A NEW food festival held in Newquay was a “sizzling success.’

Thousands of people descended on the inaugural Newquay Food Festival held at the Killacourt to savour the best of Cornwall’s food, drink, and arts scene.

Highlights included fire-cooking in the Fire Theatre, which were hosted by Andi Tuck.

Various notable chefs showcased Cornish seafood and fine cuisine such as Paul Harwood from The Fish House Fistral, Gavin Edney from The Headland Hotel and Adam Handling MBE from the Ugly Butterfly.

A cook-off between Rose Cant and Eddy Rains, which featured actress-cook mum on Muddy Lane versus a professional chef drew enthusiastic crowds and votes from festivalgoers.

Food vendors offered everything from local seafood and Cornish cheeses to street food fusion, artisanal pastries, sweets, craft coffee from Yallah, cocktails from Tan‑Dowr, beer from St Ives Brewery, and spiced rum from Rosemullion Distillery.

Newquay’s vibrant music scene featured performances from C‑Bone, Echo Town, Seamus‑McKenna, The Mighty Howlers, Wild Oyo, and a folk set by the Oddfolk.

Organisers are hoping that this weekend’s success sets the stage for an annual tradition. Already planning for 2026, they aim to build on the vibrant culinary lineup and expanded programming that enchanted this year’s audience.

Event organiser Barney Farnworth said: “We couldn’t have asked for more. The weather was perfect, if not a little too warm but the community came and supported, enjoying what we had created. I think all of our hard work was noticed.

“Watching incredible chefs cooking over fire, and vibrant bands on the main stage whilst enjoying fine Cornish food and drink. Isn’t that the perfect weekend?”