Surf’s up! Swap muddy fields for sandy beaches at the Boardmasters Festival this year. Part surfing competition on Fistral Beach and part live music festival over at Watergate Bay, this summer celebration in the heart of Cornwall is one of the more unique music festivals in the UK. Boardmasters will provide the sun, sea and songs this August, while our Newquay hotels have got comfy beds, power showers and free Wi-Fi covered.
Boardmasters Festival
If you’re searching for places to stay near Boardmasters Festival, look no further than our hotels in Cornwall. Our Premier Inn Newquay (Seafront) hotel and our Premier Inn Newquay (Quintrell Downs) hotel are closest – you’ll find them roughly a 10-minute drive away from Watergate Bay – followed by our Premier Inn Newquay (A30/Fraddon) hotel, our Premier Inn St. Austell hotel and our Premier Inn Wadebridge hotel.
Tuck into delicious dishes when you visit our on-site Thyme restaurants in Newquay, as well as our Treffry Tavern Table Table, our Penhale Round Cookhouse + Pub and The Carclaze Whitbread Inn. Plus, what’s better after a festival than a hearty Premier Inn Breakfast with all your cooked and continental favourites?
History of Boardmasters Festival
Fun fact – this summer event actually started out as a surfing competition back in 1981! Its popularity grew so much over the years that in 2005, a music festival was created to run alongside this world-class surfing contest.
Some huge names have headlined at Watergate Bay in the past, including Ed Sheeran, Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, Fatboy Slim and Calvin Harris. As well as the main stage and a mix of pop and indie acts, there are several dance tents open late into the night, showcasing a range of DJ and live electronic music spanning everything from drum and bass to techno.
As well as surfing and the music festival, the campsite village has plenty of street food stalls and even yoga sessions, holistic massage therapy and reflexology, so Boardmasters Festival has something for everyone!
Four things to know about Boardmasters Festival
Boardmasters Festival dates & lineup
Dates: 5th - 9th August
Boardmasters Festival lineup: Headliners include Fatboy Slim, Kasabian, The Kooks and many more.
Getting to Boardmasters Festival
With 80 pickup points across the UK, hopping on a Big Green Coach is a simple, sustainable way to get to Boardmasters Festival. There’s also a handy shuttle bus which runs between Newquay town centre and Watergate Bay, and if you’re arriving by rail, Newquay train station is just a 10-minute drive away from the venue.
Duration of Boardmasters Festival
Boardmasters is an unforgettable five-day event based in two locations – head to Fistral Beach for the surfing competitions and Watergate Bay for the music!
Size of Boardmasters Festival
50,000 music fans and beach lovers flock to this iconic event in Cornwall each year. Supporting the local culture and community is a big part of the festival too – Boardmasters Foundation raises money for local causes each year!
Boardmasters Festival FAQs
How much will it cost to go to Boardmasters Festival 2026?
Boardmasters tickets are around £300, but prices can vary depending on ticket type and package. Don’t forget to factor in travel and accommodation costs too! Boutique and pre-pitched campsites are available at this festival, or why not give the tent a miss this year and book a cosy room back at our Premier Inn Newquay (Seafront) hotel?
Does Boardmasters Festival sell day tickets?
Yes! Day tickets for Boardmasters Festival cost upwards of £90, depending on which day you’d like to visit and if you’re adding a travel package.
Where to stay for the Boardmasters Festival?
Our Cornwall hotels let you enjoy the best of both worlds this summer – festival highlights and comfy rooms! Hotels near Boardmasters Festival include our Premier Inn Newquay (Seafront) hotel, our Premier Inn Newquay (Quintrell Downs) hotel, our Premier Inn Newquay (A30/Fraddon) hotel, our Premier Inn St. Austell hotel and our Premier Inn Wadebridge hotel.
Where is the Boardmasters Festival held?
Boardmasters Festival will be taking place in two locations. The music festival is held on Trebelsue Farm, Watergate Bay in Newquay, while the surfing contests are held over at Fistral Beach – one of the best places to visit in Cornwall. Extend your stay after the festival and enjoy some of the best things to do in Cornwall, like discovering the Eden Project and seeing a show at the Minack Theatre.