Newquay

The Royal Air Force station RAF St Mawgan was opened on March 27, 1943. Located near Newquay, it became a major base during World War II, hosting various squadrons and playing a critical role in coastal command operations. It later transitioned to serve as a training base and remains an important military and civil airfield today.

The South Quay in Newquay was officially opened on December 20, 1969. This development was a significant addition to the town's infrastructure, improving maritime facilities for fishing vessels and leisure boats. The quay contributed to the local economy by supporting the fishing industry and attracting maritime tourism.

The Newquay Lifeboat Disaster occurred on August 19, 1984, when the lifeboat, The James and Catherine Macfarlane, capsized while on a rescue mission. Tragically, nine lives were lost in this event, marking one of the most significant tragedies in the history of Newquay. This incident highlighted the dangers faced by the RNLI volunteers and led to increased safety measures.

On May 6, 1997, Newquay Town Council was officially formed. This established a local government authority responsible for the governance of Newquay, enabling better local oversight and community engagement in decision-making processes. The formation of the council helped address local issues more effectively, representing the interests of Newquay's residents.

Newquay Zoo was officially opened on July 14, 2001. It has since become one of Cornwall's top attractions, known for its extensive collection of endangered species, conservation efforts, and educational programs. The zoo offers a unique experience for visitors, contributing significantly to local tourism and wildlife education.

Newquay Tretherras School was awarded academy status on April 22, 2006. This status provided the school with greater autonomy from local authorities, allowing it to enhance educational standards and innovate its curriculum. The change fostered an environment of academic excellence, benefiting students and the local community.

The Boardmasters Festival is a major annual music and surfing festival held in Newquay. It combines music performances, surfing competitions, and other activities over several days. This festival has grown significantly since its inception, attracting visitors from all over the world and becoming a key event in Newquay's cultural and tourism calendar.

On September 1, 2012, Newquay celebrated the opening of its newly refurbished Boating Lake. This recreational area provided residents and visitors with an attractive spot for leisure activities, such as boating, picnicking, and relaxing by the water. It became a family-friendly destination contributing positively to the town's community life.

On June 11, 2015, Newquay Airport was relaunched with enhanced facilities. The airport, known as Cornwall Airport Newquay, underwent significant development to improve passenger experience and accommodate increased air traffic. This initiative was part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and provide a regional transport hub for Cornwall.

Spaceport Cornwall, announced on February 15, 2019, aims to make Newquay a hub for the UK space industry. The project received funding from the UK Space Agency and partnered with Virgin Orbit. This initiative posited significant economic and educational opportunities for Cornwall, transforming the local aerospace landscape and engaging local communities in space science.