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If you’re looking for one of the best places in the UK to see in the New Year, Newquay should be right at the top of your list. This New Year’s Eve, Cornwall’s favourite seaside town comes alive with celebration, offering a night packed with fancy dress, live music, DJs, buzzing bars and pubs, and a spectacular midnight moment by the sea.
Newquay has long been known for its legendary New Year’s Eve atmosphere, and this year is shaping up to be no exception. With venues across town hosting fancy dress competitions, live bands and DJs, there’s something for everyone.

This year, Newquay is putting community at the heart of New Year’s Eve, with venues across town coming together to create a night where fancy dress takes centre stage.
Bars and pubs will be battling it out in the Great Newquay Pub Fancy Dress Competition, all hoping to impress and take home a £100 bar tab, kindly donated by Sailors Pub. Expect plenty of creativity, friendly rivalry, and venues going all out, to stand out on the night.
But this isn’t just about venues, it’s about everyone getting involved. Whether you’re heading out solo or as part of a group, fancy dress is encouraged, from clever ideas to completely over-the-top costumes. Alongside the town-wide competition, some venues will also be offering fancy dress prizes for customers, adding even more fun on the night.
With live music and DJs spread across town, every venue brings something a little different, from buzzing dancefloors and live bands to more laid-back spots to spend the evening. As midnight draws closer, attention turns to the coastline, where fireworks light up the sky over Newquay Harbour. Watch up close from the beach, take in the view from the Killacourts, or head to Central Square to join the countdown and welcome 2026 in true Newquay style.

From live bands and DJs to fancy dress parties and late-night sessions, Newquay’s venues are offering something for every kind of New Year’s Eve. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening across town as we count down to 2026:
Whiskers
New Year’s Eve Mob Land Throwdown
Live bands from 8:30pm, followed by DJs until close.
🎟️ Tickets required
Sailors Pub
New Year’s Eve Fancy Dress Party
DJ Just Daniel from 9pm–4am.
🏆 £500 Amazon voucher for best fancy dress
🎟️ Tickets required
Central Inn
Fancy Dress Party
Free entry with prize giveaways for best costumes.
DJ Wilby plus countdown in the courtyard.
Red Lion Pub
Live music from Cyderfex
🕘 From 9:00pm
Salt Sheds Newquay
Live music from The 506, followed by a DJ set from House & Spouse.
Free entry and a free pint of Peach Jubel for the first 50 people through the door.
Steam Bar
Through the Eras NYE Bash
Free event with DJ Beaker, playing everything from 70s hits through to today.
🕗 8:00pm–1:00am
🎭 Dress as your favourite era
The Dead Famous Liquor Lounge
Drum & bass and jungle until 4am, featuring Serial Killaz (Noise Pollution), with support from The Wolfbeats and more. 🎟️Tickets Required
Fireworks
Welcome the New Year with fireworks over Newquay Harbour, with great viewing spots from the harbour itself, Central Square, and the Killacourts perfect for gathering together and joining the countdown.
For the latest updates and full listings, keep an eye on the Love Newquay Events page.

If you’re looking for a memorable way to kick off New Year’s Day, head down to Newquay Harbour and support the Newquay CLIC Fundraising Group’s New Year’s Day Dip.
Brave participants are invited to take the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, shake off the cobwebs, and start the year by doing something amazing for CLIC Sargent, a charity supporting children and young people with cancer. Fancy dress is very welcome, adding to the fun and spectacle along the harbour.
Not feeling quite brave enough to get in the water? Spectators are encouraged to come along too wrap up warm, bring some loose change, and cheer on the dippers as donations are collected for this fantastic cause.
There is an entry fee to take part, with many participants also choosing to raise additional funds through sponsorship. Whether you’re dipping, donating, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a brilliant way to come together as a community and start the year on a positive note.
We look forward to seeing both dippers and supporters down at the harbour on New Year’s Day.

Winter is a brilliant time to stay in Newquay. The beaches are quieter, the air is crisp, and the coastline has a dramatic beauty that feels especially magical at the turn of the year. With a lively festive atmosphere in town and celebrations running late into the night, it’s the perfect setting for a New Year’s escape by the sea.
Why not make a break of it? Staying over means you can enjoy the full New Year’s Eve experience, from fancy dress parties and live music to the midnight fireworks, without worrying about the journey home.
Whether you’re after a cosy B&B, a sea-view apartment, a group-friendly holiday let, or a hotel break to see the year in, Newquay offers accommodation to suit every style and budget. Staying in town puts you right at the heart of the celebrations, with venues, the harbour, and prime fireworks viewing spots all within easy reach.

Newquay’s food and drink scene is just as much a part of the New Year’s experience as the celebrations themselves. Whether you’re fuelling up before a night of fancy dress and dancing, warming up with friends during the day, or grabbing a bite on New Year’s Day, there’s plenty to choose from.
From cosy cafés serving hot drinks and hearty breakfasts, to traditional Cornish pubs, relaxed family-friendly restaurants, and seafront dining with winter views, Newquay offers something for every taste and pace. Many venues are perfectly placed for pre-celebration meet-ups or post-fireworks food. Click here to explore all the restaurants, cafes, street food outlets and takeaways in Newquay.

New Year’s Eve may be the headline, but there’s plenty happening across Newquay to enjoy around the celebrations, including:
These attractions, alongside Newquay’s New Year’s Eve celebrations and winter events, mean there’s no shortage of things to do — whatever the weather. Click here to discover more things to do in Newquay, come rain or shine!
Want to make your Newquay break go a little further? Pick up a Love Newquay Loyalty Card from the Tourist Information Centre, based in Newquay Library. It’s your key to discounts on food, accommodation, shopping, and attractions across town.
Perfect for visitors and locals alike, the Loyalty Card helps you make the most of your time in Newquay while keeping costs down. It’s free, easy to use, and a great way to discover new favourite spots around town while saving a few pounds along the way.

Click here to see all the Love Newquay Loyalty Card offers and discounts.

For the full programme, visit the Love Newquay Events page.