Events in Newquay

JANUARY

9th - 17th Jan

Fish Stock-taking, Blue Reef Aquarium

During the week, the aquarium is looking for volunteers to count certain species including seahorses, sharks, octopus and lionfish. This fish census is to check on stock of the aquariums inhabitants, with the child who reports the populations most accurate winning a years membership for them and their family. A fun, educational day out for the whole family to enjoy.

30th - 31st Jan

Suckers Weekend, Blue Reef Aquarium

In celebration of the amazing octopus Suckers Weekend promises not to disappoint. Discover how these fascinating creatures have adapted to survive in our oceans and enjoy close encounters with members of the cephalopod family from the giant Pacific octopus to the prehistoric nautilus.

FEBRUARY

13th - 21st Feb

Ugh! Week, Blue Reef Aquarium

Prepare to be disgusted as some of the deep’s foulest creatures descend on the Blue Reef Aquarium, bringing with them some of their most revolting habits! Discover all sorts of naughty nautical behavior from the smelliest, squidgiest and slimiest sea creatures that the ocean has to offer and find out how these actions can help them survive in the depths. Workshops are available, including the chance to get hands-on, though this may not be an option for the faint hearted!

14th February

Valentines Day at Newquay Zoo

Make sure there are two extra love birds at Newquay Zoo this Valentines Day, take the love of your life for a starry eyed stroll around the grounds before a specifically designed romantic lunch in the glorious surroundings of the zoo.

16th February

Panda cake day, Newquay Zoo

Celebrate pancake day in style this February, a panda themed party of pancakes awaits guests visiting Newquay Zoo. With pancakes galore and plenty of panda based activities, as well as a tour around the zoo, this is an event that will certainly not fall flat.

MARCH

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14th March

Mothers Day at Blue Reef Aquarium

If you’re in a flap this mother’s day, treat your mum to a day at the Blue Reef Aquarium, where gusts are invited to a tour and talks about life as a mother in the deep of the ocean, and the trials many aquatic parents face.

APRIL

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2nd-4th April

Easter Egg Hunt at Dairyland

Boris and Dazy will be helping children to mooooove the obstacles and get to the chocolate eggs. Kids will have to search high and low, over and udder the whole site in this fun Easter day out for the family.

3rd - 18th April

Predators at Blue Reef Aquarium

From stingrays to sharks, deadly stone fish to piranhas the aquatic world is divided into the hunters and the hunted. Discover the amazing techniques different species have evolved to catch their prey and come face to face with the oceans' ultimate predators - the sharks!

23 April - 25 April

Blue Chip Newquay Zapcat Grand Prix, Newquay

A thrilling weekend of power boat races taking place on Fistral Beach. You can enjoy a whole weekend of free entertainment and adrenaline fuelled excitement plus a chance to win your own Zapcat experience!
More information on the Zapcat website.

MAY

1st-3rd May

English National Surf Championships

In its eighth year, the English National Surf Championships will once again be held at Watergate Bay. With over 300 entrants competing in 24 divisions for a variety of titles, it promises to be one of Europe’s largest surfing events.

27th-30th May

Run to the Sun 2011

Now in its 24th year, the annual Run to the Sun is a must for car enthusiasts everywhere. The three day event covers two sites and play host to some of the most outrageous and inventive custom cars, classic VW’s as well as live music, stand up comedy and DJ’s. Beginning with a VW convoy that attracts in excess of 1000 cars (over 8km long) this meet up of VW and custom car lovers from across the country is not o be missed!

29th May - 6th June

Shark Week at Blue Reef Aquarium

Despite their reputation as mean predators of the sea, the supposed man-eaters are actually under serious threat from humans. A series of talks and demonstrations will be given to educate guests on the plight of the shark, and what can be done to turn its fortunes around.

JUNE

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18th-19th June

Midsummer Night Surf

Atmospheric night surf is on offer this summer, as the lights are turned on at dusk at Lusy Glaze Beach. Running until 11.30pm, it promises an exciting night for competitors and spectators alike!

19th-20th June

BLU Midsummer Classic

Summer officially begins when the British Longboard Union series visits Newquay! The UK’s best longboard surfers compete for the prestigious title in the Cornwall event of the series.

20th June

Fathers Day at Blue Reef Aquarium

Selections of sea-going super dads are taking centre stage this father’s day at Blue Reef. Along with talks and special guided tours focusing on the aquarium's hard-working fathers, Blue Reef is also showcasing some real fishy father figures including clownfish, banggai cardinal fish and the famous seahorse.

JULY

3rd - 4th July

Pirates Weekend at Newquay Zoo

Swashbuckling fun for younger visitors - discover all about pirates, privateers and buccaneers. There's storytelling sessions, workshops, flag designing classes and even special talks about some real life pirates. Staff will be in full piratical costume to really help visitors get into the mood.

10th July

UK Surf Rowers League Summer Series

A little Aussie beach culture comes to Watergate Bay this July with teams of four competing in a race across the crashing surf on their surf boats, guided by their sweep (helmsperson.) A wonderful spectacle, the crafts then have to rely on the tide to return them to the shore.

17th July

Sun Relief Festival

A charity festival from Surf Relief UK, this family friendly fun day has everything from pro surfing competitions to life saving tournaments and beach games. As a perfect wind down after the excitement of the day, Sunset Sessions, a live music festival on the sand will round off the event ling into the night.

17th Jul – 18th July

Newquay Rugby Sevens

Some of the UK's best rugby 7’s teams will battle their way to glory in one of the South West’s biggest events on the sporting calendar. . Saturday will see the Men's Invitation, where the top 7's sides in the country will compete against the local boys - The Cornish Pirates and Plymouth Albion. The Wooden Spoon Ladies will return to defend the Women's Open and with the extended Men's Open it promises to be an action packed weekend.

28th July

RNAS Culdrose Air Day

A spectacular flying display will fill the skies with the awesome might of some of the world's most powerful aircraft during this year's RNAS Culdrose Air Day. The Culdrose Air Day is always a highlight of the aviation year, and 2009 promises to be no exception as Naval Aviation's 100th year is celebrated in one of Europe's largest Naval Air Stations. Great day out for the whole family.

AUGUST

4th Aug – 8th Aug

Relentless Boardmasters 2011

Fistral Beach once again plays host to the largest event on the UK surfing calendar. One of Europe’s largest surf, skate and music festivals, Boardmasters will bring world famous surfers, skaters and musicians over seven nights of top quality entertainment. Top names in surfing and scatting will battle it out for prize money totaling over $100,000 in the 5 star world qualifying surfing and the Vans Summer Sessions skatting Championships!

8th Aug

Newquay Lifeboat Day

An RNLI extravaganza, with live demonstrations, dramatic rescues, and the chance to board some of the lifesaving vessels, as well as the chance to meet some of the brave crew members! A fun filled family event for a very good cause.

27th Aug – 29th Aug

O2 Scrum on the Beach Rugby

The O2 Scrum on the Beach is the UK's largest and most famous Beach Rugby tournaments. 60 teams come to Lusty Glaze Beach to compete in the penultimate event of the series before the showpiece final at Trafalgar Square, London. In conjunction with the RFU (Rugby Football Union), the event aims to get more people involved with the sport and to promote the role of rugby with in the community. A fascinating contest not to be missed.

SEPTEMBER

4th Sep - 5th Sep

Newquay Ladies County Gig Championships

Female crews from all over Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will descend on Newquay Harbour to do battle in the County Gig Championships, fighting for the prestigious honour of County Gig Champions!

16th Sep

Polo on the Beach

One of the most glamorous events in the Newquay events calendar - sun bleached surfers rubbing shoulders with the thoroughbred polo set in a late summer's evening of saltwater adrenaline. Over 20 polo ponies will be on the beach to play in an exhibition match, which is completely free for spectators.

10th Sep – 12th Sep

Newquay Fish Festival

Visitors and residents alike will flock to Newquay harbour this August as the annual Fish Festival takes place once again. Practical cookery demonstrations from top local chefs as well as the chance to sample local fresh fish and shellfish make for a fun day out for the family. Local restaurants will provide samples of how they use the fresh local produce, and talks on fresh fish cookery and boat trips are also available.

24th Sep – 25th Sep

Zapcat King of the Surf Grand Prix

Being the only leg of the Zapcat circuit that occurs on a surfing beach, this is a unique opportunity to see the twin-hulled super power catamarans scream through the waves. This stunning family spectacle is sure to wow the audience as the super boats leap and twist out of the surf.

18th Sep – 19th Sep

Newquay Men’s County Gig Championships

The Newquay County Gig Championships signal the end of the rowing season. This is the event where crews from all over Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly descend upon Newquay Harbour to battle it out for the honour of being crowned County Gig Champions.

OCTOBER

13th Oct - 17th Oct

The Lowender Peran Festival, Perranporth

A true Celtic celebration of Cornwall's rich history and heritage of traditional songs, dance and storytelling, complemented by a series of concerts, markets and appealing workshops. This quaint festival is sure to be magical experience for all!