Newquay BID Reviews Impact of Boardmasters Festival on Town Centre

Newquay BID has reviewed feedback from member businesses on this year’s Boardmasters Festival, which took place in August. The results show a mix of challenges and positives for the town centre.

Businesses Count the Cost

Many businesses reported reduced footfall and lost revenue during the festival week, with some saying they were down by thousands of pounds compared to usual August trading. While supermarkets and larger outlets gained, restaurants, night-time venues, and many independents saw a significant downturn.

Improvements on the Roads

The survey also reflected recognition of improvements delivered by Vision Nine, the festival organisers. For the first time, traffic management and road access were handled effectively. A one-way system, careful planning, and coordination meant disruption was minimal, with almost no negative feedback. Car parks remained accessible, while the park-and-ride system went underused — evidence that Newquay town centre was open and welcoming throughout the festival.

More Coaches, Fewer Cars

Boardmasters also saw more festival-goers arriving by coach compared to 2024. This reduced the number of cars on the roads and made it easier for visitors to access the town. The approach also offers reduced ticket prices for those choosing coach travel, creating a smoother experience for everyone coming into Newquay during the festival.

Challenging Perceptions

Despite these improvements, national and local media often tell people to avoid Newquay during Boardmasters week. Newquay BID says this discourages visitors and harms the town’s wider tourism economy. This year showed the town was easy to access, with quieter shops, restaurants, and beaches available to enjoy.

Looking ahead, Newquay BID will work with Vision Nine to ensure positive messaging is shared through Love Newquay, BID communications, PR campaigns, and festival channels. The aim is to reframe the week as an opportunity, with more parking, quieter restaurants, and space to enjoy the town.

Festival Behaviour and Business Impact

Festival attendees were reported to be well-behaved and respectful, creating no significant security issues. Most spent little time in the town centre, and by 4pm Newquay was noticeably quiet, providing a golden opportunity for locals and visitors.

Some businesses suggested changing the festival dates, but this is unlikely. Boardmasters primarily attracts 16–21-year-olds, aligns with the national festival calendar, and shares infrastructure with other major festivals like Glastonbury. On the positive side, many attendees travelled with families who stayed in local hotels, supporting the wider visitor economy.

Extra Care for the Town

During the festival, Newquay receives extra attention. Additional policing and BID town rangers were in place, while Cornwall Council provided more bin collections and beach cleans. This ensured a safe and welcoming environment.

Testing New Offers

This year, Newquay BID trialled ‘Boardies Offers’, giving festival wristband holders discounts at 30 businesses. Promotion through the Boardmasters app was extensive, but uptake was limited, with most festival-goers heading directly to Watergate Bay or Fistral.

Vision Nine also worked with Newquay BID to offer reduced pitch rates for local businesses at Fistral and Watergate Bay. The Fistral side was particularly successful, with surf and skate events attracting large audiences. However, survey feedback confirmed that most festival-goers bypassed town businesses, moving between accommodation and festival sites.

BID’s Next Steps

Mark Warren, Manager of Newquay BID, said:
“We know that Vision Nine and Boardmasters are here to stay, so our focus is on collaboration and communication. Together, we need to strengthen the message that Newquay town centre is open as usual — not just open, but offering visitors a fantastic experience with more space, more availability, and the same great businesses that make Newquay special.”