Boardmasters today unveils a host of exciting new additions and upgrades for 2026, further cementing its position as one of the UK’s most unique festivals, where music, surf, wellbeing and the Cornish coastline come together.
This year’s festival has been carefully curated to deliver a richer and more immersive experience both on and off the stage. Alongside an unforgettable programme of music and surf, Boardmasters 2026 will introduce enhanced food experiences, expanded arts and wellness programming, creative workshops, upgraded camping options, new family-focused spaces and a significant elevation of its internationally recognised surf competition.
Rob Spring, Boardmasters Festival Director says: “Festivals mean different things to different people today. At Boardmasters, we’ve become increasingly focused on creating an experience that allows people to shape their time at the festival in their own way, whether that’s through music, surfing, food, creativity, wellbeing or time spent with friends and family.
“Everything starts with Cornwall. The coastline, the ocean and the creative community have always shaped the festival, and we want people to leave feeling they’ve experienced something that could only happen here.”
A Celebration of Cornwall’s Food Culture
Food continues to play an increasingly important role in the Boardmasters experience, with a continued focus on championing quality, local suppliers and destination dining experiences across the site.
Cliff Top will welcome an expanded collection of premium and local food traders, showcasing the very best flavours from Cornwall and beyond. For the first time, a dedicated campsite restaurant will also offer guests the opportunity to enjoy sit-down dining experiences, creating a new way to connect, relax and refuel during the festival.
Boardmasters also welcomes Dome – a brand-new food destination bringing together a curated collection of independent food brands to create vibrant, destination venues designed for discovery, socialising and exceptional eating experiences.
Creativity, Culture and Connection
Building on its growing commitment to arts and culture, Boardmasters 2026 will feature an expanded programme designed to inspire creativity, participation and connection.
Boardmasters 2026 will offer an expanded programme of hands-on workshops and experiences for all ages, inspired by Cornwall’s natural environment and creative community. Highlights include a Whales in Watercolour session led by local artist Holly from Wild and Wave, where participants will learn watercolour techniques while creating their own beautiful humpback whale artwork, alongside ocean-inspired Resin Art workshops where festival-goers can craft bespoke pieces inspired by Cornwall’s coastline.
For the first time, Boardmasters will also introduce a dedicated Family Area – a welcoming space where families can spend time together, take part in creative activities and enjoy a relaxed festival experience. Designed for all generations, the new area will provide opportunities to create together, play together and make lasting memories throughout the weekend.
Celebrating Ocean Conservation Through Art
As part of Boardmasters’ ongoing partnership with Oceana and its commitment to championing ocean conservation, The View will become the home of the festival’s ocean conservation storytelling for 2026.
Bringing the partnership to life, a series of striking fabric artworks created by students and young people from Cornwall in collaboration with Falmouth University will be showcased across The View. Inspired by the beauty and importance of our oceans, the installations will celebrate Cornwall’s connection to the sea while helping to raise awareness of the need to protect it for future generations.
A Fresh New Look for a Festival Favourite
One of Boardmasters’ most-loved venues, Keg and Pasty, has been reimagined for 2026. With a new home and a refreshed look within Cliff Top, the iconic venue returns with a packed programme of entertainment, including comedy, emerging artists and 80s karaoke.
A unique fixture of the festival experience, Keg and Pasty’s much-loved Thursday takeover, Keg & Pastonbury, will once again bring a full evening of cover bands to kick-start the weekend, celebrating some of the biggest names in music and setting the tone for the days ahead.
Reimagined Camping Experiences
Boardmasters 2026 introduces a range of upgrades across its camping offering, creating more choice and comfort than ever before. A new Premium Campsite Village brings together Pre-Pitched Camping and Boutique Camping into one dedicated area, creating a sanctuary for guests seeking an elevated festival stay. The village will feature access to wellness treatments, a restaurant and a lounge space designed for relaxation and downtime between sets.
Families will also benefit from the introduction of Chilled Family Camping, an exclusive camping area offering a peaceful environment where families can enjoy the festival together.
More Ways to Move, Recharge and Reset
Recognising that modern festival-goers are looking for both high-energy experiences and opportunities to recharge, Boardmasters has significantly expanded its wellness and sports offering for 2026.
New additions include movement classes, Box Fit sessions, saunas and ice baths, delivered in partnership with local South-West businesses. The enhanced programme is designed to help attendees balance moments of euphoria and hedonism with opportunities to reset and recharge throughout the festival.
A Landmark Year for Surf
At the heart of Boardmasters remains the sport that inspired its creation more than four decades ago.
Boardmasters’ world-renowned surf competition takes a significant step forward in 2026, with the event upgraded from a World Surf League QS2000 to a QS4000.
The upgrade doubles the ranking points available at Fistral Beach, making Boardmasters an even more important stop on the European qualifying circuit. The increased points offering is expected to attract stronger international fields while providing competitors, including local Lukas Skinner, with a more valuable result towards qualification for the Challenger Series.
The move reinforces Boardmasters’ status as one of Europe’s premier surf events and strengthens its commitment to supporting the next generation of surfing talent.
More Than a Festival
While Boardmasters continues to welcome some of the world’s biggest music artists to Cornwall each summer, the festival’s vision extends far beyond the stages. By bringing together world-class surfing, music, food, art, wellness and community, Boardmasters continues to build an experience that reflects the unique culture, creativity and coastline of Cornwall. With new spaces to explore and more opportunities to connect, create and unwind, Boardmasters 2026 promises to be its most immersive edition yet.
A major boost for world-class surf competition, expanded art and creative programming, upgraded camping experiences, enhanced wellness offerings and new food destinations.
