New festival in Cornwall celebrates quiet and shy individuals through art and music
Hush Fest hopes to offer a new perspective on quietness with creative events across Cornwall
Cornwall is hosting its first-ever Festival of Quietness, HushFest, inviting people to experience and appreciate quietness through music, art, and creativity.
Running from Saturday, 4th July to Friday, 10th July 2026, HushFest will feature a variety of activities at St Cubert's Church near Newquay and the Create Contemporary Crafts Hub in Camborne.
Organised by Quiet Connections CIC, this pioneering event brings together artists, musicians, and volunteers across Cornwall, with many contributors identifying as quiet, introverted, or experiencing social anxiety.
Quiet Connections CIC, a community-based organisation, supports people in embracing quieter characteristics through various workshops and creative projects throughout Cornwall.
Rather than encouraging quieter individuals to become louder, HushFest offers a platform for diverse contributions to be appreciated and valued.
The festival will kick off on Saturday, 4th July at St Cubert’s Church with an afternoon of live music celebrating Cornwall's Celtic Quiet Places. Visitors are invited by donation from 3.15pm for performances starting at 3.45pm.
A varied line-up of local talent will perform acoustically, covering genres like folk, bluegrass, and pop-punk, alongside reflections shared by the Quiet Connections community in "A Little Bit of Hush," a new community song.
Throughout the week, attendees can engage with exhibitions and participate in creative workshops, taking time to explore artwork contributions such as photography, writing, and textile installations.
Showcased pieces include Quiet Hearts, a significant textile work crafted from around 2,000 handmade hearts sourced across Cornwall. This project, initiated by community member Sue Rowe, uses materials like wool and felt, emphasising diversity in creativity.
Hayley Stanton, founder of Quiet Connections CIC, said:
"HushFest has grown from the people in our community. Some have made Quiet Hearts, some have shared words for a song, some are performing, some are volunteering, and some have offered artwork or ideas behind the scenes. It's about creating space for different kinds of contributions to be seen and appreciated.”
The festival will explore four key themes: Quiet in Nature, Quiet in Self, Quiet in Relationship, and Quiet in Creativity.
The theme Quiet in Nature, for instance, invites attendees to appreciate the tranquility of the natural world, from coastal paths to calming birdsong.
HushFest welcomes everyone, regardless of whether they identify as quiet or not. It offers a space for those drawn to creativity, reflection, community engagement, nature, or gentle connections.
Supported by FEAST and funded by Arts Council England and Cornwall Council, the festival promises a unique celebration of quietness.