Beach Art Festival 2025
28th April until May 4th in Polzeath
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Polzeath Beach Art Festival 2025: A Resounding Success!
An incredible week of energy, creativity, and community spirit made this first ever Beach Art Festival truly unforgettable, with over 150 people joining in the fun!
The week started under clear skies at the end of April with an inspiring display of young talent as over 80 students and teachers from St Minver School brought their artistic flair to the beach, proving that #WeAreAllArtists and that the walk to and back to school was part of the fun of the art! It was a joy to witness the three year groups’ creativity unleashed across a large part of the beach.
Midweek, Matt and Mark treated ten middle-aged yoga students on their Trebetherick based Retreat to a surprise beach art session on the sands below Brea Hill. Despite the midday heat and a very brief training session they too produced a truly magical art piece which combined beautifully with the arteries and veins of the stream running alongside it on firm sands of Daymer Bay. A case of nature combining with the beach art to create something profoundly beautiful.
An exclusive group interested in the Carl Jung’s Polzeath connection enjoyed a lecture in the lounge of the old Atlantic House Hotel and then two of them, Sarah and Esther, came down to the beach to try a bit of Jungian beach art. This involved a bit of effort as their work was blowing away and drying-out faster than they could draw it in strong dry winds.
The sun continued to shine on May Day and beyond to our revival of a unique Cornish tradition: Nurdling! Two enthusiastic teams, accompanied by three bullet proof dogs, embarked on a scenic adventure from Cliff Bank to Trefelix, showcasing their "bowling" skills with roundish nurdles I’d picked up on The Stangles Beach a week before. The friendly competition ended in a draw, proving it's all about the taking part (and the shape of your nurdle!).
The creative vibes flowed in Caroline Bailey’s well-attended and inspiring tile-making workshop at the Tubestation, where many discovered their inner ceramic artist came from items they found on a Polzeath strand line walk.
And who could forget the mind-blowing crop circle design created under the pre-dawn sky by the incredibly talented Dene Hine and his friend Mark! This ephemeral masterpiece, captured beautifully by Mark Yeomans Photography and Billy Breen, was so stunning that one passerby declared it worthy of a national newspaper! A huge thank you to the crop circle experts for their dedication and artistry, to Richard for the final touches and Mark Yeoman for his incredible time lapse video and photos!
We also had some fascinating talks, including Chris Weight's intriguing lecture on King Arthur and Excalibur, which, despite a smaller turnout than expected, was packed with surprises and local connections to the legendary tale. Those who attended were certainly saying, "you should have been there!"
Even a spot of sea mist couldn't dampen the creative flow on Saturday as we drew a number of walking labyrinths, offering more than a few moments of mindful reflection by the sea as one had .
And who was the Mystery Artist who gifted us that delightful dragon meeting a dinosaur on the beach? Your playful creation brought smiles to many faces!
While we were sad to miss the legendary artist Sax Berlin, the spirit of art and connection thrived throughout the week.
This festival wouldn't have been the success it was without the incredible enthusiasm and participation of everyone who came down to the beach, joined a workshop, attended a talk, or simply admired the creations.
Thank you to all the artists, volunteers, and attendees for making the Polzeath Beach Art Festival 2025 so special!
Sax Berlin's an emissary of peace whose name has been echoing through the art world for decades. Born in Manchester in 1953, this self-taught artist is a true nomad, drawing inspiration from cultures across the globe. If you'd like to express an interest in joining a masterclass with Sax on Thursday please email wnbartett@gmail.com
Dene Hine has apparently made around 100 crop circles since the early 2000's. His crop circle session may explain many things on Sunday May 3 you may see his crop circle appear mysteriously early on the beach to wash away by 11 am.
Help with a pre-dawn start to produce a Beach Circle wth Dene by emailing your interest to wnbartlett@gmail.com . Saturday night there will be a briefing.
Tuesday 29th April at 12 midday. Join a free talk/walk and beach art session to discover why Carl Jung, one of the most famous psychologists of all time, came to New Polzeath 102 years ago.
The talk will be given by Bill Bartlett, a local historian and beach artist with an interest in Jung's life and work. He will discuss Jung's interest in the natural world, mythology, and symbolism, and how these interests were reflected in his visit to New Polzeath.
If you would like to contribute in any way please let Bill know... especially if you already know about Jung and his visits to Cornwall and/or attended the Jung by the Sea Event in 2023.
After the talk at the old Atlantic House Hotel on Atlantic Terrace, New Polzeath, there will be an option to take a walk down to Polzeath beach and around to see some of the sights that Jung saw over 100 years ago and do some beach art.
Along the way, Bill will share insights into Jung's thoughts and experiences, and how they may have influenced his later work.
This event is free and open to all. No booking is required, but please register your interest.
Friday May 2nd 7 pm The Chris Weight illustrated lecture: 'King Arthur and Excalibur - myth and magic or the facts - recent archaeology and science.' in the Tubestation, Polzeath.
Please book yourself a free seat so we know numbers! Email wnbartlett@gmail.com
Chris is an award-winning retired Cornish military armourer, miner, and mineralogist. He's spent years studying the fascinating geology, archaeology, and ecology of North Cornwall and all who heard Chris speak at the Two Bays Trust recently will know what an interesting and engaging speaker he is!
In his Polzeath talk, "King Arthur and Excalibur - myth and magic or the facts - recent archaeology and science," Chris will reveal how many of our local stories connect to the wider, worldwide phenomenon of King Arthur and Tintagel. You'll be surprised by how much of this legendary tale is rooted right here!
If you're interested in:
The history and legends of King Arthur
The geology of Cornwall
Archaeology
Local mining history
...you won't want to miss this important one-off talk!
Join us for what promises to be a fascinating evening as Chris separates fact from fiction and uncovers the local secrets behind a global legend. There will also be a Q&A session after the talk.
This is a free event, so please spread the news and persuade your family and friends to come along! To help us with the arrangements, please let us know in the comments how many chairs to put out. We're also looking for locals to contribute to a potluck snack supper here to welcome Chris and other visitors. If you'd like to contribute, please get in touch!
Monday, April 28th: St Minver School Beach Art Introduction Day
Monday, April 28th: St Minver School Beach Art Introduction Day
Focus: Introducing beach art to students. This day features the lowest tide of the week (12:30 PM) and the biggest tidal range.
Session 1: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Beach Art Introduction)
Lunch Break: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Session 2: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Continued Beach Art Activity)
- Tuesday, April 29th: Synchronicity & Jung In Polzeath
Focus: Exploring the connection between nature, the psyche, and Jung's visit to Polzeath in 1923. (see bottom of this page for further details)
Activity: Meet at 12:00 PM at the Atlantic Bar and Kitchen (the old Atlantic House Hotel, on Atlantic Terrace, New Polzeath) for a talk in the residents lounge and then a short walk and a beach art session. Please message to show your interest in this event so we know numbers.
Low Tide: 1:00 PM
Reserve Student Day: If Monday's weather is poor, the St Minver School sessions will be moved to today.
Wednesday, April 30th: Photography WorkshopS
Wednesday, April 30th: Photography WorkshopS
Low Tide: 2:00 PM
Late afternoon Activity: Around 4:00 PM, walk over to Daymer Bay to view the mandalas from the top of Brea Hill created by a Private local group led by Bill Bartlett!
- 6 pm Join a Photography workshop with Mark Yeoman Photography. Mark is one of Cornwall's leading photographers. Learn how he does it on this limited edition walk which will go up to Pentire and take about 3 hours. See end of page for further details and to contact Mark to join.
Thursday, May 1st: Sax Berlin in Concert with Bill Bartlett
Thursday, May 1st: Sax Berlin in Concert with Bill Bartlett
legendary neo liberalism artist Sax Berlin and Bill Bartlett join forces and artistic styles to run a masterclass. If you would like to join them then please let Bill know. wnbartlett@gmail.com Starts around 1.30 pm based at the Atlantic Steps, New Polzeath. May involve a pay what you can contribution for the class.
Low Tide: 2:30 PM
Friday, May 2nd: Collaborative Art Day
Friday, May 2nd: Collaborative Art Day
Focus: Working together to create group beach art designs. Anyone can join. Bring a rake or a pole slightly taller than you and your upstretched arms if you can.
Activity: Collaborative art session starting at 2:00 PM. New Polzeath side of the beach. Let's make a giant walking labyrinth. Bill will show you how to seed it.
Low Tide: 3:30 PM
- The Tubestation (7:00 PM): Illustrated lecture by Chris Weight: "King Arthur and Excalibur - myth and magic or the facts - recent archaeology and science."
Booking: Please book your free seat to help us manage numbers!
Special Guests (to be confirmed): Barnaby Kay from The Two Bays Trust
Join international and local artists as we explore the magic of Polzeath, Sacred Geometry, Nature's Patterns, and Personal Expression through beach art.
A festival that offers something for everyone, from structured artist-led sessions and themed workshops, to open spaces for spontaneous collaborative creations.
Polzeath Beach Art Festival weekend Timetable
Polzeath Beach Art Festival weekend Timetable
Saturday, May 3rd:
Saturday, May 3rd:
- Morning: Tile Making Workshop (Time 10 am meet Tubestation):
Activity: Beach walk for inspiration and materials followed by creating your own clay tiles.
Cost: Small cost applies.
Booking: Drop-in or bookable with Caroline Bailey.
Form a team to revive an ancient Cornish game and see how many rolls it takes! email wnbartlett@gmail.com to register a team or interest.
THIS EVENT IS BEING RUN FROM Cliff Bank, Daymer Lane, Daymer Bay by Michael Gover.
- Afternoon: Beach Circle Challenge
3 pm onwards come and help draw a giant organic Mandala. Based on the New POlzeath side of the beach. Just turn up and say you want to take part
3 pm onwards come and help draw a giant organic Mandala. Based on the New POlzeath side of the beach. Just turn up and say you want to take part
Sunday, May 4th: Beach CROP Circle Challenge (Pre-Dawn)
Sunday, May 4th: Beach CROP Circle Challenge (Pre-Dawn)
Activity: Pre-dawn start to create the Beach crop Circle on Polzeath beach. Meet croppie Dene Hines and followers at New Polzeath around 6 am. Dene is driving down in the early morning and aims to be in New Polzeath around 5 am. Please contact me direct if you are interested in helping rake out the pattern under his directions.
Important: This artwork will be washed away by the midday high tide.
- Afternoon Circle Making Session: Starts anytime after the midday high tide for an 8:30 PM sunset finish, focusing on creating multiple circles across the beach. All welcome to take part!
Film Screening: We are all Artists is a short film about beach art and the local area. Directed by Simon Ratigan
Talks and Discussions: On the history of Polzeath, Beach Art, Crop Circles, and even Carl Jung’s connection to Trevose View
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