Cornwall’s first Festival of Quietness has brought hundreds of people together - proving that community doesn’t always have to be loud.
HushFest, created by Quiet Connections CIC, was designed for people who consider themselves introverted, sensitive or shy, including those who experience social anxiety.
Held across Cornwall, the week-long festival featured exhibitions, live music and creative workshops, with one particularly striking installation displaying nearly 2,000 colourful handmade hearts created by members of the Quiet Connections community.
The festival grew out of months of community activity, with people taking part in lino printing, photography, textiles, music and writing sessions. Online Silent Art Clubs also meant people could contribute from home.
For some, HushFest offered the chance to perform publicly for the first time. For others, simply walking through the door was an achievement.
One participant summed up what made the event special:
“I noticed what a relief it is to be with people where the shared understanding is that we may be quiet or shy and that’s ok. It removes so much pressure to perform and to just be as you are.”
Musician Zoe Zalick, who helped participants prepare for the festival’s concert, said: “I would say all 11 of us that performed in the HushFest concert stepped outside our comfort zone. But we felt good for doing it!”
Why it matters for Britain 🇬🇧
Strong communities need spaces for everyone - including people who might find traditional social events overwhelming. HushFest shows how a little creativity and understanding can help people build friendships, find confidence and feel part of their local community.
Quietly brilliant, Cornwall. Big Up!
Summarised from an article submitted by Hayley Stanton at Quiet Connections
