Boardmasters

View on map
Carnival & ParadeNewquay
Dates5–9 August 2026Confirmed listing
Duration5 daysListed event span
CrowdMediumAbout 53,000 people
Best forMasks, paradesBoardmasters retains a genuine dual identity
LanguageEnglishCurrency: GBP
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

Boardmasters in Newquay

A combined surf, skateboarding and music festival held around Newquay, Cornwall, each second weekend of August. Founded in 1981 as a pure surfing competition, it added music at Watergate Bay in 2005 and has grown into one of the UK's larger festivals, with an official capacity of around fifty-eight thousand attendees.

Boardmasters began in 1981 as a surfing competition centred on Newquay, the Cornish town long regarded as the heart of British surf culture thanks to its consistent Atlantic swells and beach breaks, and for its first quarter-century the event remained focused specifically on showcasing local and international surfing and skateboarding talent.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Boardmasters retains a genuine dual identity as both a competitive surfing and skateboarding event and a large-scale music festival, a combination distinct from festivals that add token sporting sideshows purely for marketing purposes

02

The mystery stays covered

its surf competitions carry real standing within British surf sport rather than functioning as festival decoration

03

The city starts moving

Its quarter-century as a pure sporting competition before music was added in 2005 gives it a founding identity considerably different from festivals conceived from the outset as music events

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Surfing and skateboarding competitions have remained part of the programme every year since the festival's 1981 founding

Water and renewal

Living ritual

continuing alongside the music line-up added at Watergate Bay from 2005

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

5–9 August 2026

Getting around

Expect street closures, dense pedestrian flow, and slow exits. Comfortable shoes are essential.

What to wear

Festival camping gear including waterproof boots and layers for coastal Cornish weather, plus swimwear and a wetsuit if planning to surf during any downtime around the main event.

Safety

For Boardmasters, keep the basics simple: small bag, charged phone, meeting point and respect for crowd controls.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Newquay you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

GBP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map50.42 N, 5.07 WOpen in Google Maps

Newquay, England, United Kingdom

Nearest airportNQY — Cornwall Airport Newquay
TransportExpect street closures, dense pedestrian flow, and slow exits. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Newquay you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Newquay via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Newquay, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearFestival camping gear including waterproof boots and layers for coastal Cornish weather, plus swimwear and a wetsuit if planning to surf during any downtime around the main event.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United Kingdom and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Boardmasters?

Boardmasters is listed for 5–9 August 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Boardmasters take place?

The festival is listed in Newquay, United Kingdom. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

5 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Newquay, England, United Kingdom

How big is it?

Medium: 53000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLboardmasters.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates5–9 August 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Fiesta San Antonio

Past edition: 4 May 2026

San Antonio, United States
Photo pending

Ojude Oba Festival

Past edition: 29 May 2026

Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria
Photo pending

Panama Carnival

Past edition: 14–17 February 2026

Nationwide, Panama
Photo pending

Sao Paulo Pride Parade

Past edition: 7 June 2026

São Paulo, Brazil

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →