Everything you need to know ahead of Boardmasters Festival 2026
Heading to Boardmasters 2026? From the biggest acts to the BBC Introducing stage, here’s everything you need to know before the festival begins.
Boardmasters is back this week, and thousands of music fans are heading to the Cornish coast for five days of live music, surfing and summer celebrations.
Returning to Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach from 5–9 August, Boardmasters 2026 brings together some of the biggest names in music alongside a host of rising artists, all set against one of the UK’s most picturesque festival locations.
Whether you’re packing your tent, planning your stage clashes or making a last-minute checklist, here’s everything you need to know before arriving in Newquay.
A stacked line-up awaits
This year’s line-up is led by Kasabian, Fatboy Slim, Lily Allen, The Kooks and Loyle Carner, with plenty more to discover across the festival’s many stages.
Elsewhere on the bill are artists including James Arthur, Pendulum, Nia Archives, Ren, Joy Crookes, Rose Gray, Jacob Alon, Rudimental, Example and The Darkness, ensuring there’s something for fans of indie, dance, rock, hip-hop and everything in between.
As always, one of the best parts of Boardmasters is stumbling across your next favourite artist between headline sets.
Catch tomorrow’s stars at The View
If you’re looking to discover fresh talent, make time for the BBC Introducing stage.
The stage has built a reputation for showcasing the UK’s most exciting emerging artists before they break through, and this year’s line-up is no different. Artists performing include COSM, Jaws The Shark, Abby Piper, Ben Kidson, Leanne Lawrence, Ashley Harding, Jamie Yost, Ronnie and Twin Skeletons, alongside a host of other up-and-coming acts.
BBC Introducing has helped launch the careers of countless artists over the years, making it one of the most exciting stages to visit if you’re keen to discover new music before everyone else.
It’s more than just a music festival
Boardmasters has always offered more than live music.
Taking place across Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach, the festival combines world-class performances with surfing, wellness activities, street food, independent traders and Cornwall’s stunning coastline. It’s this unique mix of music and beach culture that continues to set Boardmasters apart from the UK’s other major festivals.
Whether you’re watching professional surfers tackle the waves during the day or catching your favourite artist as the sun sets over the Atlantic, there’s plenty to experience away from the main stages.
Festival essentials
If you’re heading to Newquay this week, remember to pack for every type of weather. Cornwall is famous for sunshine, sea breezes and the occasional rain shower, all in the same afternoon.
Festival essentials include:
- A waterproof jacket
- Sun cream and sunglasses
- Comfortable footwear
- A reusable water bottle
- Portable phone charger
- Warm clothes for the evenings
It’s also worth downloading the official Boardmasters app before you arrive so you can keep track of set times, site maps and any schedule changes throughout the weekend.
Get ready for another unforgettable weekend
From huge headline performances to discovering exciting new artists on the BBC Introducing stage, Boardmasters 2026 looks set to deliver another memorable weekend on the Cornish coast.
Whether you’re there for the music, the surfing or simply the atmosphere, there’s plenty to look forward to. All that’s left to do now is finish packing, plan your must-see sets and enjoy one of the UK’s most unique festival experiences.