FROM boarding and boating to campervans and crustaceans, Newquay in Cornwall has a summer schedule packed with themed events says VICKY LISSAMAN

With  its vast array of beaches and pretty coves, it's not surprising Newquay, Cornwall hosts so many outdoor festivals, events and sports fixtures.

The population can rise from 22,000 out of season to 100,000 in the main holiday months, so the trick is to book early and be in the know before you go.

Kicking off proceedings on April 23 to 25 are the Blue Chip Zapcat Championships, where a grand parade of powerboats will take place through the town to launch the Grand Prix the following day.

Click here now for amazing deals to Newquay!

Around 40 teams of speed demons will then race in the fast, lightweight catamarans across the waves.
The action is moving from Watergate Bay to the southern end of Newquay's famous surfing beach, Fistral, for the first time this year, and promises to be one of the highlights of the season.

This paves the way for one of Europe's oldest surfing competitions - The English Nationals - at the other end of town in Watergate Bay.

The pro surfers will be showing off their board skills in a bid to win national titles in 24 divisions, from the prestigious Open to kneeboarding and stand-up paddle surfing. But when the British Longboard series starts on June 26 at Watergate Bay, you know that the summer has really arrived - and there are still plenty of events to get you in the holiday mood.

Boardmasters 2010 is Europe's biggest surf, skate and music festival and is held on Fistral Beach from August 4 to 8.

The line-up is still being finalised but so far Brit-award nominee Seasick Steve, Newton Faulkner and Leftfield have confirmed.

There will be three music stages, including the Vans "Off The Wall" stage for rockers, and punk and dance at the "Relentless Energy" stage.

Want incredible offers to Newquay? Click here now...

Another of the highlights is the O2 Scrum On The Beach rugby festival at Lusty Glaze Beach from August 27 to 29. But if you can't wait until then, head down to the Blue Reef Aquarium in the town for Claws Weekend, which runs between May 1 and 3.

It promises to provide a fascinating insight into the world of crabs, lobsters and other shelled creatures.
Or there's Run To The Sun from May 28 to 31 at Trevelgue Holiday Park, which is one of the biggest custom-made car, VW campervan, Beetle and dance festivals in Europe.

There will be comedy and live sets from Freestylers and Lisa Lashes plus the Silent Disco and acoustic sessions at the Shakin' Shack.

The action then moves to Tregunnel Holiday Park on the Sunday, which turns into the Church Of The Shiny and Modified.

Here, around 25,000 car lovers will descend to see a plethora of funky vehicles.

Between events, beach life rules in Newquay.

First there are the surfing beaches of Fistral, which produces powerful, hollow waves and a good-sized swell, and the sprawling Watergate Bay, backed by cliffs.

There is also the picturesque, National Trust-managed, Crantock Beach with the meandering tidal River Gannel along its northern side, which is great for sheltered bathing.

The horseshoe-shaped cove of Lusty Glaze is hugged by cliffs and has superb facilities including The Adventure Centre for all manner of adrenaline-fuelled sports, such as coasteering, zip-wiring, kiteboarding and rock-climbing.

On the beach there is also surf hire, a restaurant, takeaway, shop and accommodation.

Newquay is on the route of the South West Coast Path, which runs 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, through Devon and Cornwall to Poole Harbour in Dorset, so there is a fair bit of through-traffic, which snakes its way across its famous beaches and cliffs.

The town is not only famous for its beaches and scenery, though - it also prides itself on its local nosh.
Sample some organic bottled beers at the Atlantic Brewery at Treisaac Farm, which uses all of its own home-grown hops.

Pastie-lovers should head for Peter Morris Ltd on Gover Lane to sample their delicacies, which are made from a secret recipe by an old lady from St Columb.

Or if you are self-catering, stock up for your barbecues at Dick's Pigs in St Newlyn, which sells organic pork from outdoor-reared Tamworth pigs.

Jamie Oliver's Restaurant Fifteen, in Watergate Bay, is also still pulling in the punters in a big way, so be sure to book well in advance - meaning now, if you're going during the summer holidays.

Make sure that you book a table for around 7pm so you can enjoy the sunset across the bay, before tucking into delights such as seared Cornish scallops with wild sorrel and toasted hazelnuts or pan-fried fillet of John Dory with mussels followed by baked yoghurt cheesecake with cranberry compote and almond brittle.

Or try the Totally Cornish menu, serving grilled local sardines wrapped in streaky bacon, Cornish Durum wheat pasta with Looe dayboat squid chilli and Cornish yarg cheese with chutney.

You have got your days planned and you know how to ruin your diet, so you now need to decide where to stay.

I spent a weekend at the stylish and perfectly situated Bay Hotel, directly overlooking Fistral Beach.
It's ideal for families, couples, mates and surf dudes - and is literally a 30-second walk down to the surf.
Its huge floor-to-ceiling windows in its bedrooms, seafront restaurant and bar show off its prime location perfectly.

The food reflects the area with locally caught seafood.

Plus there is a beautiful spa that features treatments especially for surfers, such as the Quiksilver Surfer's Massage (£50 for 55 minutes) that focuses on those aching muscles that will have been pounded by the waves.

Although still a big draw for stags, hens, students and surfers, Newquay has enough beaches, bars and boltholes to cater for all.

Just pick your week to join - or avoid - the crowds.

FACT FILE

FLY to Newquay with Air Southwest from London City Airport, Bristol, Cork, Dublin, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Gatwick, and Newcastle. See airsouthwest.com

Rooms at The Bay Hotel cost from £30 per person per night. Visit newquay-hotels.co.uk or call 01637 852 221. See visitnewquay.org for a full list of this year's events.