Newquay Sees Increased Footfall and Atmosphere on New Year’s Eve 2025

New Year’s Eve 2025 appears to have marked a turning point for Newquay, with businesses reporting stronger footfall, more atmosphere and a return of creativity on the town’s streets.

Newquay BID says the night represented an encouraging step forward for the town’s nighttime economy and wider community, following several quieter years after the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Noticeable Shift After Quiet Years

In recent years, many venues reported little uplift on New Year’s Eve, and the once-familiar fancy dress scene had largely faded. This year, however, businesses across Newquay, Cornwall, reported an increase in footfall alongside a renewed sense of celebration.

“There was definitely an increase in footfall this year,” a spokesperson from Newquay BID said. “We need to continue the message about dressing up, coming out and enjoying New Year’s Eve in Newquay but doing it in the right way.”

Bringing Back the Fun Carefully

As part of a five-year plan to re-establish New Year’s Eve as a key date in the town’s calendar, Newquay BID has been working with local businesses to rebuild the experience in a way that reflects modern Newquay.

The first step was deliberately low-key, with the introduction of the Newquay Pub Fancy Dress Competition. Venues were encouraged to share images of their teams celebrating, with entries judged online. The winning venue will receive a prize donated by other businesses in the town. The competition was well received and helped reintroduce colour, fun and participation.

Businesses Report a Better Night

Several venue managers shared positive feedback from the evening.

Ben, Manager of Whiskers, said:
“I was really pleased with this year. It was much better than previous years, there was lots of dressing up and we had a great time all round.”

Chris, Manager of Sailors Nightclub, added:
“It was a great night and something we’re definitely going to be building on going forward.”

Meg, General Manager of Concho Lounge, said:
“New Years Eve was great and a lot busier than last year, great vibes and a lot of fancy dress. Excited to see what the next 5 years bring.”

A Different Kind of Celebration

Newquay BID has been clear that this is not about returning to the party-town image of 15 to 20 years ago, which many felt became damaging for families, residents and the wider community.

Instead, the focus is on reflecting how the town has changed. Newquay today is described as family-friendly, community-focused and experience-led, with a strong food scene, award-winning restaurants, cocktail bars, clubs, independent shops and a thriving adventure economy.

Visitors, including stag and hen groups, now come for activities such as surfing, kayaking, coasteering and exploring the coastline before enjoying food, drinks and dancing in the evening.

“That’s the Newquay we’re celebrating,” Newquay BID said. “A Newquay that is safe, welcoming, and vibrant without being overwhelming.”

Safety, Families and the Midnight Moment

New Year’s Eve in Newquay is designed to be inclusive, with early evening events aimed at families, including children’s discos, and later programming offering more adult-focused entertainment and themed fancy dress.

Safety remains a priority, supported by CCTV, local policing, Newquay Rangers, Pub Watch and Best Bar None, with Newquay being the first location in Cornwall to adopt the scheme.

The midnight fireworks over Newquay Harbour, set among beaches in the town centre, once again provided a shared focal point for residents and visitors welcoming in the New Year together.

Newquay BID has also received nostalgic photographs from the community, some taken 20 to 25 years ago, showing Bank Street full of people celebrating. The images highlight the strong emotional connection many people still have with New Year’s Eve in the town.

Mark from Newquay BID said:
“We’re really pleased with the initial focus and the improvement this year, but we know there’s more work to do. This is a long-term commitment. Newquay has changed, and our New Year’s Eve offer needs to reflect that, vibrant, safe, family-friendly and community-led.”

New Year’s Eve in Newquay may not be a return to the past, but for many, it felt like the start of something new.