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Boardmasters 2026 is a thrilling five-day festival taking place from 5-9 August along the golden Cornwall coastline. It transforms Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay in Newquay into one of Britain’s premier summer beach parties. This iconic event blends together world-class surfing, beach sports and live music to create a vibrant seaside celebration. Thousands of fans flock to Cornwall each year to join in the fun: by day they cheer on pro surfers and extreme sports at the water’s edge, and by night they dance on the sand to big-name bands and DJs under the stars.

At Fistral Beach, the legendary surf break becomes the scene of heart-stopping surf competitions and watersports clinics during daylight hours. A lively Surf Village springs up on the sand, with colourful food stalls, craft markets and chill-out areas. Meanwhile Watergate Bay - just a short surf from Fistral - serves as the festival’s main music hub. Multiple stages and beachside bars at Watergate showcase an eclectic mix of music from sunrise DJ sets to sunset rock performances. Imagine dancing barefoot on the dunes with that Atlantic breeze in your hair and the sound of the sea as your backdrop.

But Boardmasters is about more than just big waves and live acts; it’s a relaxed beach lifestyle festival too. Campers set up tents and tipis in purpose-built campsites, creating a friendly community vibe where everyone feels part of something special. As the sun dips below the horizon, late-night beach parties and after-show events keep the energy buzzing long into the night. When you need a break, Cornwall’s famous pasties and fresh seafood are on offer at food trucks, and local craft ales and cocktails flow from pop-up beach bars.

The festival grounds are packed with side attractions and activities, so there’s never a dull moment. Try sunrise yoga by the shore to stretch out after dancing all night, or explore skateboarding and BMX demos nearby. Browse art installations and surf shops, play games and competitions on the sand, or relax with live acoustic music in hidden coves. Families feel welcome in dedicated kids’ areas, while thrill-seekers love treasure hunts and quirky contests like silent discos. No matter what your passion, Boardmasters 2026 has a festival adventure waiting just for you.

When August arrives, Boardmasters turns Newquay into an epic summer playground. It’s the perfect place to make lifelong memories - whether you’re catching waves with friends by day or dancing to your favorite bands under starry skies at night. Pack your sunscreen and sense of adventure - with five full days of sun, surf and sensational music, Boardmasters is where Cornwall shines brightest each summer.

Cornwall Airport Newquay is the closest airport - it literally sits at the end of the runway by Fistral Beach. You’ll find scheduled flights from several UK cities such as London, Manchester and Edinburgh (and even some seasonal charters). From there, taxis and rental cars can get you to Newquay in about 10 minutes. As an alternative, Exeter Airport (around 1.5 hours’ drive) and Bristol Airport (about 3 hours away) offer more flight options to Cornwall; from those airports you can drive or take public transport into Newquay.

Trains and coaches provide easy links too. Great Western Railway and South Western Railway both serve Cornwall: passengers typically travel from London (Paddington or Waterloo) to Par or Exeter, then change for the branch line up to Newquay. The journey from London takes roughly 4-5 hours. Newquay’s train station is in town, where you can catch local buses (such as Route 56) or taxis up to Fistral Beach or Watergate Bay. National Express coaches also run to Newquay daily from major cities, making coach travel a budget-friendly choice.

If you’re driving, the main route is via the A30 dual carriageway through Cornwall. From London or the Midlands, take the M4/M5 to Exeter and then follow the A30 west to Newquay. Set your sat-nav for Newquay (Fistral Beach or Watergate Bay) and follow the brown tourist signs for Fistral Beach to avoid local bottlenecks. Festival parking must be booked in advance (car parks at both sites fill up fast), so plan ahead. Keep in mind Cornwall’s narrow country roads can be busy, especially on festival weekends, so allow extra travel time.

Accommodation around Newquay is varied but books up quickly in summer. You can camp on-site with an official Boardmasters camping pass (included with many ticket types) for the full beach-party experience, or pitch a tent at nearby campsites. If you prefer a bed, hotels like the Watergate Bay Hotel or comfortable B&Bs and self-catering cottages are available in Newquay and nearby villages. Many visitors also stay in surf hostels or glamping pods. Wherever you stay, reserve early. Once you arrive, getting around is easy: Transport for Cornwall runs buses (e.g. Route 56) between the town center, Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach. Each festival day there are usually shuttle buses from Newquay train station to both sites (Boardmasters sells a wristband for unlimited rides). Local taxis are also available, though they can be busy on early mornings, so booking in advance is wise.

Newquay Fistral Beach And Watergate Bay, Newquay Fistral Beach And Watergate Bay Cornwall, Newquay, TR84AN

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