Following a successful trial last year, Newquay is set to get its own monthly street market.

The BIG Newquay Market will take place on the first Saturday of the month from April and will showcase local makers, creators, producers and small businesses.

The market is being brought to the town by Newquay BID and LOVE Newquay in collaboration with Cornwall Shop Small, Newquay Farmers’ Market and Newquay Town Council.

The first regular monthly BIG Newquay Market will take place across Bank Street and onto the seafront on the Killacourt on Saturday, April 6, between 10am and 4pm.

Visitors can expect around 50 stalls of contemporary crafts, artisan makes, local lifestyle inspiration, vintage finds as well as food and drink alongside live music, creative community fun and market specials from local resident businesses.

Newquay BID manager Mark Warren believes a monthly street market will be a huge opportunity to help the town thrive.

Mark said: “When I started in this position, I was consistently asked why Newquay did not have its own market. 

“The 2023 trial markets were a great success and proved that there was a demand for us to make this a regular feature for the town. 

“Footfall data from our September 2023 market was up almost 60 per cent year-on-year and increased density in the vicinity indicated that people were spending more time in the market area.

“Government research shows that for every £1 spent at a market, £1.75 is spent in local businesses which means the markets have the potential to really support our resident businesses through increased footfall and dwell time.

“The open gazebo style lay-out of the market ensures that the market will enhance the local business landscape rather than compete with it.

“If any businesses wish to create a market day special or operate slightly differently on the day of the event, such as offering tasters or trading from outside their shop windows, we would be delighted to help promote this via the BID’s and partner channels with a cumulative reach of almost 80,000.”

Experience Newquay, a project from Cornwall Council that aims to promote a sustainable year-round economy for the town, is working closely with Newquay BID on the market programme exploring how to extend the programme of activity through the autumn and winter months to help drive footfall to the high street throughout the year. 

A recent resident survey they conducted showed that markets were the number one events priority for Newquay locals with almost three quarters of respondents putting markets in their top three in terms of events for them to visit.

Government research also shows that for every £1 spent with a small business 63p, stays in the local economy, 50 per cent more than when spent with a big business demonstrating that any money spent at the market and with the small local businesses by local residents or visitors will work much harder for the local economy going forward. Sarah ­Curley of Cornwall Shop Small said: “We had such incredible local support for the markets last year and I am thrilled to be working with Newquay BID and Newquay Farmers’ Market again to bring the local love back to our wonderful seaside town of Newquay on a regular basis for 2024. 

“Our fabulous Cornish creatives will be showcasing beautiful artworks and colourful prints, unique locally made ceramics, laidback lifestyle wares, eye-catching jewellery, handmade homewares, vintage treasures as well as spring fashion for kids and grown ups with sustainability at heart.”  Meanwhile, Newquay Farmers’ Market will be bringing all the colourful, seasonal produce. 

Caroline of the farmers’ market said: “Newquay Farmers Market has been resident in the town for a few years now and it was wonderful to collaborate on the Market events last year. 

“For 2024 I am so excited to bring a curated local and vibrant selection of our foodie traders to the BIG Newquay Market.

“The line up will include fresh fruit and veg, cheeses and charcuterie, wines, spirits and craft ales, fresh artisan bread and baked treats, meat, fresh fish, a bounty of home-grown flowers and plants and much more.”

Newquay artist Lu Cornish, who traded at the trial markets last year, said: “As a micro business owner that lives and works in Newquay, it was a joy to see the streets bustling with creative energy. 

“We are lucky to have a rich and diverse creative community in Cornwall and to see so many of these talented makers, bakers and creators fill the town with such passion and enthusiasm, attracting more people to our lovely little town and high street is a wonderful thing.”

Local business owner Aimee Dabrowski of Johnny's Tobacconist, said: “We were really impressed by the success of the trial Newquay Street Markets and noticed a big increase in footfall across the town centre. We’re looking forward to seeing it grow in the future.”

For more information about the BIG Newquay Market, email Newquay BID Manager, Mark Warren at [email protected] or head to www.cornwallshopsmall.co.uk/newquay and follow Newquay BID / Love Newquay, Cornwall Shop Small and Newquay Farmers Market on socials.