Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At the moment, we’re continuing to closely monitor the UK Government's guidance and are liaising with the appropriate local authorities. If we are not able to go ahead, we will let you know as soon as we can, and tickets will be refunded.

Yes, if we're instructed not to go ahead, your deposit will be refunded. At the moment we're going ahead as planned, so please continue to plan to pay your final balance by Friday 26th June.

Yes, if we're instructed not to go ahead, your ticket will be refunded, including those that booked using a payment plan. At the moment we're going ahead as planned, so please continue to make your monthly payments, as voided payment plans will not be refunded.

2020 opening times will be confirmed shortly.

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 We can't accept out-of-date ID.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.

Boardmasters tickets can be purchased from various online and retail locations. Our Buy Tickets page is your first stop for official tickets (serviced by See Tickets).

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.

We have multiple ticket options available, all with slightly different benefits. Visit our Ticket Information page for a breakdown of what's included with your ticket.

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

Yes. Yes. in 2019 we replaced our Beach Sessions with Day Sessions and evening parties, hosted by the likes of Apres Surf, Carve Magazine, Quiksilver and Roxy. These events were free to attend. Our After Parties take place in the town of Newquay and are also separately ticketed. Details will be announced nearer the festival here.

Yes. You will need to purchase a pass for carpark or campervan campsite access. More details on our Ticket Information page. There is a £20 charge to re-enter the carparks if you leave.

A deposit secures your ticket in the case of the event selling out. It also guarantees the final price you pay, regardless of any tier price increases. All deposit purchases have a deadline associated with them by which point the full remaining balance must be paid. Deposits are non-refundable.

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.

Booking fees are retained by ticket agents and cover admin and transaction costs. We've been working with our ticket partners behind-the-scenes. Going forward booking fees will be protected by our official ticket agents, and will be eligible for a refund in the circumstances outlined in our terms and conditions

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 hope you can support us in our mission to continue to run a sustainable event.

Please note, you can pay your £20 re-entry fee with cash or card.

Yes, but you will need to purchase a Campervan Pass separately. More details on our Ticket Information page.

No. Sorry.

No. We only allow campervans, motorhomes, caravans and trailer-tents. More details on our Ticket Information page.

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. Set in one of Pete's (the local farmer) fields, this is the perfect opportunity to soak up the sea air with your fellow festival-goers in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Late night campsite entertainment will also be provided! Campsite access is included for all weekend ticket holders. Visit the Campsites page for more info. For those a little more adventurous we offer Glamping Upgrades. For more information on accomodation in the local area, check out www.VisitNewquay.org

We have a number of pre-pitched options for those wanting to secure their pitch before arriving at Boardmasters. Choose from either Boutique Camping (Glamping) or pre-pitched camping in our Greenfield Eco Campsite.

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.

Please note, you can pay for your shower with either cash or card./strong>

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 2020 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 endeavour to be a festival that everyone can enjoy, and to provide an event site which is as accessible as possible to everyone. However, as it is a festival site there are areas of uneven ground that could make access difficult. Stewards and medical team members will be on hand to help if you require assistance. There are toilet blocks and other public areas designed for wheelchair use.

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.

Searching is always the first stage when entering the festival so please read the ‘what NOT to bring’ section (within "camping" on the Watergate Bay page) to speed up the process. Whilst we expect Friday morning to be busy, more searching lanes will ease any bottlenecking.

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 3 litres 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 including all bottles, makeup, perfume (small compact mirrors are allowed, max size 10x10cm)
✗  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.

World class international surfing, shopping, After Parties and all beach activities are held at Fistral Beach.

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. Working with VISA, we are now accepting credit, debit and contactless payments throughout the site. This means you can pay by card for all onsite purchases, from food & drink to the shuttle bus.

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

We are working with VISA, we are now accepting credit, debit and contactless payments throughout the site. This means you can pay by card for all onsite purchases, from food & drink to the shuttle bus.

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