Newquay BID launches campaign to encourage visitors during Boardmasters week

A business group has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging more people to visit Newquay during Boardmasters week.

Newquay BID says its Beyond Boardmasters campaign is designed to challenge what it describes as an outdated perception that the town should be avoided while the festival is taking place.

The organisation says improvements to transport and traffic management in recent years mean Newquay remains accessible throughout the event and that businesses are keen to welcome visitors.

Mark Warren, manager of Newquay BID, said: "For many years, people have automatically associated Boardmasters week with avoiding Newquay because of concerns around traffic. The reality today is very different.

"Thanks to the incredible work that Boardmasters has done around transport and traffic management, the town is more accessible than ever during festival week."

The campaign will promote the town's independent businesses, cafés, restaurants, shops, beaches and visitor attractions throughout the festival.

Newquay BID said visitors would also be encouraged to explore newer attractions, including the Newquay Mural Trail and the Surfer of the South statue.

The organisation said last year's Boardmasters saw fewer traffic issues than many people expected, with improved coach travel and traffic management helping to reduce congestion.

It also said businesses reported the town centre was quieter than anticipated during the festival despite thousands of people attending the event nearby.

As part of the campaign, a dedicated webpage featuring an interactive map will highlight places to eat, drink and visit, alongside events and special offers available during the week.

Businesses will also be invited to take part by offering promotions and experiences for visitors.

A new Beyond Boardmasters Village is also planned for the Killacourt in partnership with Newquay Town Council and WAX Events.

The attraction is expected to include live entertainment, markets, community performances, family activities and independent traders during the festival.

Boardmasters Festival Director Rob Spring said the festival wanted to help encourage more people into the town centre.

He said: "Boardmasters has always been about more than just the music and the surf – it's about celebrating everything that makes this part of Cornwall so special, and that includes Newquay itself.

"We know Boardmasters brings a huge amount of energy to Newquay every summer, and we want as much of that energy as possible to spill out into the town centre too.

"The Beyond Boardmasters campaign is a brilliant way of showing festivalgoers and visitors alike just how much Newquay has to offer beyond the festival gates, and we're proud to support it."

Newquay BID said the campaign formed part of its wider Love Newquay initiative and aimed to support local businesses while encouraging holidaymakers, day visitors and residents to experience the town during one of its busiest weeks of the year.