Newquay looks forward to a Big Day Out, a summer celebration of the town
Newquay is set to come alive with colour, sound, and celebration this September for the Big Day Out, a town-wide summer finale filled with vibrant street performances, creative workshops, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Taking place throughout the town on Saturday 6 September from 10am-11pm, the Big Day Out invites locals and visitors alike to explore Newquay in a new way. Activities range from circus performances and aerial dance to outdoor theatre, workshops and markets, local food and outdoor bars and arts and crafts workshops for all ages.
A unique event brought together through a partnership between key organisations in the town, the Big Day Out is a huge celebration of the best that Newquay has to offer
Highlights of the day include:
Harbour Festival with local street food, live music, chef demos, outdoor bars and relaxed coastal vibes
LOOK OUT! a brand new festival from Groundswell with an exhilarating programme of international and local circus acts, aerial and street theatre, community performances, and an array of drop-in activities across the beach, green spaces and streets
Summer Finale over on the Killacourt, including family friendly activities, fairground rides and the Rewind Radio roadshow
The BIG Newquay Market a buzzing street market of local food & drink, craft, art, design and more
Creative makers workshops and arts & crafts
Activities for all ages
Live music across the town at multiple locations
Mark Warren, Newquay Town BID and Love Newquay, commented: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Big Day Out. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase Newquay’s vibrant local businesses and bring people into the heart of our town. Events like this help build pride in our community and spotlight the independent traders that make Newquay unique.”
Dicky Souray, founder of Groundswell and director of LOOK OUT! Festival, added: “Gathering people in public spaces for creative experiences and joyful performance is a great way to bring people together for a shared sense of communal belonging. The Big Day Out turns the whole town into a stage — and our vision is for LOOK OUT! to contribute surprising and uplifting moments where you least expect them “
Amie Bradshaw, Harbour Festival organiser, said: “There’s such a buzz building around what’s happening in the harbour. From amazing local street food to live music and chef demos, the Harbour Festival has something for everyone — it’s going to be a proper Newquay celebration with laid-back vibes and brilliant local flavour.”
Melissa Hallam from Newquay Town Council said: “As the summer season draws to a close, the Big Day Out is a fantastic way to bring our community together and celebrate everything Newquay has to offer — from its creativity and culture to its warm, welcoming spirit.”
Sarah Curley, of Cornwall Shop Small, running the BIG Newquay Market, said: “We're delighted to be hosting this month's market as part of the Big Day Out. The market is a celebration of local talent, creativity, and entrepreneurship - a chance for small businesses and independent makers to connect directly with the people who support them. Events like this help strengthen our local economy and foster a real sense of community pride in shopping small and supporting local."
All partners involved have been part of the Experience project, run by Cornwall Council, which received funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
The Experience project aims to attract visitors year-round, building resilience and collaboration between the tourism and creative industries. It encourages visitors to connect with Cornwall's culture, history, and natural environment through unique activities and itineraries.
Cllr Sarah Preece, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning said: “The Big Day Out is a fantastic example of how strategic investment through the Good Growth Programme is breathing new life into towns across Cornwall. Through the Experience project, we’ve seen a rise in initiatives that extend activity beyond the summer peak, helping town centres like Newquay attract year-round footfall. This not only restores pride in place but also strengthens the local economy by supporting small businesses and creative industries.”
The Big Day Out is made possible with support from Newquay Bid, Newquay Town Council Events, Visit Newquay, The Boathouse bar and restaurant, Cornwall Shop Small and Groundswell.
For full event details, including locations and timings, scan the QR code on posters around town or visit:
Addtional Information
The Newquay Harbour Festival is a lively celebration of the town’s rich maritime heritage and vibrant coastal culture. Held at the iconic Newquay Harbour, the event runs from 10am until late, offering a full day of family-friendly entertainment, live music, and culinary experiences. Highlights include cooking demonstrations by talented Cornish chefs using fresh seafood from local fishermen, alongside a variety of street food from The Boathouse and a well-stocked bar. Visitors can enjoy performances from local bands and artists, spanning genres from folk to rock, creating a festive atmosphere by the sea. Whether you're a foodie, music lover, or simply looking for a fun day out by the coast, the Harbour Festival promises a memorable experience for all ages.
The BIG Newquay Market is a destination market celebrating of shopping small and eating local that takes place in the vibrant coastal town of Newquay on the first Saturday of the month from the Spring through to November (with an added post season Christmas special). Showcasing around 50 wonderful small, local & indie makers, designers, producers, creators and curators of contemporary craft, art & design, sustainable home, fashion & lifestyle wares, vintage finds and artisan food & drink alongside live music, community connections and creative workshops it's not to be missed. The BIG Newquay Market is a collaboration between Cornwall Shop Small, Newquay Farmers Market and Love Newquay with support from Newquay BID, Newquay Town Council and Visit Newquay.
Newquay Town Council plays a vital role in promoting the town, representing community interests, and supporting local groups and initiatives. Comprising 20 elected, unpaid councillors, the Council oversees a range of services including public toilets, footpaths, the library, CCTV, tourist information, and community events as well as powering Visit Newquay.
LOOK OUT!, taking place on Saturday 6 September 2025 in central Newquay, is a free community celebration organised by Groundswell, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Newquay, Cornwall. The festival brings together local artists, performers, and community groups for a vibrant day of live music, creative workshops, street performances, and family-friendly activities. It aims to foster connection, creativity, and inclusivity, offering a platform for diverse voices and talents to shine in the heart of the town.
About Experience
Experience is a project that promotes Cornwall as a year-round destination. The project aims to enhance the visitor experience and build resilience within the visitor economy. The project provides training, resources, grants and marketing support to help local businesses thrive, particularly in the cultural and tourism sectors. Working across Newquay and Bodmin, the programme is designed to attract an even flow of local and national visitors who sustainably engage with Cornwall throughout the year. It is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and from Cornwall Council’s Town Centre Revitalisation Fund.
About UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
About Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme
The Good Growth Programme is managing the delivering of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as the lead authority for the fund which is being invested in accordance with the Good Growth SPF Investment Plan. For more information, visit https://ciosgoodgrowth.com