead to bringing the parade back bigger and better next year."

Halloween activities moving indoors

Despite the cancellation, a programme of free entertainment and activities will still take place across Newquay on Saturday.

These include face painting, pumpkin carving, banner making, storytelling, circus skills and spooky make-up workshops.

Several performances originally planned outdoors have also been relocated to indoor venues.

Confirmed arrangements include:

• 11.30am – Circus Skills Workshop at C Space on The Crescent.

• 12pm – Newquay Samba Band and 4Motion Dance Group at Whiskers, Gover Lane.

• 12pm – Bounce Dance Academy and Cornwall Theatre Group at Unity Bar, Gover Lane.

• 2pm – Titan the Robot at Newquay Cinema, with a 30-minute performance.

Creepy Karaoke and other Halloween-themed entertainment are also planned at participating venues.

There will also be free children's discos, including a silent disco at Salt Sheds on Beach Road and a kids' disco at The Griffin.

Organisers say families should check the official website for the latest confirmed locations and timings.

'Please don't think Halloween is cancelled'

Mr Warren is encouraging families to continue visiting Newquay and supporting local businesses throughout the Halloween celebrations.

He said: "Please don't think Halloween is cancelled in Newquay! The parade is cancelled, but the rest of our spooky Saturday is still going ahead.

"We have a whole host of free, family-friendly workshops and activities across the town, with indoor performances and plenty to keep everyone entertained."

He added: "We're encouraging everyone to come into Newquay, enjoy the programme and support our local businesses."

PRESS PLAY to Listen Again to our chat with Mark Warren...

Spooky Newquay continues

The Zombie Crawl forms part of the wider Spooky Newquay programme, which includes Halloween-themed events, activities and special offers throughout the October half-term holidays.

Businesses across the town are hosting their own events, children's activities and themed entertainment.

Newquay BID has thanked performers, community groups, volunteers and local businesses for their work in organising the celebrations.

The latest information about Saturday's revised programme, including indoor venues and timings, is available at zombiecrawl.co.uk.