Boardmasters Festival 2026 will once again bring its irresistible blend of music, surf, and coastal culture to the stunning shores of Newquay, Cornwall, uniting thousands of festival-goers for one of the UK’s most iconic summer experiences. Set between Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach, the festival captures the true spirit of freedom and adventure — combining world-class live performances with the laid-back lifestyle of Britain’s surfing capital.

What began in 1981 as a small surfing competition has evolved into a multi-sensory celebration of beach life and live music. Today, Boardmasters stands as a unique hybrid of surf championships, skate competitions, and a major open-air music festival, with breathtaking sea views and a distinctly Cornish soul. From early morning surf sessions to late-night headline sets, every moment feels infused with sunshine, salt air, and pure energy.

The 2026 edition is expected to build on the success of previous years, which have seen legendary performances from global stars such as Lorde, Florence + The Machine, Foals, Liam Gallagher, Kings of Leon, Sam Fender, George Ezra, Disclosure, The Chemical Brothers, Bastille, Dermot Kennedy, Ben Howard, and Catfish and the Bottlemen. Alongside these major names, Boardmasters continues to champion rising UK talent, with its BBC Introducing Stage and The View areas offering a platform for breakthrough acts and underground gems across genres like indie, pop, dance, drum & bass, and surf rock.

Beyond the music, Boardmasters is a full sensory escape. Visitors can watch the world’s best surfers compete at Fistral Beach, explore the Surf Village, or join yoga sessions overlooking the sea. As night falls, the festival transforms into a glowing, beachside wonderland, with art installations, campfires, and spontaneous parties stretching into the early hours.

With its unbeatable combination of breathtaking scenery, surf culture, and top-tier music, Boardmasters Festival 2026 promises another unforgettable summer of rhythm, waves, and togetherness — a perfect reflection of Cornwall’s coastal spirit and the pure joy of seaside living.