One of the UK’s most iconic summer festivals is set to return to Cornwall’s coastline. Boardmasters Festival 2026 will take place from 5th-9th August 2026 in Newquay, Cornwall, combining live music, surf culture, and beachside events across five days.
Where is Boardmasters Festival?
Boardmasters takes place across two key locations in Newquay, Cornwall. The main festival site is at Watergate Bay, where the stages and campsites are located. This is where the headline performances take place and where most festival-goers stay.
A second hub is Fistral Beach, which hosts skate competitions, a beach bar, and a shopping village. Unlike the main site, no ticket is required to access Fistral Beach, making it a more relaxed and open part of the festival experience.
Boardmasters 2026 Lineup:
The Boardmasters 2026 lineup brings together a mix of indie, rap, and electronic artists across multiple stages.
On Friday, the Main Stage features Fatboy Slim, The Kooks, and Dizzee Rascal, blending electronic, indie, and grime music. The Unleashed Stage includes 4AM Kru and K Motionz bringing drum and bass energy to the festival.
Saturday sees Lily Allen, Nia Archives, and REN take over the Main Stage, while the Mordros Stage hosts Pendulum. The Unleashed Stage continues with artists including Ewan McIvar and Omar+, offering house and electronic sets.
On Sunday, the Main Stage closes the weekend with Kasabian, Loyle Carner, and Tinie Tempah. The Mordros Stage features Rudimental and Goldie, while the Unleashed Stage includes Girls Don’t Sync and Clementine Douglas.
With multiple stages including Main Stage, Mordros, Unleashed, and The View, the lineup offers a wide mixture of sounds across the weekend.
Tickets, Camping, and Accommodation:
Boardmasters offers a range of ticket options depending on how long you plan to stay. Five-day camping tickets starting Wednesday are priced at £331, while four-day and three-day camping options are also available at slightly lower prices. For those not camping, three-day non-camping tickets start at £311, while day tickets begin at £93.
For those looking for a more luxurious experience, VIP day tickets start at £120 and VIP weekend camping at £438. Pre-pitched tents for two people are also readily available, ranging from £121 to £363. For the ultimate premium experience, boutique camping starts from £799.
Additional upgrades include hospitality lounge access from £98, hot showers and upgraded toilets through Salt and Spray from £88, lockers from £36.50, and Vodafone battery packs from £21.95.
For those staying offsite, options like Elemental Surf Lodge offer a more relaxed accommodation experience close to the beach.
Tickets can be bought and resold securely through Tixel, the festival’s official resale partner.
Travelling to Boardmasters:
Boardmasters is well connected for UK travellers heading to Cornwall. The nearest town is Newquay, which is accessible by train via Great Western Railway.
The festival’s official travel partner is Big Green Coach, offering direct coach travel from cities across the UK.
Shuttle buses run between Newquay town and Watergate Bay, with wristbands available for £12.50. Taxis are also available, with drop-off at the Blue Gate, while designated pick-up and drop-off areas are signposted at the Green Gate.
For those driving, onsite parking starts from £50, though booking in advance is recommended.
Age Restrictions and Entry:
Boardmasters has specific age policies in place. Children aged 6-12 require a child ticket and must be accompanied by someone aged 21 or over. Those aged 13-15 must also be accompanied by an adult aged 21+.
Anyone aged 16 and over requires a full adult ticket, and all attendees must bring valid photo ID as proof of age on entry.
Festival-goers will not be allowed to enter without the correct ticket type or identification, so it is important to plan ahead.
With its mix of beachside stages, surf culture, and a diverse lineup, Boardmasters 2026 offers one of the most unique festival experiences in the UK. Set against the Cornish coastline, it remains a standout choice for students looking for a summer festival that feels like a holiday.