Newquay's Vibrant Future: Positive Signals from Beyond Boardmasters Initiative

The recent campaign to enhance Newquay's appeal during the Boardmasters festival, dubbed Beyond Boardmasters, has unveiled encouraging feedback from local businesses. With the intent to redefine the town's image as a vibrant destination rather than a no-go zone during the festival, the initiative is beginning to show signs of success.

Mixed Results but Promising Trends

While the feedback from various traders presents a mixed bag — with some experiencing a significant spike in business while others faced challenges — the overarching narrative is uplifting. Notably, several businesses reported impressive growth, with increases in trade exceeding 20%. This highlights that the campaign has driven more families and visitors to explore what Newquay offers beyond just the festival.

Improved Visitor Experience

Mark Warren, the Newquay BID manager, emphasized the importance of this initiative to foster a more inclusive and engaging atmosphere throughout the town. He noted, "What is encouraging is that there are also some really positive shoots." Improved traffic management and an array of activities tailored for the Beyond Boardmasters campaign contributed significantly to a positive vibe in Newquay.

Building a Long-Term Vision

Looking forward, the aim is to cultivate Newquay as a year-round destination. Mr. Warren acknowledged that changing long-held perceptions is a gradual process, but the recent campaign marks the beginning of a promising journey. “We have started a conversation, businesses are getting behind the idea, and there is clearly an opportunity to build awareness of Newquay beyond Boardmasters,” he stated.

As the landscape continues to evolve, the initiative serves as a crucial stepping stone to ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy all that Newquay has to offer, long after the festival has concluded.