CORNWALL’S BIGGEST LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL, BOARDMASTERS 2025 TAKES PLACE BETWEEN WEDNESDAY 6 AND SUNDAY 10 AUGUST 2025. THE FIRST WAVE OF ACTS WAS ANNOUNCED IN DECEMBER 2024, SO TAKE A LOOK HERE…
Newquay and summer, for many, means surfing. For five days in August 2025, though, it means surfing, live music, and an inimitable party atmosphere. The annual Boardmasters festival returns to the Cornish seaside town for its 2025 edition between Wednesday 6 and Sunday 10 August 2025. Prepare for fun in the sun as you get your glowsticks in the air along with more than 50,000 other festival fans!
But who is playing Boardmasters 2025? Well, in December 2024, organisers announced the first wave of acts, including the inimitable RAYE, The Prodigy, Nelly Furtado, London Grammar, Maribou State, and Wet Leg. Other acts were also announced, such as the Kaiser Chiefs, Natasha Bedingfield, and Rizzle Kicks for the afternoon sessions, so head to the official website for the full rundown (and expect plenty more to come!).
Boardmasters, which was first held in 1981, is a combination of the best live music and an array of surfing, BMX, and skateboarding competitions in and around Newquay. The main festival locations are Fistral Beach, where the famous Boardmasters international surfing competitions take place, and Watergate Bay, where the many live music stages blast tunes out for those with tickets, as well as those camping over the five days.
The Boardmasters 2024 lineup was tasty. The music really got going on the Friday, which was headlined by Stormzy. Becky Hill was a special guest on the Friday, and Chase & Status also played to the crowds.
Sam Fender headlined the Saturday. He, of course, needed no introduction, just like The Streets, who supported Fender on the night. On the Sunday, Florence + The Machine headlined following performances by the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Four Tet, and Paul Woolford. But the 2025 edition is already looking set to be bigger and more star-studded. It’s certainly the best Cornwall music festival 2025 for many fans.
There are traditionally food zones, wellbeing areas, surf lessons, all those competitions during the days, and silent discos at night at Boardmasters. Plus, after the live gigs each night, there are always after-show parties at clubs around Newquay’s town centre.
Tickets go fast due to the overwhelming popularity of Boardmasters, but even if you don’t get one, it’s worth soaking up the atmosphere that envelops Newquay during this high-octane event. It’s like nothing else in Cornwall.
Your Boardmasters Questions answered:
What age can I go to Boardmasters? Can a 15-year-old go to Boardmasters? Can a 17-year-old go to Boardmasters? Hell yes, anyone can go, but if you’re under 16, you must be accompanied by an adult over 21. Anyone over 16 can attend without an adult. Proof of age must be shown on entry.
Who is playing at Boardmasters 2025? RAYE, The Prodigy, and Nelly Furtado are 2025’s headliners. London Grammar, Maribou State, and Wet Leg are among other top acts playing, with a lineup of over 100 acts performing over the festival.
Do keep an eye on news and updates regarding the 2025 Boardmasters festival. Presale for Boardmasters tickets began in December 2024. If you are lucky enough to be going to the 2025 fest, though, then prepare to ride the wave of one of the best surfing-meets-live music events in the world… because, of course, we all need a good blow-out!