Newquay BID aims to change perceptions during Boardmasters

Newquay businesses are challenging what they describe as an outdated perception that the town should be avoided during Boardmasters.

Newquay BID has launched its Beyond Boardmasters campaign after some businesses reported that the town centre was quieter than expected during last year’s festival.

It said long-standing concerns about congestion continued to deter some residents and visitors, despite changes to transport and traffic management.

BID Manager Mark Warren said increased coach travel, shuttle buses and other measures introduced by Boardmasters had made Newquay more accessible during the event.

“The challenge today is no longer traffic. The challenge is perception,” he said.

The campaign, supported by Newquay Town Council, Visit Newquay and Boardmasters, will highlight the town’s independent shops, hospitality businesses, beaches, attractions and public art.

Events include a WAX Garden Party on the Killacourt, featuring entertainment, markets, community performances and family activities.

Newquay Town Council said festival organisers had listened to feedback and invested significantly in transport planning to reduce pressure on the town.

Boardmasters Festival Director Rob Spring said organisers wanted more of the energy generated by the event to extend into the town centre.

Mr Warren said BID accepted that changing people’s perceptions would take time, but wanted residents and visitors to see for themselves how the situation had improved.

He said: “Rather than asking people to avoid Newquay, we’re inviting them to embrace it.”

PRESS PLAY to hear more from Newquay BID Manager Mark Warren...