PLANS are underway to help boost business for traders in Newquay during the Boardmasters Festival.

Newquay BID along with Rob Spring and Ruth Willsher from the Boardmasters team held discussions with local businesses during a Business to Boardmasters meeting held at the Oceanside Hotel on Tuesday, March 10, which was aimed at strengthening collaboration and ensuring the event continues to benefit the wider town.

It follows Newquay BID manager Mark Warren stating local traders reporting Boardmasters 2025 was their quietest week in August while businesses have reported losing thousands of pounds in trade while the surf and music festival is held.

Discussions held during the Business to Boardmasters meeting focused on opportunities to encourage more visitors into the town centre during the event.

Plans are being explored to promote local businesses more actively through festival communications and to host additional activities within the town centre.

Newquay BID is planning to introduce a town centre market and a series of smaller events during the festival period, creating more reasons for visitors to explore the town beyond the festival sites.

Visitors will also benefit from shuttle bus services into Newquay, while the town’s shops, restaurants and attractions remain fully open.

Mr Warren is keen to get the message out that Newquay is “open for business” during Boardmasters following concerns there has been a perception in recent years that the town centre becomes overly congested during the festival, leading some visitors avoiding Newquay during that week.

He argues this perception no longer reflects the reality of how the event now operates.

Mr Warren said: “Newquay is always busy in August, but its important people understand that the town centre remains very much open for business during Boardmasters.

“Over the years there has been a perception that Newquay becomes too busy during the festival, with concerns around traffic congestion and the town being dominated by younger partygoers.

“In reality, the event has evolved significantly, with improved traffic management, more controlled access, increased policing and stronger operational planning across the festival sites.

“Last year’s event was widely recognised as being extremely well managed, with improved traffic systems and clearer operational processes helping to minimise disruption to the town centre.

“In fact, many businesses found the town centre quieter than expected during Boardmasters week.

“The message we want to get out locally and nationally is that Newquay is open for business and there is no need to avoid the town during the festival.

“Newquay has award-winning restaurants and bars, incredible beaches and a fantastic mix of independent businesses.

“The nightlife in the town itself can actually be quieter during Boardmasters because many festivalgoers stay on site in the evenings.”

“We want holidaymakers and visitors to feel confident about coming to Newquay during Boardmasters week. The town is welcoming, the businesses are open, and there is so much happening across the area.”

Newquay BID and the Boardmasters team agreed that maintaining regular dialogue with local businesses is key to ensuring the festival continues to evolve in a way that benefits the wider community.