Newquay Harbour Festival Returns with a Feast of Fun for All Ages

The much-anticipated Newquay Harbour Festival is set to make a grand return on Saturday, 7th September, promising a day packed with excitement, culture, and community spirit. Running from 10am to 9pm, this vibrant event brings together the best of Newquay’s local food, art, and entertainment, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

A Day of Family Fun and Local Flavour

This year’s festival is a collaborative effort, with The Boathouse, Newquay BID, Cornwall Shop Small, and Newquay Farmers Market joining forces to create a memorable experience. Amie Bradshaw, General Manager of The Boathouse, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “The Newquay Harbour Festival is all about coming together to enjoy the unique charm of our harbour and celebrate the local talent and produce that make our town so special.”

The festival will feature the Harbour Market of Cornish Produce & Makes, which is part of the BIG Newquay Market, stretching from the Harbour to Bank Street and the Killacourt from 10am to 4pm. Sarah Curley of Cornwall Shop Small highlighted the significance of this extended market, noting, “It’s wonderful that our monthly BIG Newquay Market coincides with the return of the Newquay Harbour Festival. This month, we’re extending the Market down to the Harbour, making it our biggest BIG Newquay Market day yet.”

Exciting Activities and Workshops

For those looking to get hands-on, the festival offers a variety of engaging activities. Visitors can participate in a Rockpool Ramble at 10am, led by the enthusiastic Mr FT, to explore the harbour’s thriving ecosystem. Additionally, families can join a free workshop from 10am to 4pm at the Harbour, where City of Lights artists will guide participants in creating withy fish, supported by Experience Newquay and Cornwall Nourish Hub.

Environmental enthusiasts can contribute to the Sharps Beach Clean from 10am to 12pm. As an added incentive, adults who join the clean-up will be rewarded with a free pint of Atlantic Beer from Sharps.

Art, Music, and Culinary Delights

Art lovers will appreciate the Beach Art ‘Pages of the Sea’ Flag Installation by City of Lights, sponsored by Experience Newquay and the BE NEWQUAY Festival, on the beach from 10am to 5pm. This installation is sure to add a unique visual element to the day’s festivities.

Live music will fill the air from midday until 9pm, featuring performances from local acts such as The Clams, Tom Cary, Will Powell, the Newquay Rowing Club Singers, the Harbour Rats Shanty Band, and the Charlie Wolf Jazz Trio.

Food enthusiasts will be in for a treat with a series of Cooking Demos & Culinary Delights in the Rattler Marquee from 1pm. Talented Cornish chefs, including Guy Owen (Great British Menu), Gavin Edney (Headland Hotel), and Adam Banks of SHIO – Asian Street Food, will showcase their culinary skills. The evening will also include a Gin Flavouring Workshop at 6pm with Tarquin’s Gin and Navas Drinks, followed by a Free Wine Tasting Session from 7:30pm to 9pm, perfect for wine lovers.

A Community Celebration

The Newquay Harbour Festival is more than just a day of entertainment; it’s a celebration of the town’s rich heritage and close-knit community. Caroline from Newquay Farmers Market summed up the spirit of the event, saying, “We’ve curated a line-up that celebrates our community and showcases some of the best local makers and producers inspired by our amazing town and coast.”

Mark from Newquay BID echoed this sentiment, adding, “This is a family-focused event in conjunction with our BIG Newquay market running through the town alongside the Summer Finale happening on the Killacourt, truly a fantastic day in store for the whole community.”

With so much on offer, the Newquay Harbour Festival promises to be a day to remember. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is one event you won’t want to miss.