I’m currently writing this blog with a crackin’ wetsuit tan, a peeling nose and sand still matted into my hair: Boardmasters was bloody incredible. It was completely different to any festival I’ve been to, everyone was just friendly and there was no trouble, no tense atmosphere and I didn’t see one fight.
This was my first trip to Newquay and you wouldn’t think that it was seven hours from Newcastle – it was honestly like being abroad which made the trip even better. Newquay is paradise; I loved seeing all the surf shops I was like a kid in a candy shop and extremely dangerous with my card.
We bought tickets for the Beach Session on the Thursday, but only stayed for one of the acts because we went for a sunset surf, which was insane! The act we stayed for was Betty The Shark, which was absolutely CLASS; they’re from France and had a totally different sound to anyone else at the festival. Also, the guy singer had so much banter. Even though we didn’t stay for the whole thing the Beach Sessions were such a great way to kick off the weekend, was so chilled and nice introduction to Newquay with an amazing sunset over Fistral and good music.
One of the stages that I absolutely LOVED at the festival was The View. It was so good, perfect place to chill in the evening. I’ve been a massive fan of Tom Curren for years, so when seeing him there was a highlight for me – it was the perfect setting; no other way to describe it.
All the different stages at the festival were designed so well, seeing Maximo Park at The Land of Saints stage was amazing. Everyone was loving it, especially when they played Apply Some Pressure everyone just went mental. One band that really stood out for me was Catfish and the Bottlemen, at the main stage they created an amazing atmosphere and their songs were class. One of the best bands I’ve seen ever.
I judged myself SO much for ditching Sunset Sons on the Thursday night, especially after we watched their set on the Sunday morning, honestly, they were incredible. Genuine, nice and funny guys just enjoying themselves. It just felt like one massive party between them and the crowd, lead singer Rory came into the crowd at one point and let the crowd use the mic. If you’re not that big a fan of them, go see them live. Changes EVERYTHING.
Kaiser Chiefs were the first band I was buzzing to see when Boardmasters finally released the line up and after many tense weeks of waiting after I bought my ticket. They definitely did not disappoint, their songs never get old and will never fail to bring a crowd together.
Seeing Primal Scream do their thing live on stage was an absolutely crackin’ way to round up the weekend, along with James Bay too. They were the definition of COOL. They brought different generations of people together with their classic tracks and it just created a really great vibe.
Last but definitely not least: If Michael Jackson and Ronnie Wood had a child, you get the ROCKSTAR that is James Bay. It was his first time headlining a festival but you definitely wouldn’t have thought it. He interacted with the crowd, jammed on his guitar and absolutely killed it on stage. The perfect way to end an incredible weekend of sun, surf and sing-a-longs.
One thing I really loved about this festival is that you didn’t feel like you had to stay on the site, the best part was having the freedom to explore Newquay and still feel like you’re getting your money’s worth in the festival. I missed a couple of acts I wanted to see, because we went surfing but the waves were pumping, so it was definitely worth it. I loved the yoga sessions they had 8-10AM every morning at Fistral with Philly Lewis, it really helped me when I was surfing and even in a short space of time I felt like I improved my yoga, but also I was able to surf way longer than I would normally without burning myself out.
The Wellbeing tent in the campsite was an amazing addition to the festival and just one of the many things that made Boardmasters the best festival I’ve been too. The breakfast options they had there, were amazing and I kept well stocked up on the fantastic energy balls they had. Near the Wellbeing tent there was another stall, which offered plant based milk for lattes…making my mornings even more perfect. I know, you want to be there now, I do too…only 358days till next year!
Also, there was TONNES of amazing food stalls at the festival, including the Keg and Pasty pub, where I had my FIRST EVER Cornish pasty which was actually incredible! There was also, had some crackin’ Mexican stalls which made for great late night nacho runs. Another stall I loved was Castaway, which had ALL the greek food: falafel, halloumi, pitta breads…AND IT MADE ME SO SO HAPPY.
Go to Boardmasters even if you’re not a festival person. It’s one of a kind.
So well done Boardmasters, well done!
For highlights of this year’s Boardmasters go to www.boardmasters.co.uk
