What is on site
Access provision
- Accessible toilets
- Raised viewing platform
- Accessible camping
- Accessible parking
- Powerchair charging
Safety & welfare
- 24-hour medical
- Sanctuary / welfare space
- Free drinking water
Facilities
- Cashless payment
- Lockers
- Family area
- Glamping / upgraded camping
About Boardmasters
Boardmasters is a five-day music and surf festival held each August near Newquay in Cornwall. It began in 1981 as a surfing competition and added music in 2005 at Watergate Bay, north of Newquay, where the arena and all festival camping are now based. Surf and skate contests run on Fistral Beach, where a ramp is built for skateboard and BMX events. These have included the Men's Pro, the Women's Open, WSL longboard events and junior contests. Official capacity was raised to 58,000 in 2024.
The festival runs from Wednesday to Sunday, with music on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday across about ten stages, including the Main Stage, Unleashed and The Point. There is also a wellbeing programme, a tea room and a fairground. Past performers include Snoop Dogg, The Chemical Brothers, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris and Craig David. In 2014 the final day at Watergate Bay was cancelled because of the remains of Hurricane Bertha, though the surfing at Fistral went ahead.
The 2026 festival ran from 5 to 9 August, with Fatboy Slim headlining Friday, Lily Allen Saturday and Kasabian Sunday. Reports after the event said it welcomed 158,000 people over the weekend.
Boardmasters 2027 runs from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 August. Prices on the official ticket page include booking fees and, for camping tickets, a refundable £20 litter bond. Weekend arena-only tickets, covering the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, start at £233. General and Family camping start at £259, Chilled camping at £294 and VIP camping at £379. Child tickets start from £40 to £105 depending on type. All camping tickets offer Wednesday, Thursday or Friday entry, and payment plans are available. Coach packages return on Monday 9 August.
The festival is cashless, with card and contactless payment across bars and food stalls. Free water points, lockers and 24-hour medical and welfare teams in the campsites are provided. Over-16s attending without an adult must show ID. Access provision includes an accessible campsite, accessible viewing platforms with seating and charging points, accessible toilets and showers, and free Blue Badge parking for those who apply in advance.
Accessibility
Accessible campsite, accessible viewing platforms with seating, an accessible toilet and mobility charging points, accessible toilets and showers, and free Blue Badge parking (apply in advance via the Access Request Form). Contact accessibility@boardmasters.com.
Boardmasters in photos
Image credits
- Main photo: Raph_PH / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Photo 1: Jfitch / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 · source
- Photo 2: Jfitch / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 · source
- Logo: Boardmasters (Vision Nine Group), Official logo from the festival's own website (logo source 3). Trademark of Boardmasters (Vision Nine Group); no licence wording on the page, use for identification only. · source
Photos may be resized or cropped. Logos belong to their festivals.
Frequently asked
When is Boardmasters 2027?
Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 August 2027, at Watergate Bay near Newquay, with music on Friday to Sunday.
How much are tickets?
Weekend arena-only tickets start at £233, General camping at £259, Chilled camping at £294 and VIP camping at £379, including fees.
Is it cashless?
Yes. Bars, food vendors and traders accept card and contactless payments.
Is there free water?
Yes. Free water points are spread around the site, so bring a reusable bottle that is not glass.
Is there medical and welfare support?
Yes. Medical and welfare teams work 24 hours in the campsites and are also in the Main Arena.
Who headlined in 2026?
Fatboy Slim, Lily Allen and Kasabian. No acts for 2027 had been announced as of October 2026.
Contact the festival
Last verified 2026-10-20. Dates, prices and lineups change — always confirm on the official festival site before booking.