If you love fish then the market and harbour activities of the Newlyn Fish Festival on August 26th are something you probably don’t want to miss. Keeping you busy will be an auction, a competition for Cornish fishmonger of the year, cooking demonstrations, and lots of music and entertainment around the harbour.
(Photo Credit: Newlyn Fish Festival)
“The 23rd Newlyn Fish Festival taking place on the August bank holiday is the saltiest, fishiest and largest of its kind in the UK. It showcases the heritage of this traditional Cornish fishing town in an effort to raise vital money for the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.
The festival celebrates the skilled and dedicated fishermen whose craft has shaped the picturesque Cornish landscape of working ports and harbours. It is their efforts that deliver the fantastic fresh fish to local chefs and eateries, giving the region its reputation as a top foodie destination.
Newlyn offers visitors the chance to be educated about the reality, diversity and sustainability of commercial fishing from those who have been in the industry for generations. With plans currently underway to go ‘one up’ on the success of last year, the festival is jam-packed with entertainment and set to be even bigger and better for 2013.
Highlights will include the Lugger Rowing World Championships. Last year excited crowds watched as three boats raced the length of Newlyn Harbour, not by sail or engine, but by their crew’s own blood, sweat and tears. Many a blister was popped afterwards with the winning team receiving the coveted Golden Pilchard.
Setting the fishy foodie tone will be the annual Cornish Fishmonger of the Year competition. The contest is hosted by Seafood Cornwall Training and judged by Duncan Lucas from Passionate About Fish. Last year’s winner Kevin Byrne of Wings of St Mawes spent months practising his filleting before the hotly contested event.
Gourmet ice cream, paellas, grilled mackerel, fish curries and lobsters from the barbeque are all on the menu as well as the freshest of fish on sale from quayside fishmongers. Cookery demonstrations and tastings abound, with seafood and Cornish specialities central to this fabulous festival.
Music is an important element of the event, this year there will be three music stages to dance to: the ‘One For All’ stage in festival square, the ‘Mary Williams’ stage on the pier and ‘Buskers Corner’ by the festival entrance. Why not soak up the atmosphere whilst listening to some of Cornwall’s finest local performers.
Always a family affair, festival goers can get knee-deep in gig-racing and jet skis, learn about the lifeboats and listen to the Fish Tales brought to life by the local story-tellers. Set in and around the historic harbour, the festival also has a large covered area, so come rain or shine, Newlyn is certainly one of the best of Cornish fish festivals.
Newlyn Fish Festival opens on Monday 26th August at 9am – 5pm. Admission is £5 – under 16’s go free.”
Tanya is an avid traveller who is happiest when using her camera to discover what delights the world has to offer. She originates from Canada, currently makes her home in the Netherlands, and is on an everlasting journey to visit all corners of the world. 
