
HushFest: Cornwall’s Festival of Quietness
A gentle celebration shaped by quieteers, artists, community partners and allies
Together, we’re creating calm and creative spaces where quieter voices can be part of culture in ways that feel natural, grounded and spacious.
Ways to take partHushFest invites a kinder way of paying attention
Quietness is not absence. It holds depth, imagination, care and connection. Too often, this richness is overlooked or misunderstood.
This festival gently shifts the narrative. It shows how quiet expression belongs in cultural life, and how quieter contributions can create meaning, belonging and cultural impact.
HushFest will unfold across Cornwall throughout 2026, beginning with creative workshops in our Quiet Meet Ups and growing towards exhibitions, gatherings, performances and installations during festival week in July.
Ways to be involved
HushFest grows through many small contributions. You can choose the role and pace that feels right for you.
Some may simply attend and experience the festival quietly. Others may create, curate, contribute or help shape elements behind the scenes. All roles matter.
- attend creative workshops and Meet Ups
- explore and offer a creative response
- share artwork, writing, photography, music or film
- co-curate or support exhibitions
- offer a gentle performance
- help quietly with preparation
- collaborate as a partner or venue
- join online and create from home
The four themes
Quiet in Nature
Exploring natural quiet, soundscapes and slow witnessing. Through nature-based creativity and gentle outdoor experiences, we celebrate connection with place.
Quiet in Self
Journalling, reflective writing and mindful making. Space to turn inward without pressure or judgement.
Quiet in Relationship
Soft conversations, story sharing and small co-creative moments. Quiet as something relational and grounding.
Quiet in Creativity
Art, film, photography, sound and experimentation. Space for subtle expression and gentle boldness.
Why it matters
Cornwall holds many quieter voices. HushFest offers a way for those voices to be part of culture without needing to push into louder norms.
It creates belonging through ease, authenticity and kindness, and nurtures emotional, cultural, ecological and community impact.
Who it’s for
HushFest is for quieteers. Those who are introverted, sensitive, shy or simply prefer quieter ways of being.
It is also for artists, makers, community groups, venues and organisations who care about inclusion, co-creation and cultural change.
Where and when
HushFest extends across Cornwall through Quiet Meet Ups in Penzance, Truro, Falmouth, Redruth, Liskeard, Helston, Newquay and Wadebridge, as well as online and through community partners.
It begins in St Cubert and Camborne, with the intention of rippling outward through communities.
Stay connected
You can begin by noticing what feels meaningful as the festival takes shape. You’re welcome to join at any point.
You can share an idea, explore a possibility, or simply stay close to what’s emerging.
Next Steps
- You can find out more about HushFest by reading our HushFest Proposal and Vision.
- Express your interest in being involved by signing up using this form. You'll be kept up-to-date with what's happening, too, and you can join in at any time you feel called to.
- If you already have an idea about how you'd like to contribute, then please let us know - once you express your interest using this form, you'll receive a short survey to tell us who you are and how you'd like to be involved. You can also request a chat with us from there, too!
A glimpse of what’s possible
Our previous exhibition brought quieteers together to share stories and creative work in a way that felt grounded and real.
Upcoming gatherings
There will be creative gatherings across Cornwall and online. You’re welcome to join any that feel like a good fit.
