As with any festival in the UK, it is illegal to buy, sell or take drugs at Boardmasters. All drugs are potentially dangerous; there are no harmless drugs, this goes for new psychoactive substances (legal highs).

Searches will be in operation on entry. Anyone found with illegal substances will be refused admission. Drug detection dogs are in operation at the festival.

The easiest way to stay safe is by not taking drugs. Mixing drugs with alcohol or prescription medication, or other drugs increases risk.

The Loop – the UK’s first dedicated drug-checking charity, providing evidence-informed harm reduction services – recommend:

• GoSlowStayLow. Always start with a small dose and wait for effects before redosing. This can take 90 minutes or more.
• Sipping water regularly. Aim to drink around half a pint her hour. Overhydration can also be dangerous.
• Take regular breaks from dancing to cool down.

Be aware of the signs of a drug-related emergency and know when to get help. Look out for excessive sweating, confusion, agitation, someone being hot to the touch, or persistent vomiting.

If you, or anyone you are with, is feeling unwell seek help immediately. You will not be judged, our teams are there to help you.

We have a Medical and Welfare Centre located in the campsite which is open 24h a day, and one in the Arena, located to the right of the Main Stage which is opening during all Arena opening hours.

If you or any of your friends feel unwell, please find a member of staff immediately. All staff and our dedicated medical and welfare teams are here to help, without judgement, and without consequence.

Please be honest about what you have taken or consumed so our teams know how best to help you.

Signs of a Drug-Related Emergency

Know the signs. Get help quickly if you notice:

• Excessive sweating or significantly raised body temperature
• Muscle rigidity or spasms
• Non-responsiveness or loss of consciousness
• Seizures or convulsions
• Chest pain
• Persistent vomiting

If in doubt, always seek help. 

Pace yourself. Your tolerance may not be the same as your friend. It’s important to fuel your body with food when drinking alcohol.

Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks, especially if the weather is warm. Staying hydrated is key to being able to party all day and night.

Alcohol can take a long time to leave your system. If you are driving home after the festival, make sure you have left enough time between your last drink and when you plan to set off.

Challenge 25

Boardmasters operates a Challenge 25 policy. If you look under 25, you may be asked to prove your age before purchasing alcohol. We accept the following forms of ID:

• Valid passport
• Photo driving licence
• A PASS-approved proof of age card (with hologram) is also accepted. These can be applied for at the Post Office and can take up to two weeks to arrive, so plan ahead.

Please note we cannot accept any other form of ID. Railcards, photos, and photocopies are not valid.

Boardmasters has a zero-tolerance policy to assault or harassment of any kind. We take spiking extremely seriously and anyone found to be responsible will be handed over to the authorities.

Don’t leave your drink anywhere unattended and don’t accept drinks or vapes from strangers – even just to taste. Dispose of your drink if you think it doesn’t taste right. 

If you, or anyone you are with, is feeling unwell seek help from a member of staff immediately.

If you think you’ve been spiked

You’ll be seen by our Medical and Welfare team, who will assess how you’re feeling and provide any treatment needed. From there, the process is entirely led by you:

• You’ll be given a Devon and Cornwall Police spiking leaflet, which outlines your options for testing and reporting.
• If you’d like a urine test carried out on site, our Welfare team can do this for you.
• Whether the result is positive or negative, if you wish to speak to or report to the Police, our team can facilitate that for you directly – or you can report through dedicated Police channels after the event.

There is no pressure to take any action you’re not comfortable with. Our team is there to support you, whatever you decide.

Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Festivals can be overwhelming, and that’s okay.

If you feel unwell but don’t require medical assistance, our on-site welfare team are here for you. You can find them at either the Arena Welfare tent to the right of Main Stage, or Campsite Welfare in Lakeys Campsite.

If you need to step away from it all, our Chilled Tent is located in the Main Arena near the Info Point in the south of the arena platform. It’s a quiet, low-lit space with comfortable seating which can be especially helpful for neurodiverse guests, who might need a break from loud noise, bright lights, or large crowds. 

Inside, you’ll find low lighting, earplugs, and weighted blankets and the space is open to anyone.

If you are supporting a friend who is struggling, please don’t hesitate to ask for help on their behalf. You don’t have to have all the answers.

Boardmasters has a zero-tolerance policy to harassment of any kind. Sexual assault can happen anywhere and to anyone. It does not matter if you are intoxicated, you will be listened to and given the support you need.

Any form of sexual contact without consent is illegal. You should never feel pressured into any kind of sexual activity. It’s always okay to say no, or to change your mind.

If you or any of your friends experience this kind of behaviour, report it to a member of staff immediately.

Ask For Angela

If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable but don’t want to draw attention to yourself, approach any Boardmasters staff member and Ask For Angela. You will be discreetly removed from the situation and given immediate support.

SARSAS are on site at Boardmasters providing a confidential, safe space for anyone of any gender who has experienced sexual assault, harassment, or any form of sexual violence – at the festival or at any point in their life.

If you’re feeling unsafe, unsure whether something that happened was okay, or you just want to talk, SARSAS offers a calm and welcoming space. You don’t need to have all the answers or know what you want to do next.

You can find them in the Arena and Campsite, or reach them on 07494 482007. SARSAS have been supporting festival-goers at Boardmasters since 2022. All of their team are trained and experienced in supporting people affected by sexual violence.

We’re here to listen, believe and support you.

Your Support Services on Site

• Medical
  Full medical facility in the Arena during opening hours, plus a 24hr medical facility in the Campsite – staffed to the level of an urgent treatment centre.

• Welfare
  Available in the Arena during opening hours and 24hrs in the Campsite. Come to us for any issue, big or small – whether you need looking after or just someone to talk to.

• SARSAS
  24hr specialist support for sexual assault and harassment. Find them in the Arena and Campsite, or call 07494 482007.

• Security
  24hr static and roaming security across the site. Say hello – get to know your team in the Campsite.

• Campsite Hubs
  24hr info points connecting you to all of the festival’s specialist services.

• Info Point
  Located in the Main Arena. Your first stop for information, access queries, and lost property.

• Chilled Tent
  Located near the Info Point in the south of the Main Arena. A quiet, low-lit space with comfortable seating.

Boardmasters is working with Counter Terrorism Policing to help everyone have a safe and enjoyable festival. We all have a role to play in looking out for each other.

Security checks are in place to keep you safe. Please be patient with our teams. It might take a moment, but it matters.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Arrive with time to spare and keep bags to a minimum to speed up entry.
• Stay alert and look out for the people around you.
• If you see something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and tell a member of security straight away. You won’t be wasting their time.
• Never leave bags unattended, and don’t agree to look after a stranger’s bag.
• If an incident occurs, follow instructions from staff and listen for any announcements.
• In an emergency, always call 999.

Large gatherings can sometimes increase the spread of infectious illnesses including measles.

We strongly recommend that you check your MMR vaccination status before attending. If you are unsure whether you are up to date, contact your GP in advance of the festival.

Full healthcare services are available on site. If you feel unwell during the event, even if you think it’s unrelated to the festival, please visit the medical team.

Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to look after yourself at Boardmasters. 

Free water points are available throughout the site and are marked on the map on the App. We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle so you can top up throughout the day.

Boardmasters takes place close to the Cornish coastline. The sea is a big part of what makes this festival special but it demands respect.

Flag System:

• Red and yellow flags = Lifeguarded area. Swim between the flags only.
• Black and white chequered flags = non-powered craft area. Swimmers should avoid this zone.
• Red flag = Danger. Do not enter the water under any circumstances.
• Orange windsock = offshore wind conditions. Inflatables and unsupported craft should not enter the water.

Tides on the north Cornish coast are powerful and can change quickly. Always check conditions before entering the water. Never swim alone or in the dark.

When tide times are available you will be able to find them here for Watergate Bay and here for Fistral beach.

• Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Don’t underestimate the power of the sea – even experienced swimmers can get into difficulty.
• If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
• Rip currents: if caught in one, don’t panic or try to swim directly against it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are free of it.
• Be aware of cliff edges – particularly after dark or if you have been drinking.

RNLI lifeguards are on duty daily from 10am to 6pm at Watergate Bay, Fistral, Porth, Towan, Crantock and Mawgan Porth. During the festival, additional lifeguards are deployed at Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach. Always swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the patrolled area.

Outside of patrol hours, there are no lifeguards on duty. No flags means no lifeguards.

If you see someone in difficulty, do not enter the water. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Whipsiderry Beach should not be accessed at any time. Recent cliff falls make it dangerous, and tidal conditions can cut it off completely with little warning.

Stick to beaches accessible directly from a footpath or road. Do not walk around the rocks at low tide at Porth or Watergate Bay.

Bring only what you need and keep valuables close. Secure storage options are available on site. 

Both camping and day guests have access to lockers. You can book these in advance here.

If you take prescription medication, make sure you bring enough for the full duration of the festival. Keep medication in its original packaging where possible and carry a copy of your prescription if you are able to.

If you need to bring medical equipment, refridgerate medication or bring or items that might otherwise be prohibited, please contact us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

To find out more information around Accessibility, visit the info page here or email [email protected]

Boardmasters is a cashless event. All bars, food vendors and traders across the site accept card and contactless payment only – including Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Cash will not be accepted anywhere on site and there are no ATMs available.

Food is fuel. Eating well throughout the festival will help you enjoy every moment of it. Don’t skip meals, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. Food helps maintain energy levels, and keeps you feeling good.

Boardmasters is home to a great range of food vendors serving everything from local Cornish produce to global street food. There is something for everyone, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.

Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle. Free water points are available throughout the festival so you can top up and stay hydrated all weekend.

Weekend campers aged 18 or over are welcome to bring their own alcohol into the campsite on first entry only. The personal allowance is:

• Up to 24 cans of beer, lager, cider, or alcopops (up to 7% ABV) per person
• Or up to 2 bottles of wine per person (must be decanted out of glass before entry, max 12% ABV)

No spirits, no glass, and no high-strength cans or wines exceeding the ABV limits above are permitted. Please note that BuzzBallz and similar products are not permitted.

Your allowance can only be brought in when you first arrive. Searches are carried out on entry and re-admittance.

Day ticket holders are not permitted to bring any alcohol into the festival.

Mobile reception at Boardmasters can be variable depending on your network provider and where you are on site. We recommend downloading anything you need – set times, maps, tickets – before you arrive.

Hubs around the festival arena and campsite offer free Wi-Fi. These can be found at Keg & Pasty / Cliff Top, Cribbar, Dome Food Area, and the Hospitality Lounge.

Vodafone, the festival’s connectivity partner, provide eSIM cards, as well as charging.

Make sure your phone is fully charged before you arrive. We strongly advise bringing a portable power bank or pre-book one here. Keeping your phone charged is important for your safety.

The below is not an exhaustive list. Any item considered to have the potential to compromise the safety of the event can be confiscated and will not be returned. Where practicable, you may be able to return larger items to your car before entry.

Flags are subject to assessment by the Gate Manager. Anything that can be understood as hate speech will not be permitted. Flags and banners on poles are not permitted as they restrict sightlines and can cause accidental injury.

Anything that could reasonably be considered a weapon is prohibited.

The following items are not permitted anywhere on site:

• No animals (except registered assistance dogs)
• No aerosols (suncream and deodorant are permitted — liquid suncream and roll-on deodorant only)
• No bladed items, including penknives and multi-tools
• No candles or sky lanterns
• No campfires
• No drones or remote-controlled flying devices
• No fireworks, flares, smoke bombs, or smoke machines
• No gas canisters or cylinders (except those built into campervans)
• No generators (except those built into campervans)
• No glass of any kind, including perfume bottles and alcohol bottles
• No hi-vis jackets or unofficial tabards
• No illegal substances, psychoactive substances, nitrous oxide, or legal highs
• No laser equipment or pointer pens
• No professional camera, video, or audio recording equipment
• No spray paint aerosols
• No single-use plastic
• No portable or disposable barbecues, gas or paraffin lamps, or any fire or gas-related cooking equipment
• No megaphones, air horns, or compressed air
• No petrol burners or blow torches
• No disposable vapes
• No gazebos
• No hammers (mallets are permitted)
• No scooters or bikes
• No radios or walkie-talkies
• No unauthorised marketing materials or flyers
• No balloons
• No straight spirits or any alcohol exceeding 12% ABV

Arena – additional restrictions:

• No bags over A4 size
• No selfie sticks
• No golf umbrellas
• No face masks or full face coverings
• No projectiles
• No sound systems of any size
• No food or drink brought in from the campsite (empty reusable plastic water bottles of 500ml or less are permitted)

Boardmasters takes place across two locations:

Watergate Bay
Our main festival location, campsites and arena
Trebelsue Farm, Watergate Bay, TR8 4AN

Fistral Beach
Open to the public. Surf competition, skate, beach bar and shopping village
Headland Road, Newquay, TR7 1HY

If you are driving, please purchase a parking pass in advance. Parking on site is limited and we strongly encourage car sharing where possible.

Parking on site starts from £50 and must be booked in advance. Follow Boardmasters signage to the festival (not your sat nav) then follow signs for Green Gate. Pick-up and drop-off is also signed from Green Gate.

Limited accessible parking is available for Blue Badge holders and pre-booked accessibility ticket holders. Find out more here.

Taxis drop off at Blue Gate, next to the Shuttle Bus Station.

The Festival Shuttle runs between Newquay Town and Watergate Bay throughout the festival.

Book a ticket for £15 and enjoy unlimited trips throughout the duration of the festival.

Big Green Coach are our official travel partner, offering coach travel directly to Boardmasters from 87 UK pickup locations for campers, and 13 local day-return options for day ticket holders.

Seats start from £20. Book here.

For questions, visit Big Green Coach’s website or email [email protected]

Cornwall Airport Newquay is minutes from the festival site. Flights operate from 21 destinations including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Dublin.

Book early to get the best fares. From the airport, jump in a taxi straight to the festival.

Please bring a valid form of photographic ID to the festival. We accept:

•       Valid passport
•       Photo driving licence
•       PASS-approved proof of age card (this can be applied for via the Post Office. Please note it can take 3 weeks to arrive)

No other forms of ID will be accepted. Expired or out-of-date documents will not be valid. If you cannot provide valid ID you may be refused entry.

The name on each ticket must match the ticket holder. You’ll be asked to confirm your details six weeks before the festival via your SEE Tickets account. If you sell your ticket through Tixel, the new ticket holder’s name will be updated automatically.

If you’ve made a group booking, you’ll need to add each person’s name and email so they can complete their own details.

You’ll be asked for:

• Full name and email address
• Emergency contact details (under 18s only)
• Approximate arrival details

Complete personalisation by Friday 31st July. Tickets are available to download two weeks before the festival.

If you have any issues with your ticket, please visit the Box Office on arrival. A Box Office can be found at every entry gate.

Camping
Arena opens at 10:00. Last entry at 21:00.
Camping wristbands allow unlimited re-entry throughout the festival.

Day Tickets
Arena opens at 11:00. Last entry at 20:00.
Day tickets do not permit re-entry.

Only purchase tickets through official channels. Fake, duplicate, or invalid tickets will be rejected on entry and no refund will be given.

If you can no longer attend, Tixel is our exclusive resale partner – a safe and straightforward way to sell your ticket or join the waitlist for one. Find out more here.

Do not use unauthorised platforms such as Twickets, TicketSwap, StubHub, Viagogo, or social media listings. These services do not issue a new barcode in the buyer’s name or cancel the original ticket, meaning tickets bought this way may be invalid and seized without refund.

Please note that accommodation, parking, teen, and child tickets cannot be resold via Tixel.

Guestlist ticket holders will receive their confirmation email from two weeks before the festival. Each guestlist ticket requires a charitable donation to the Boardmasters Foundation. Once paid, your e-ticket will be available to download from your confirmation email.

Please ensure your donation is paid by Monday 3rd August to secure your ticket.

If you have any issues on arrival, visit the Box Office at any entry gate.

All camping tickets include access to our general admission campsites, with drinking water, toilets, showers (at additional cost), and space for tents. To add Salt & Spray, our general admission camping Glow-Up Zone, book here.

You’ll also have access to Cribbar Village, 24hr Campsite Managers, and Campsite Hubs throughout for any information or support you need.

For £90 more than a standard 5-day camping ticket, VIP Camping gets you a reserved pitch with flexible arrival from Wednesday, access to the Hospitality Lounge in the Main Arena, complimentary Salt & Spray access (worth £80), premium toilets and showers, a Glow Up Zone with mirrors, hairdryers and straighteners, complimentary parking (worth £50), a dedicated VIP bar and food traders, and 24hr reception and support.

Step up your Boardmasters experience with our premium camping options. From Basic Pre-Pitched tents to Luxury Emperor Tents, both Boutique campers enjoy access to facilities including luxury showers, chill lounges, Glow Up Zones, 24hr reception and the on-site Boutique spa.

Choose from 2-8 person tents, all set up and ready for your arrival, giving you space to unwind and total ease from the moment you check in.

Boutique is an add on to your festival ticket – you’ll also need a Weekend Camping Ticket (5, 4 or 3 Day) per person.

Explore Boutique options here.

Skip the setup. Choose from 1–8 person premium tents and arrive straight into it — your own bar, food traders, lounge, luxury toilets, hot showers, and a Glow Up Zone with mirrors, hairdryers and straighteners, all on your doorstep.

Our tents are reconditioned and reused year after year as part of a closed-loop system, cutting campsite waste and reducing our carbon footprint.

Explore pre-pitched camping options here.

Live-In Camping

A dedicated campsite for campervans, caravans, and rooftop tents. Standard pitch size is 9m x 6m, with powered and non-powered options available. Larger vehicles will require a double pitch.

A Live-In Vehicle ticket covers one vehicle. Each person staying in the vehicle will also require a Weekend Camping ticket. Facilities include complimentary showers and toilets, 24hr reception and support, and dedicated charging points (at additional cost).

Please note the following before purchasing:

• Your vehicle must be a recognised live-in vehicle. No other vehicles are permitted on the Live-In campsite unless towing, and all vehicles – including towing vehicles – must fit within the specified pitch size
• Freestanding tents and gazebos are not permitted within the Live-In camping area
• Pitches are located on uneven grass terrain and may not be suitable for all set-ups

For those who want a quieter corner of the festival. Chilled Camping is for ages 16+ and includes access to a chill lounge and complimentary morning yoga. Noise is kept to a minimum after 11pm.

Groups are limited to six people or fewer.

Facilities include drinking water, compost toilets, and garland lighting. The Chilled Camping village is a shared space with Family Chilled campers.

Family Chilled Camping

New for 2026. A dedicated family-only field within the Chilled Camping village, with shaded hangout areas, garland lighting, and quiet hours from 11pm. Children and teens under 15 stay free but adults require a Family Camping wristband in addition to a Weekend Camping ticket.

Facilities include drinking water and compost toilets. The field is a shared space with Chilled campers.

Please note:

• A festival ticket must be purchased for each person in your group
• Exclusively for families. Groups of adults without children aged 15 or under will not be permitted
• Quiet hours are strictly observed from 11pm

Hot showers, flushing toilets, and a Glow Up Zone with mirrors, hairdryers and straighteners, all available to General Admission campers as an add-on. Everything you need to feel good throughout the festival, without upgrading your campsite.

Book here.

New for 2026. Nestled within Cribbar Village, Zennor Haven is a dedicated wellness space designed for rest and recovery. Unwind in the sauna and cold plunge pools, relax in the hot tub, or book one of a range of treatments, from massages to beauty therapies.

The Zennor Haven spa is available for GA, VIP, Chilled and Family Chilled campers.

Spa experiences start from £20 per person. Book here.

Please note that Day and 3-Day No Camping ticket holders cannot access this area.

Beyond the spa, Zennor Haven hosts a programme of workshops and classes throughout the festival including yoga, breathwork, creative crafts and more.

Designed to nurture both body and mind, these sessions start from £5.

Book your slot in advance here. Some space may be available for walk-ins on a first come first served basis.

An intimate wellness space located within the Boutique Camping area, exclusively for Boutique and Pre-Pitched Camping guests. Sauna, hot tubs, cold plunge pools and massages – smaller and more secluded than Zennor Haven, with the ease of having it right on your doorstep.

Spa experiences start from £20 per person. Book here.

If you are not staying in Boutique or Pre-Pitched Camping, please book Zennor Haven instead. Access to the Boutique Spa will not be permitted to other ticket holders.

We’re lucky to be based on the Cornish coast and keeping it that way takes effort from all of us.

A few things that make a real difference:

• Pack up your campsite fully and take your tent home. Abandoned tents are one of the biggest sources of festival waste. 

• Use the correct bins. Our Leave Only Footprints Crew are on hand throughout the campsite if you need guidance.

• Respect the land. The farm that hosts Boardmasters is home to animals year-round. Please leave it as you found it.

• If you’re heading to the beach, bring everything back with you. The coastline starts where the festival ends.

• Travel sustainably where you can. Big Green Coach pickups are available from across the UK. Find more details here.

A refundable £20 litter bond is automatically applied to all camping tickets. To claim it back, simply bring a full bag of rubbish to the Litter Bond exchange in the campsite — locations will be signposted on site and shared ahead of the festival.

The Litter Bond has been part of Boardmasters since 2018 and is one of the ways we work together to Leave Only Footprints.

Boardmasters takes waste seriously.

Our coastal location makes that a responsibility we don’t take lightly. Since partnering with our zero-to-landfill sustainability specialist in 2023, and working alongside our Leave Only Footprints Crew, we’ve increased recycling rates by 14%.

You can help by using the correct bins and not dropping litter. Bins are located throughout the festival and our Leave Only Footprints Crew are on hand if you need guidance.

If you smoke or vape, please bin your cigarette butts and dispose of empty vapes in the dedicated vape bins located across the campsite and arena, not in general waste or recycling.

We’re committed to being a good neighbour to the Newquay community. If you have a question or concern before, during, or after the festival, get in touch at [email protected].

During the festival, our customer service team is available 24hrs a day to monitor and respond to all emails and calls from local residents. A dedicated community phone line is also available during festival live dates and the number will be released closer to the event.

Sign up to our community newsletter for resident updates throughout the year, including the phone line number, arrival details, traffic plans, and community meeting dates.

Interested in being part of the Boardmasters team? Volunteer applications are open. Apply via the form here.

We’re currently working on an updated version of the Boardmasters app ahead of the festival. It will include set times, the full festival map, and key information to help you plan your weekend. More details coming soon.

If you have a question about your child attending Boardmasters, please get in touch at [email protected].

We will be setting up a dedicated mailing list for parents and guardians ahead of the festival, providing updates in the weeks before the event. Details on how to sign up will be shared soon.

We are also working on a way for parents to stay informed during the festival itself. More information on this will be confirmed closer to the time.