Festival Information
South West
Overview
Boardmasters is a music festival held just north of Newquay, Cornwall, in South West England. The festival is open to all ages, though those aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult over 21. This festival features a range of activities such as BMX and skate competitions as well as surfing lessons. Originating from the surf and music culture of 1981, it has become an iconic five-day festival, spanning the surf haven of Fistral Beach, hosting top-tier international surfing competitions, and Watergate Bay, offering an unparalleled live music experience against the Cornish coast. Boardmasters commits to fostering a lively and secure setting for all festival-goers.
Line-up
View the
official line-up here.
Note: Line-ups can evolve/change closer to the event — check back regularly to stay up to date.
Festival Capacity: ≈ 58,000
This is an approximate total audience size including ticket holders, crew, and staff. Festival capacity can vary slightly year to year depending on license and layout.
Location
Boardmasters takes place across two iconic Cornish locations: Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, near Newquay in South West England. Fistral Beach is the world-renowned home of British surfing, hosting pro surf competitions, skate and BMX showcases, and a bustling Surf Village. Meanwhile, Watergate Bay transforms into the main festival site, featuring cliffside stages, immersive experiences, and ocean-view sunsets. The surrounding terrain is a mix of open coastal land and beachside cliffs, offering incredible views and a true outdoor festival feel.
See their Essential Info page for some travel info.
Tickets
Basic Price Range: £95 - £290
This price range aims to give a rough idea of the lowest and highest prices typically available, including child and day tickets where relevant. Always check the official ticket page for current pricing.
Most festivals release tickets in phases: Early Bird, General Release, and Final Release. Generally, tickets are more expensive the closer it is to the festival start date.
Explore the range of ticket options for Boardmasters Festival on their Tickets Page.
Boardmasters welcomes attendees of all ages, with specific ticket requirements for each age group, including children and local residents.
Boardmasters maintains a strong commitment to community and safety, including a strict drug-free policy.
Options Include:
- Wednesday Entry (5-Day Access)
- Thursday Entry (4-Day Access)
- 3-Day No Camping
- VIP Weekend Camping (5-Day Access): with fast-track entry and VIP amenities.
- Day Tickets: Available for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (No camping included).
Upgrades and Extras:
- After Parties
- Campervan & Live-In Vehicle Passes: Includes a designated pitch with optional power hook-ups.
- Boutique Camping: Upgrade to luxury accommodations with exclusive facilities.
- Parking Passes: Available in advance or on-site. VIP ticket holders receive a complimentary parking pass.
- Vodafone Battery Pack: Reserve a charged battery pack for the festival duration.
- Club Class Pass: Access to luxury showers, proper toilets, and pamper lounge.
Important Ticket Information
Ticket Warning: Only purchase tickets from official sellers listed on the festival’s website. Most festivals do not allow ticket transfers between individuals, and resale is typically only permitted through official resale platforms (when available).
Accommodation
Boardmasters Festival is a camping festival, please bring your own equipment.
Campervan and caravan options are available to book, as is Boutique Camping, Pre-Pitched and Reserved Camping. For fire safety, cooking is not allowed in campsites. Campervans with built-in cooking facilities must stay in the designated vehicle field.
Pre-Pitched & Reserved Camping:
To book for pre-pitched camping or to reserve your perfect pitch, visit the Where-To-Stay page.
- Pre-Pitched: Arrive to find a tent with airbed, accommodating up to 8 people.
- Reserved Camping: Secure a 4m x 3m spot for your tent, ready upon arrival.
Boutique Camping:
- Choice of boutique accommodation structures.
- Luxury showers, toilets, 24/7 security, and a pamper parlour.
- Exclusive bar, charging stations, and quality food options.
Packing Checklist:
Ensure you're fully prepared for your festival adventure with our Essential Packing Checklist.
Accessibility
Boardmasters is committed to making their festival accessible for all. They work closely with Attitude is Everything (AIE), a disability-led charity that improves deaf and disabled people’s access to live music.
For full Accessibility and ticketing information, please visit Boardmasters Accessibility Page.
