Boardmasters confirms Lily Allen as headliner in latest announcement
A major lineup drop for Boardmasters 2026, here’s what you need to know.
Boardmasters has announced a significant new wave of artists for its 2026 edition, confirming Lily Allen as a headline act and further cementing the festival’s status as one of the UK’s most distinctive summer events. The announcement has generated widespread excitement, with fans praising the festival’s increasingly diverse and ambitious lineup.
Set to take place on the Cornish coast in August, Boardmasters has long been known for its unique fusion of music, surf culture and seaside atmosphere. Over the years, it has evolved from a niche surf competition into a major cultural event, attracting tens of thousands of music lovers each summer. With its latest lineup reveal, the festival appears poised to deliver one of its strongest editions yet.
Lily Allen’s addition as a headliner marks a major moment for Boardmasters. As one of the most influential British pop artists of the 21st century, Allen has built a career defined by sharp lyricism, genre-blending sound and cultural commentary. Her return to festival headlining slots reflects a broader resurgence in her profile, driven by new music, sold-out shows and renewed critical acclaim.
At Boardmasters, Allen is expected to deliver a set that spans her career, from early hits such as Smile, The Fear and Not Fair to more recent material, making her performance one of the weekend’s most anticipated moments. Her presence also broadens the festival’s sonic palette, adding a strong pop identity to a lineup traditionally associated with indie, alternative and electronic music.
She joins fellow headliners Fatboy Slim and Kasabian, forming a trio that encapsulates Boardmasters’ cross-generational appeal. Fatboy Slim’s legendary electronic legacy and Kasabian’s stadium-sized indie rock provide a powerful contrast to Allen’s pop-led headline set, creating a balanced and dynamic top tier of artists.
Beyond the headliners, Boardmasters 2026 boasts a deep and varied lineup that reflects the breadth of contemporary UK music. Among the standout names are Loyle Carner, whose introspective hip-hop has earned widespread acclaim, and The Kooks, bringing their signature indie sound to the Cornish coast.
Electronic and alternative fans can look forward to performances from Rudimental and Tash Sultana, while Ren’s genre-defying approach adds an unpredictable edge to the bill.
The newly announced wave of artists adds even more texture to the lineup. Joy Crookes brings soulful, jazz-influenced pop, while Rose Gray’s energetic electronic-pop sound promises high-impact live shows. Jacob Alon and Lucy Spraggan offer contrasting takes on modern singer-songwriting, while Hot 8 Brass Band injects New Orleans brass energy into the festival’s sonic mix.
Other additions include a range of emerging and alternative artists, reflecting Boardmasters’ commitment to showcasing rising talent alongside established names. This balance between discovery and familiarity has become a defining feature of the festival’s identity.
What sets Boardmasters apart from many other UK festivals is its setting and ethos. Spread across Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach, the festival combines large-scale music stages with surf competitions, skate events and beachside experiences. This blend of sport and culture has helped Boardmasters carve out a unique space within the crowded festival calendar.
The 2026 lineup reflects this identity. Rather than focusing solely on one genre, the festival embraces a broad spectrum of sounds, from mainstream pop and indie rock to hip-hop, electronic music and experimental acts. The result is a lineup that appeals to both dedicated music fans and casual festival-goers seeking a diverse, immersive experience.
As anticipation continues to build, Boardmasters 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark edition of the festival. With a headline trio that spans genres, a lineup packed with standout artists and a setting unlike any other in the UK, the festival looks set to deliver a summer weekend defined by energy, diversity and discovery.