ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to making the experience at Boardmasters Festival as inclusive as possible.

This page provides additional information for customers with disabilities or access requirements. We have outlined some key areas below, but don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything further.

Please note that all accessible camping and facilities must be requested in advance, as we create the space based on requirements for each respective year.

We advise that you read all of the following information before contacting us as you will likely find your answer below.

Boardmasters Festival is proud to offer services in line with Attitude is Everything live events charter, working closely with the team to gain a Silver award.

Our Access Request Form for 2024 is Open! Click here to Apply.

ARRIVING TO THE FESTIVAL

Staying in the Access Campsite?
The accessible campsite is reserved for customers who may require specialist facilities and closer access to the main arena. To book your place, complete the Access Request Form found in the ‘how to apply for facilities’ section.

Follow festival signage for Blue Gate entrance. The Accessibility Box Office will be clearly signposted on arrival.

We have partnered with the friendly team at Jolly Green Sherpas, if you need assistance with your bags or tent setup, our volunteers are available to help. Just let us know when you arrive.

We will shortly provide the distance in meters from the access campsite to the arena plus the distance from the arrival/ drop-off point to the campsite.

 

General Camping / Pre Pitched/ Reserved Pitch / Boutique / Live-in Vehicles
It is, of course, possible to camp within the general campsites, Boutique, Pre-pitched/ Reserved Pitch or Campervan Field, however facilities may vary.

If you are travelling to the festival by car, you will need to purchase a weekend parking pass, unless you are a blue badge holder – then you do not require a parking pass. There will be a dedicated queueing lane for Access customers for you to exchange your wristbands.

Please note, peak ingress hours for Weekend Camping tickets are Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 – 19:00.

 

Day Tickets
There are a number of ways to travel down to Boardmasters, for full travel information and see our FAQs, visit the travel page on our website.

We will shortly provide the distance in meters from the entrance to the main arena.

 

Peak ingress hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are 10:00 – 13:00.

SITE GROUNDS

Boardmasters Festival is split across two main festival sites; Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach.

Watergate Bay
Home to the main festival arena. Here you’ll be able to listen to music across one of our 11 stages, tuck into some tasty food/ drinks with our hand-picked food traders + where all our campsites are situated.

The grounds are predominantly open-air grass fields with naturally uneven terrain. Due to field location, there are no hardstandings in the main arena or campsites.

Please note if we experience adverse weather conditions, ground conditions can become poor due to water saturation.

Fistral Beach
Where you’ll find our renowned surfing competitions. You’ll also find Fistral Village where you can browse from a range of food, clothes and sponsor traders whilst you enjoy a drink and music at our beach bar.

Sits on flat, hardstanding tarmac. Be aware there is a steep gradient road as you head down to site.

ACCESSIBLE CAMPSITE

We have a dedicated Accessible Campsite for guests to make use of it they require additional medical facilities, this is positioned closer to the Main Arena.

Facilities Include:

  • Located near the entrance to the main arena.
  • Designated box office entrance into accessible campsite.
  • Wheelchair accessible toilets and shower.
  • Accessible parking if you choose to stay in this campsite. You will need to present a valid weekend parking pass to park here, these are not included in the price of your ticket and must be bought separately. Click here to buy a parking pass. (Blue badge holders do not need to buy a parking pass but will be required to display a valid badge on arrival).
  • Lowered drinking water point.
  • Sterile changing unit.
  • Charging cabin for wheelchairs and medical facilities. Please note, unless you have a medical reason or arranged this in advance, we are unable to provide power to individual tent in this space.
  • Fridge for medication storage.
  • Dedicated information point, where you’ll find the access team.

Please note, if you are staying in the Accessibility Campsite, a maximum of 4 others (including your PA) are welcome to camp with you.

If you require additional information or assistance, please speak to a member of the access team, you’ll likely find them at one of the information points located in the Access Campsite or Main Arena.

We will shortly provide the distance in meters from the access campsite to the arena.

Our Accessible Campsite is reserved for Access customers and their party only. To stay in this campsite you must have completed the Access Request Form. It is, of course, possible to camp within the general campsites, Boutique, Pre-pitched/ Reserved Pitch or Campervan Field, however facilities may vary.

If you have purchased one of our Pre-pitched options and require it to be placed in the access campsite, firstly please complete our Access Request Form, then let us know via email ([email protected]) so we can make arrangements for this adjustment.

ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES

Accessible Info Points: Located in the Main Arena and Accessible campsite.

Accessible Showers: Provided in the Accessible campsite at no cost.

Access Team: Dedicated accessibility team available throughout the festival if you require additional assistance. You will likely find them at the info points or walking around the festival in a purple hi-vis, you can’t miss them!

Accessible Toilets: Located across site in the Campsites and Main Arena.

Assistance Dogs: Welcome! There’s a designated resting area for them, and we’ll update you on its location.

BSL: We currently do not offer BSL at any of our stages, but we’re working on it! If you require this service then please let us know in advance.

Fast Track Entry: Accessible guests have a dedicated lane for faster entry into the Arena and Campsite.

Hearing Loops: Available at the Accessibility Box Office and Main Arena Entrance.

Medical Services: If you or someone you know are feeling unwell, visit on-site medical services who will offer professional advice and attention.

Parking: Weekend Parking and Day Parking passes available to buy in advance or on the door. If you need to be positioned closer to the arena, please let us know. If you have a Blue badge, you don’t need to buy a parking ticket, but do let us know you require this facility via the Access Request Form as space is limited.

Sensory Respite Area: Welcome to use by all, take a breather away from the music and sit in our comfy sensory space.

Viewing Platforms/Areas: Available at the Main Stage, Land of Saints and Unleashed. Include accessible toilets and charging points. Reserved for access customers and their PA. You will need a AVA wristband to use this facility, as spaces are limited, please request this via the Access Request Form in advance.

Unfortunately due to the size and location of some stages, we cannot provide viewing platforms. Speak to a member of security to assist you in finding a safe place to watch the performances.

Welfare Hub: Joined by ACOS our medical team, Ithinc our Welfare team and SARSAS our specialised service for sexual harassment or assault. The Welfare teams are here to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being, and they’re always ready to help, no matter the issue.

You’ll receive a dedicated Access Info Pack before the event with all these details.

To book, visit the ‘How to Book Access Facilities’ section.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

Our dedicated Accessible Car Park is located a short distance from the Accessible Campsite, unfortunately we do not allow customers to camp next to their vehicle.

We will have a limited number of spaces reserved for Access customers in our Weekend Camping and Day Parking area (blue badge holders only), you will need to purchase a ticket in advance or on the door.

If you require being parked closer to the main entry point to the festival, please make the gate staff aware of this on entry to the car park who will guide you to a parking spot.

Blue Badge holders do not need to purchase a parking pass. Please ensure you bring:
1. Valid Blue Badge
2. Valid form of ID (Passport, Driver’s Licence, PASS Card, more information about ID can be found in ‘essential info’).

If you are not a blue badge holder and are attending with a Day Ticket, please see our full travel info page for more information. 

PERSONAL ASSISTANT (PA) TICKETS

Boardmasters are committed to making the experience at our festival as inclusive as possible.

If you require a Personal Assistant (PA) to attend the festival with you, this can be claimed at no additional cost. You do not need to buy a ticket for your Personal Assistant (PA) / Carer.

How to apply:
  1. Purchase your ticket(s) to Boardmasters Festival. If you require a PA Ticket, please DO NOT purchase a ticket for this person. Please note we are only able to offer refunds on tickets purchased in error to Boardmasters approved applicants.
  2. Complete our Access Request Form to let us know about your on-site access requirements. You will need your ticket reference number + supporting evidence documents in this form.
  3. On completion, we will email you to confirm we have received your application. Our dedicated access support team will then work to process these. Please bare with us as we are a small team but you will be contacted.
  4. Following confirmation and closer to the event, you will receive an Access Information Pack, including information about our accessible facilities and procedures so you can plan ahead.
  5. If you have any questions regarding access, please get in contact: [email protected]
What you’ll need:
To support your application, you will need to submit some documentation. Scan, or take a photo of your evidence and upload it with your form. You will be asked to provide a copy of one of the following documents:
  • Front page of DLA letter or PIP letter
  • Front page of Attendance Allowance letter
  • Evidence of being registered as severe sight impaired (blind)
  • Recognised Assistance Dog ID card
  • Valid Access Card showing you require a +1 to accompany you
  • Armed Forces Independent Disability Payment
  • War Disablement Pension
  • A letter from a medical consultant specifying your need to use the facilities

Please feel free to black out any information that relates to the amount of benefit paid or health conditions.

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applications will start to be reviewed in February 2024. 

BRINGING MEDICATION TO SITE

If you have medication that requires refrigeration, our medical staff or accessible campsite will have a lockable fridge for you to safely store this. Please ensure you do the following:

  1. Pack your medication in a clear, sealed box (such as Tupperware)
  2. Ensure you write your full name, contact number and PA details on the box
  3. Bring a valid form of ID each time you need your medication. We will only issue medication to the individual(s) who’s details are provided.

Please note we are not responsible for your medication if it is lost, stolen or in the unlikely event of power loss.

STROBE LIGHTING

Please be aware that strobe lighting or flashing light effects may be used throughout performances across all stages to create a dynamic and immersive experience, due to the nature of this, prior notice will not be given before use. These rapid flashes of light may affect individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or sensitivities. It’s important for attendees to be aware of the potential presence of strobe lighting and to take necessary precautions if you are sensitive to such effects as we cannot guarantee a strobe-free environment.

Stages which are likely to use these effects frequently include: Main Stage, Land of Saints, Unleashed, DB90, The Point.

Please contact the accessibility team if you have any additional concerns.

HOW TO BOOK ACCESS FACILITIES

Access Request Form is Now Open. 

How to book:

  1. Purchase your ticket(s) to Boardmasters Festival 2024. If you are applying for our PA Ticket Scheme please DO NOT purchase a ticket for the person acting as your PA. More information can be found in the ‘Personal Assistant (PA) Tickets section.
  2. Complete the Access Request Form to let us know about your access requirements before arriving to site. Please have your valid ticket reference number and supporting evidence ready.
  3. Once the information has been submitted, you will receive an email to let you know your request is being processed. Our dedicated access team will start replying to these from February 2024, so please don’t worry if you don’t hear from us prior to that date.
  4. Following confirmation and closer to the event, we will send you an Access Information Pack, which will have all the information you require about our accessible facilities.

 

What you’ll need:

To support your application, you will need to submit some documentation. Scan, or take a photo of your evidence and upload it with your form. You will be asked to provide a copy of one of the following documents:

  • Front page of DLA letter or PIP letter
  • Front page of Attendance Allowance letter
  • Evidence of being registered as severe sight impaired (blind)
  • Recognised Assistance Dog ID card
  • Valid Access Card showing you require a +1 to accompany you
  • Armed Forces Independent Disability Payment
  • War Disablement Pension
  • A letter from a medical consultant specifying your need to use the facilities

Please feel free to black out any information that relates to the amount of benefit paid or health conditions.

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applications will start to be reviewed in February 2024. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There will be a dedicated accessibility officer on-site who will be available to answer any questions or assist in making your experience smooth and enjoyable. They are contactable during daytime hours of the festival. For any concerns outside of these hours, please speak to one of the access team at one of the info points to help and support you.

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

If you need any help or have an access-related query not on our website, please drop us an email at [email protected] and one of the team will get back to you.

For all other enquiries that are not related to accessibility, visit the Contact Us page of our website.

We’re here to make your experience at Boardmasters an enjoyable one, so we welcome all questions big or small.

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