Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please email us directly at boardmasters@visionninegroup.com

Boardmasters Festival will ask all ticket holders aged 11 and over to demonstrate their COVID-19 status via the NHS COVID Pass upon arrival at the festival gates before entering, by providing ONE of the following:

✔️ Proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test taken within 24 hours of arrival at the festival gates

OR

✔️ Proof of being vaccinated with both doses (with the second dose being received at least 14 days before the festival)

OR

✔️ Proof of natural immunity following a positive PCR test (providing it has been at least 10 days since your PCR test and up to 180 days after taking the test)

Camping ticket holders will also be required to take a second NHS Lateral Flow Test during the event on Friday 13th August and log their results in the NHS COVID Pass. Camping ticket holders must bring Lateral Flow Tests with them to take at the festival.

<< Please order your Lateral Flow Tests well in advance here >>

The following tickets are on sale for Boardmasters 2021:

Friday Day
Sunday Day
Friday VIP
Sunday VIP

Get your Boardmasters 2021 ticket HERE.

You can book your ticket with just a £40 deposit.
If you book a deposit, you’ll need to pay the remaining balance by Friday 25 June 2021.
If you book using our payment plan, your first instalment will be taken at the end of January 2021.

Boardmasters is going ahead as planned on 11-15 August. Don't worry, if we're unable to go ahead or the festival is rescheduled due to Coronavirus, you'll be able to get a refund.

We’ve been running Boardmasters for a long time, and as with every year, there will be various measures in place to keep you safe. We will continue to follow the UK Government’s guidelines regarding Coronavirus, and we'll share further details regarding our plans as soon as we can.

If you are part of a local project or charity and would like support from the Boardmasters Foundation, please apply here. Applications will close on Tuesday 31st August at 5pm.

If you chose to transfer your ticket to Boardmasters 2021 you should have received a confirmation email from your ticket agent
If you have not received a 2021 confirmation email, please get in touch with your ticket agent directly. Their contact details can be found on our Contact Us page.
Please note, the ticket itself won't be sent to you until 2/3 weeks before the event.

OPENING TIMES
WATERGATE BAY

Campsite (Wristband Exchange) Opening Times:


✔ Wednesday 11 August 2019   07:00 - 23:00

✔ Thursday 12 August 2019   08:00 - 23:00
✔ Friday 13 August 2019   08:00 - 23:00

 ✔ Saturday 14 August 2019   8:00 - 23:00

✔ Sunday 14 August 2019   08:00 - 23:00

Main Arena Opening Times:

✔ Wednesday 7 August 2019  19:00 – 02:00

✔ Thursday 8 August 2019  14:00 – 02:00
✔ Friday 9 August 2019  09:30 - 02:00
✔ Saturday 10 August 2019  09:30 - 02:00
✔ Sunday 11 August 2019  09:30 - 02:00


Car Park Opening Times: 

✔ Wednesday 7 August 2019  07:00 – 23:00
✔ Thursday 8 August 2019  07:00 – 23:00

✔ Friday 9 August 2019  07:00 - 23:00
✔ Saturday 10 August 2019  07:00 - 23:00
✔ Sunday 11 August 2019  07:00 - 23:00


Campsite Opening Times: Wednesday 07:00 to Monday 14:00

Watergate Bay (Day) Car Park Opening Times: Fri - Sun, 08:00 - 04:30

Watergate Bay Drop-Off & Pick-Up (BLUE) Car Park: Wed 07:00 - Mon 14:00
Box Office Campsite Opening Times: Wed - Sat, 08:00 - 23:00 (closed Sunday) (Location: Weekend Car Park)
Box Office Main Arena Opening Times: 08:00 - 23:00

*note: VIP and Charger ticket holders do not need to purchase Car Parking. Day Ticket holders cannot access the campsites.

Ages Restrictions:

Persons' aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 years and above. Each adult can accompany a maximum of two children.

When will I be asked for ID? You may be asked for ID in the following situations:<
• To prove you are 18 or older if you are buying alcohol inside the festival or if you are bringing alcohol into the festival
• To prove that you are 16 or older if you are entering the festival unaccompanied
• To prove your age if you are acting as a guardian for anyone under the age of 16 (see age restrictions for details)

What forms of ID are valid? We accept the following forms of ID:
• Passport
• Driving licence
• Official ID that contain the certified PASS logo. These are available for proof of 12 to 16, 16 to 18 and over 18

Please note we cannot accept other forms of ID. We won't accept photos or photocopies of ID. We can't accept out-of-date ID.

Tickets are not dispatched when you place your order, they're dispatched much closer to the event, normally one/two weeks out. If you've not received your ticket ten days out from the start of the festival, please contact See Tickets.

Tixel will operate as the official peer-to-peer resale site for Boardmasters 2021 tickets. Do not buy tickets from unofficial sources, as these tickets will not be valid and you won’t be able to get into the festival. The only official source to buy resale tickets from is Tixel.  Unofficial forums to purchase tickets from include Viagogo, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Boardmasters tickets can be upgraded for the difference in price as long as the desired ticket has not sold out. Please contact See Tickets to upgrade your ticket.

No. You do not need to purchase a ticket to watch any of the sporting events at Boardmasters. Surf events are held at Fistral Beach and do not require a ticket.

Yes. You will need to purchase a pass for carpark or campervan campsite access. There is a £20 charge to re-enter the carparks if you leave. If you are leaving site we recommend you take one of our shuttle bus services

If you purchased a deposit ticket you will be required to pay off the balance by a set date. To pay off your balance, simply head to the Buy Tickets page and select the ticket type you wish to pay off. You will then be presented with a screen to enter your booking number and booking email where a balance option will become available.

No. The name of the ticket buyer will be printed on ticket, however this will not cause any issues with festival entry. We understand that tickets are purchased in groups and as gifts.

Yes! We've partnered with Big Green Coach to offer sustainable travel to Boardmasters. Find out more

Yes! Take the stress out of your journey and reduce your carbon footprint by taking the train to Newquay. Shuttle buses will run approx every 15 minutes from Newquay station once the first trains arrive on Wednesday.
✅ To travel on the train you will be required to have a reservation so book in advance
✅ Some services don’t take surf boards. Check luggage info
✅ Remember your railcard (if you have one)
✅ Book in advance via GWR.com

Wherever possible we aim to reduce any impact that may occur to local resident and the surrounding environment. Traffic in the surrounding area of Watergate and Newquay is a real issue and Boardmasters always works closely with local residents and authorities to tackle this. Where possible we want to encourage everyone to use the busses that run from the Festival site at Watergate to Newquay as opposed to using their cars. If you leave the car-park during the festival there will be a £20 cash re-enter fee (we cannot accept card payments at the entrance). We charge a £20 re-entry fee in the effort to dissuade festival goers from using their cars and use our shuttle bus service instead. This helps reduce the overall carbon impact of the festival. We hope you can support us in our mission to continue to run a sustainable event.

Yes, but you will need to purchase a Campervan Pass separately. These can be found shortly on our Buy Tickets page.

No. Sorry.

Yes. We only allow campervans, motorhomes, caravans and trailer-tents.

No. All vehicles must be left in the car park.

There is free accessible parking on site at Boardmasters. Upon arrival please ensure you show your Blue Badge to be directed to the appropriate car park. Visit our Accessible page for more information.

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We encourage customers to use our shuttle bus service that operates between the Festival site at Watergate Bay and Newquay, rather than driving their private vehicle. The shuttle bus is the quickest way to reach Fistral Beach. It uses closed roads, it's considerably quicker than private car and parking in Newquay is very limited.

Shuttle buses will depart from Blue Car Park.

>WATERGATE > FISTRAL ROUTE

1. Watergate Bay Festival Site (Blue Bus Stop, arena entrance)
2. Cliff Road (near Aldi, Newquay Rail Station)
3. Manor Road Bus Station (10 min walk to Fistral Beach)

FISTRAL > WATERGATE ROUTE

1. Manor Road Bus Station (10 min walk to Fistral Beach)
2. Cliff Road (near Aldi, Newquay Rail Station)
3. Watergate Bay Festival Site (Blue Bus Stop, arena entrance)

Please note, we can accept cash or card payments for the shuttle bus.

For most customers we recommend you stay at the Watergate Bay campsite just minutes away from the music festival. Campsite access is included for all weekend ticket holders. For more information on accommodation in the local area, check out www.VisitNewquay.org

Unfortunately you cannot camp if you have only purchased a day ticket. If you do want to camp make sure to purchase a weekend camping ticket!

Yes, there are showering facilities if you feel the need to freshen up. There are likely to be queues in the morning around 9am – 11am so it is advised you use these facilities at off peak times to avoid any waiting. There is a £4 charge to use one of our campsite showers.

Please note, only card payments will be accepted.

We apologise but you cannot bring disposable or portable BBQs, gas/paraffin lamps or any kind of cooking equipment due to the risk of fire

In the last few years there has been an increase in outbreaks of measles at music festivals. Measles is very infectious and events where people are mixing closely with each other provide the ideal place for the infection to spread. If you are unsure if you have been fully vaccinated, check with your GP and make an appointment to get the two doses of the MMR vaccine required.

Measles can be more severe in teenagers and adults, with some of the recent cases needing hospital treatment. Be aware of the symptoms of measles, such as a high fever and rash, and don’t attend festivals if you are unwell.

Like all major events and festivals, we are aware of a raised level of threat across the country, though we do not currently have any specific threat related to the festival or surrounding area. We continue to plan the event closely with the police and security services and the police will have a presence on site throughout the festival to support our dedicated security provider. We have increased security measures in place for 2021 and continue to work vigilantly with all our partners to deliver a safe and enjoyable event for all attending.

Yes! All ages are welcome to the festival but the following age restrictions apply:

Persons' aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 years and above. Each adult can accompany a maximum of two children.

We have a dedicated access team on site with dedicated arena and campsite facilities.

For more information please visit our Accessibility page.

Yes we offer 2-for-1 tickets for persons who require a personal carer. Visit our Accessibility page for more information.

We aim to try and minimise queues where possible, however with the added need to check your NHS Covid Pass in addition to our usual searches we are expecting there to be some queues at the gates during peak times. Speed up your search by ensuring you don’t bring anything on our prohibited items list.

Day ticket holders cannot exit and re-enter the arena. Those with weekend tickets can re-enter the arena as required. Please note that personal alcohol is not permitted to be brought into the Main Arena either from the campsite or the car park.

Those with camping tickets can access the campsite as many times as required, but alcohol is only permitted on first entry (during ticket exchange).

No pets or animals are allowed on site with the exception of guide dogs.

•  No glass allowed
•  Alcohol brought to the festival must comply with the event regulations which are: Weekend campers aged 18 and over can bring in limited amounts and types of alcohol. You may be asked of proof of age. 
•  Quantity per person: 24 cans beer/lager/cider/pre-mixed-spirit-cans OR 2 bottles of wine
•  No straight spirits allowed
•  All drinks must be unopened and NO GLASS
•  Alcohol is on sale at the event but you must be 18 or over to purchase. Bring ID, you will be asked each time you buy a drink. It is illegal to buy alcohol for another person who is under 18. Challenge 25 is in place at all bars. Accepted forms of ID are passport, driver’s license or anything with a PASS logo.
•  Alcohol will only be permitted on first entry to the festival campsite. You will not be able to exit & re-enter with more alcohol.
•  Alcohol cannot be brought into the festival arena. It will however be on sale inside the arena.
•  Day ticket holders are not allowed to bring in any alcoholic drinks.

PREVENT - As with anywhere else in the UK, it is illegal to buy, sell or take drugs at Boardmasters. Together with Devon and Cornwall Police, we work with our security teams to prevent them from entering Boardmasters. All drugs are potentially dangerous; there are no harmless drugs. The only way to avoid risks is not to take drugs at all. This goes for new psychoactive substances (formerly known as 'legal highs’) as well.

AMNESTY POINTS - We operate amnesty points at the festival entrance before our search areas. They are your chance to dispose of any illegal drugs or other prohibited items without getting in trouble. If you use them, we will not judge you and you will not be asked any questions.

SEARCHES - After the amnesty points you will be searched and if found in possession of drugs or other prohibited items you will be refused entry and may be arrested. Don’t ruin your festival before it gets started. Use our amnesty points - no questions asked.

PURSUE - Our security team and Devon and Cornwall Police will pursue anyone suspected of dealing or supplying illegal drugs. You will be ejected from the festival and arrested. Police patrol Boardmasters as well as sniffer dogs.

PROTECT - We acknowledge that despite the measures put in place with our security team and local police, drugs may get into the festival and could cause harm to our audience. Therefore we work with Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council, Safer Cornwall and our medical & welfare teams to protect festival goers.
• Ahead of the festival we are encouraging all festival goers to read through the excellent advice shared by our friends at Festival Safe.
• If you, or a friend have taken something and feel unwell, please know that we are here to help. Go to a welfare point or speak to a member of our security team. We will not judge you and you will not get into trouble.

✗  glass bottles
✗  no food can be brought into the main music arena
✗  illegal substances, psychoactive substances, nitrous oxide and legal highs
✗  spray paint aerosols
✗  straight spirits (alcohol)
✗  anything that could be reasonably considered for use as a weapon
✗  candles, sky lanterns
✗  portable or disposable barbeques/gas/paraffin lamps or any fire/gas related cooking equipment
✗  portable laser equipment and pointer-pens
✗  drones, quadcopters, remote controlled flying devices
✗  megaphones, air horns, compressed air
✗  fireworks, flares, smoke bombs, smoke machines
✗  large sound systems (personal speakers must be no more than 30x10x10cm)
✗  animals with the exception of guide dogs
✗  generators, apart from those permanently built into campervans
✗  gas canisters or cylinders apart from those fitted in campervans
✗  unofficial tabards or hi-vis jackets
✗  professional camera or video recording equipment (including SLRs and anything with a detachable lens)
✗  campfires are not permitted

Everyone deserves to have fun and enjoy themselves at Boardmasters. We have a zero tolerance policy towards sexual assault, harassment, racism, discrimination or any other anti-social behaviour. To make it clear, this is what we classify as unacceptable behaviour and will result in you being ejected from the festival:

Any unwanted physical contact
Groping
Grabbing
Catcalling
Leering
Stalking
Rape
Upskirting
Verbal or physical intimidation

If you experience any of the above, or see it happening, please report it to the nearest steward or security guard. We will have support services available onsite in the Medical and Welfare points, and we have specially-trained staff onsite to help support victims. The locations of our Medical and Welfare tents are shown HERE. We take all reports incredibly seriously and will always respond from a place of belief.

Set times are released closer to the festival and will be available via our Boardmasters app.

Fistral Beach is home to our world class surf competition, retail village and our Beach Bar with late night DJs.

All event timings will be available closer to the festival via our Boardmasters app.

The main music arena is located at Watergate Bay. This is where you'll find all the main hub of activity associated with your Boardmasters ticket. Camping and car parking is also located at Watergate Bay, a close walk from the main arena.

Charge Candy makes it easy to keep your phone charged the entire festival. Sign up and get your very own portable phone charger. When you need more power, drop by the charging station and swap it to a new fully charged. Stay connected and share your festival experience. If you book online you can jump the line and save money, more info

Mobile reception is generally pretty good but the large amount of people on site could have an adverse affect on connection. It's a good idea to pick a meeting point with your group when you first arrive.

Yes, we accept all major credit and debit cards. Some things like the shuttle bus will be completely cashless.

Yes, we have multiple cash machines throughout the site. Although we can not guarantee availability due to demand.

Please note some things like the shuttle bus will be completely cashless so please don’t rely solely on cash during your time at Boardmasters. Make sure you bring a credit or debit card.

You are advised that flicker, laser, strobe and other lighting effects may be using during some performances.