The Fabulous Newquay Fish Festival 2011

Since 2003, one of the highlights of the town's social calendar is the three days in September when locals join throngs of visitors from far and wide to experience Newquay's fabulous Fish Festival held in the picturesque and centuries old harbour.

The celebrations highlight the work of industrious local fishermen who battle the seas to land their catches and the skills of innovative culinary experts who turn this wonderful resource into treats to tickle the tastebuds. There were many cookery demonstrations conducted by chefs from local restaurants and hotels, guest tutors from Cornwall College, Sanjay Kumar, and Kevin Viner, who ran the first Michelin starred restaurant in Cornwall - all of whom produced dishes to dine for.

Local fishmonger, Gareth Rawle, whose family have traded for over a century in Newquay, demonstrated to his rapt audience how easy it is to prepare a fresh fish ... when shown how.

Newquay’s exciting Fish Festival is a mirror of Cornish life, past and present, which brings together all that is good in the local community. As well as learning about Newquay’s heritage and being encouraged to make fish an exciting and surprisingly easy part of your everyday diet, there were other Cornish foods, produced with love and skill, to try and buy while meandering through the harbour.

There was definitely no need to bring a picnic with such a great choice of freshly prepared fishy barbecue snacks or other culinary delights available to sustain visitors. Cornish bands got toes tapping, and there were enough sweet sounds to calm the souls of the most savage beasts provided by numerous groups, Cornish Choirs and the Newquay Rowing Club Singers. A splash of colour came to the festival when the Saffron Maids perform a delightful dance to an appreciative audience. 

For those who would normally find it difficult to get to and from the Harbour, because of the steep road access, the lovely chaps from the Lions Club of Newquay were on hand with their mini-bus service.

Newquay Fish Festival has grown over the years into something very special in Cornwall’s calendar of events and, since its inauguration, the three days have, on the whole, been blessed with clement weather and gentle sunshine.  

So for holidaymakers wanting an early autumn break in this lovely part of the world, or an excuse to visit on more than one occasion, pencil these dates in your 2012 diary - September 14, 15 and 16. That will ensure you can enjoy the celebratory spirit of Newquay at its best and allow your minds be opened to the versatility of the bounty, freshly landed, from Cornwall’s crystal clear and azure seas.

Newquay Fish Festival was the venue chosen by Newquay Voice to celebrate its 10th anniversary - happy birthday chaps and ladies. Many thanks go to the proprietors of this local weekly newspaper and to the other major sponsor, Start & Co, one of Newquay's finest Estate Agents for their invaluable support. Heartfelt thanks should also go the hidden stars of the event - the volunteers from many Newquay organisations - who work tirelessly and fight tooth and nail to ensure the fabulous festival stays on the must-attend calendar of events in Cornwall. Well done one and all!

If you missed the fun, friendly and all-embracing 2011 Fish Festival, make sure you are part of it next year.

 For other exciting action in Newquay Harbour or elsewhere in the town, please go to the Newquay Events page.