What’s it all about?

Now in its 16th year the Newquay Fish Festival celebrates the heritage and cuisine we have on our doorstep, right at the start of the supply chain for the very best that seafood has to offer. Top chefs from across the region show how to make the most of this bounty, with a chance to watch learn and try some delicious seafood.

Most of the region’s top chefs have appeared at the festival, we are working once again to bring some exciting guests and surprise faces to our demonstration stage.
Alongside the food we have a full programme of entertainment including bands, choirs, singers, dancers and even a band of pirates complete with canons!

There’s always a special atmosphere at the Newquay Fish Festival, a unique mix of Newquay’s vibrant holiday scene and the traditional fishing community of the old Cornish harbour. Together they bring the harbour to life for this three day annual event and provide Newquay with a showcase to be proud of.

It is no exaggeration to say that Newquay’s hotels and eateries have undergone a quiet revolution that means they offer some of the best dining experiences in the country. A1 quality is now the norm, so come and be surprised by the talent we have here in our local kitchens.

What happens?

The practical cookery demonstrations by local chefs are undoubtedly the highlight of the festival, with hotels and restaurants promoting local fresh fish and shellfish and locally available produce. In addition to the purely ‘fish’ related elements, the festival has a number of trade stands promoting Cornish produce and crafts, together with a hospitality area and a range of entertainment from local choirs and bands to a sandcastle competition and ‘fishy’ encounters organised by the town’s Blue Reef Aquarium.

How can you take part?

The food, craft and arts tents bring together the best of Cornwall's local produce where you can sample everything from traditional pasties and Cornish cakes to curry, crepes and chocolate fountains while on the harbour quay there’s an all-day fish barbecue serving fresh battered fish available free for a small donation to the Fisherman's Mission. There’s a chance to taste the results of the flamboyant cookery demonstrations, learn how to fillet a fish, listen to a few sea shanties, watch some street theatre and dancing on the harbour and join in the open air ‘Songs of Praise’ at the harbour on Sunday evening which ends the festival.