ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible facilities are not for the use of people with temporary impairments or circumstances such as broken bones, healing wounds or pregnancy. Unfortunately we are unable to provide any specific support to people with temporary impairments. If you do have a temporary impairment please be aware there will be a lot of walking at Boardmasters Festival. 

If you have a concern with any of these points, please contact the Access Team. 

Boardmasters Festival is located on the breathtaking Cornish Coast of Newquay. The event is split across two main festival sites; Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach.

Whilst we have done our best to put measures in place, these may not always be perfect. We believe it’s important for customers to understand the challenges that uneven ground may have for wheelchair users and, where appropriate, to assist users if they ask or appear in need of help. 

We do not currently offer a buggy service for any customers to travel round the site. 

All our shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.

Watergate Bay

Home to our main arena, campsites, and boasts a breathtaking festival view! Admission to the festival at Watergate Bay requires a ticket. 

Main Arena 

We have a mixture of sheltered and open-air stages and venues, however most of these are without cover. 

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

There is a permanent tarmac road which runs around the perimeter of the Main Arena which you must cross to enter the campsites. Please listen and take direction from our friendly stewards who will be helping guests safely cross-over. 

Within the perimeter of the Main Arena are a number of small to moderate hills and gradients, and some steeper hills.

Campsites

Grass walking routes and paths run through the campsites which can mean travelling over patches of mud. Where appropriate, matting has been laid to reduce the effects of wear to the ground in high foot-fall areas. 

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

Fistral Beach

Playing host to the Boardmasters Open, the UK’s biggest surf festival, along with our beach bar, shopping village, and more. No ticket is required for Fistral Beach.

Apart from the beach, our Fistral Beach site is largely sheltered. There are outdoor, open-air areas of the venues which are uncovered such as the shopping village and some of the outdoor decking / seated areas. 

The site is largely hardstanding ground. There is a small gradient as you approach the headland before a steep gradient down to the festival site. The shopping village sits on top of tarmac and is largely flat ground. A short tarmac path will guide you down a slight gradient from the village to the sandy beach. 

Fistral Beach Bar and Surf Competition viewing area are positioned on raised decking with a ramp for wheelchair access. 

This year we are delighted to be partnering with Nimbus Disability, one of the largest disability accreditation organisations, run by and for d/Deaf and Disabled people, leaders in the field of accessibility. 

You will still need to apply for access facilities at Boardmasters, including a PA/ Companion Ticket at no additional cost, by completing your Access Request Form with your Nimbus ID – included on either your Nimbus Access Card or Boardmasters Digital Access Pass.

Click here to apply for your Nimbus Access Card or Boardmasters Digital Access Pass 

How it Works

All access applications will be submitted through Nimbus Disability, where you will be asked to choose from the following options: 

Find out more about Nimbus Access Card here.

If you require assistance in completing your Nimbus Access Card online application form, you can contact them: 

By Email: [email protected]

By Phone: 0330 808 5108

By Post: Suite GB, Pentagon House, Sir Frank Whittle Rd, Derby, DE21 4XA

Step-by-Step: 

• Buy your ticket to Boardmasters Festival 2025. 
• Apply for your Nimbus Access Card or Boardmasters Digital Access Pass – Click here to apply. If you already have a Nimbus Access Card, skip to step 3!  
• Complete the Boardmasters Access Request Form to tell us about your requirements on site,  remember to have your Nimbus ID ready. 

Click here to complete the Boardmasters Access Request Form

• Our Access Team will process your application. You will receive a confirmation email once approved. 
• See you at the beach! You’re all set for Boardmasters Festival. We’ll send you an Accessibility Information Pack closer to the event with everything you need to know before you arrive. If you have any questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’re here to help. 

Please note: Due to increasing demand, all accessible facilities must be requested in advance via our Access Request Form. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee we will be able to accommodate requests made once onsite. 

Accessibility requests are handled case-by-case due to the site’s natural limitations and capacity constraints. While we strive to make the festival as inclusive as possible, some aspects of the terrain and infrastructure may impact what can be accommodated. We encourage attendees with accessibility needs to reach out to us in advance to discuss their specific requirements, so we can work together to provide the best possible experience.

PA/ Companion Tickets 

We offer PA/ Companion Tickets at no additional cost for people who would otherwise be unable to attend the festival due to their disability. 

Please do not purchase a ticket for your essential companion. 

This year we are partnering with Nimbus Disability, one of the largest disability accreditation organisations, run by and for d/Deaf and Disabled people. You will need your Nimbus ID number to apply for access facilities including PA/Companion Tickets – if you don’t already have a Nimbus Access Card click here.

If your Nimbus Access Card or Boardmasters Digital Access Pass indicates the essential companion requirement, you will automatically be allocated a PA/ Companion ticket at no additional cost. Once we’ve confirmed your Access Request Form, you will be sent a link to add this to your existing order free of charge. 

Click here to complete the Boardmasters Access Request Form

If you need different people to assume the role of your PA/Companion throughout the festival, please indicate this on the Boardmasters Access Request Form in the additional comments section.

Companions must be aged 16 or over. The essential companion must be willing and able to perform all requirements as needed by the registered access customer including in the unlikely event of an evacuation or other emergency. 

Accessible Car Parking Pass

With this pass, you will have access to a dedicated Accessible Car Park onsite. This is located next to the accessible campsite.

Blue Badge holder OR Have a Level-Access symbol on your Nimbus ID? 

Accessible parking passes are free to Blue Badge holders and customers with Level Access requirements, indicated by a wheelchair symbol on your Nimbus ID. Complete the Boardmasters Access Request Form to let us know about your requirements.

For all other accessible car park requests, you will need to have purchased one of our parking passes either Premium Onsite Parking or General Parking (Park & Ride) before requesting to park here. 

Click here to buy one of these options. If you’ve already got tickets you can add this to your existing order.

Please note: Accessible car parking spaces are limited and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis for approval. If your request has not been approved, please revert to your purchased parking pass location.

Terms:

• Accessible parking is limited to 1 parking pass per accessible customer.
• Blue badge holders do not automatically qualify for accessible parking, this must be requested via the following section of the form.
• If you have purchased a festival ticket which includes a complimentary parking pass, you will need to manually add this to your existing order (at no additional cost). Once confirmed, complete the following section of this form.
• By way of clarification, friends and family arriving in separate vehicles will not be able to park in the accessible car park and will need to park in the general car parks.

We will then send you an accessible car parking pass closer to the festival date. 

Our Accessible Campsite is reserved for confirmed 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.

Facilities Include:

• Bring your own tent and pitch up in our dedicated Accessible Campsite.
  • You can also upgrade your stay by purchasing one of our accommodation add-ons. If you would like to stay in the accessible campsite you can request for your accommodation to be positioned here via the access request form (subject to availability).
• Dedicated Entrance & Box Office. 
• Reception team
• Dedicated welfare hub with 24hr staff presence.
• Accessible Toilets & Showers.
• Lowered Drinking Water Points.
• Access to food and drink traders.
• High Dependency Changing Unit.
• 24 hour Covered Charging Point – for mobility scooters and medical facilities. Whilst this facility is supervised, it is not secured by the festival and therefore left at your own risk. Unless you have arranged this in advance, we are unable to provide power to non-essential medical equipment. 
• Fridge for Medication Storage. 
• Access Info Point.

Please note: We cannot provide power directly to tents for medical facilities such as CPAP machines. We are a greenfield and all power is temporary so we cannot guarantee a constant source of power that will not cut out.

Accessible Pre-Pitched & Boutique Accommodation Adjustment 

Purchase your Pre-Pitched / Boutique accommodation upgrade in addition to your Boardmasters Festival camping ticket.

You can request to pitch up in the accessible camping field by letting us know on your Access Request Form or getting in touch via email so we can make arrangements for this adjustment. 

Please note this must be requested in advance, unfortunately we are unable to fulfil these on the day.

Accessible Live-in Accommodation Adjustment

Purchase your live-in vehicle accommodation pass (power options available) in addition to your Boardmasters Festival camping ticket.

You can request to pitch up in the accessible camping field by letting us know on your Access Request Form or getting in touch via email so we can make arrangements for this adjustment.

You will be allocated a 8m x 6m pitch. 

Please note this must be requested in advance, unfortunately we are unable to fulfil these on the day.

If you are staying in the access campsite, you are permitted to camp in a group of up to 3 adults (including the registered access customer and PA/ Companion, plus their dependent children) per registered access customer. 

Medical & Welfare Centre

Our medical and welfare teams are located in the Main Arena and campsites. If you feel unwell, have had an accident or need a safe space our centres have a number of medical professionals available to provide the appropriate care and response. They are a team of experienced, non-judgemental people who can give confidential advice. 

Our welfare team’s primary role is to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone on site, no issue is too big or too small just simply visit their tent on site and they will be happy to help.They are not there to make judgements or get you in trouble. Their service is confidential so you can be honest with them about any problems you are experiencing and they will do their best to help you. 

If you require additional information please get in touch. 

Viewing Platforms & Viewing Areas 

Viewing Platforms and Areas are reserved solely for access customers and their PA/ Companion. Please be considerate of guests who may require use of this platform during busy periods. Companions may be asked to move to the back or the sides of the platform to allow space for everyone who needs to sit down to see. 

Accessible Viewing Platforms are built to a specific capacity. Once this capacity has been reached, you won’t be guaranteed a spot, and you will be added to the waiting list. Please listen and respect the instructions of the security and stewarding teams. They are there to help you and ensure your safety.  

Viewing Platforms & Areas will be controlled by wristbands, checked by stewards upon entry to the area. To access the platform you must: 

1. Be a pre-approved Accessible Customer wearing your Accessible Viewing Platform wristband (indicated by a Level Access symbol on your Nimbus ID). This is requested via the Access Request Form and exchanged for a wristband when you arrive onsite.  
2. Be the PA/ Companion of a registered Accessible Customer wearing your PA/Companion accreditation. 

Viewing Platforms Include:  

• Raised viewing platform.
• Unisex wheelchair accessible toilet.
• Wheelchair charging point. 
• Seating 

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.

Hearing Loops

Hearing loops are installed at the main entrances to the festival, at Day Ticket and Weekend Camping Ticket entrances as well as the Accessible Campsite Box Office. 

Sensory Calm Space

Our sensory calm space is a dedicated tent designed to provide a calm environment for our neurodiverse audience (eg. autistic or ADHD) who may be feeling overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the festival. Offering a soothing retreat from the loud noises, large crowds and bright lights, visit the team and they’ll do their best to help. 

Wheelchair accessible toilets are located at every toilet block throughout the festival. They can also be found next to all accessible viewing platforms / viewing areas at stages and venues. Please visit the ‘Viewing Platforms & Viewing Areas’ tab for more information. 

All our accessible toilets have been fitted with a RADAR lock. We encourage you to bring your own RADAR key from home, or borrow one from the Access Info Point for a £10 deposit – which is reimbursed to you after the event and once you’ve returned the key. Please don’t allow friends and family to borrow your RADAR key as this results in long queues for those who require this facility. 

Assistance dogs are welcome at Boardmasters. Customers who are considering bringing an assistance dog to the festival will be approved following the requirement indicated on your Nimbus Access Card or Boardmasters Digital Access Pass. Please follow the guidelines below: 

1. Assistance Dogs must be wearing a working jacket when operating in the Main Arena. 
2. Owners are responsible for their dog’s behaviour and for disposing of waste appropriately. We’ll update you on the location of the dedicated spending area soon. 

Please note: Boardmasters reserves the right to turn away dogs that don’t comply with this process or meet the requirements of an Assistance Animal. 

Please be advised that performances across all stages may feature strobe lighting, pyrotechnics and other special effects to create an immersive and dynamic experience.  This could potentially trigger seizures in individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or other light sensitivities. 

For your safety and comfort, it is important for attendees to be aware of their presence, take the necessary precautions or consult a medical professional prior to your arrival if you are at all concerned. 

Please note: Due to the nature of this, prior notice will not be given before use.

Boardmasters is located on a green-field site, including the Main Arena and Campsites. As a result, there are a number of small to moderate hills and gradients within the perimeter of the festival. If we experience adverse weather conditions, ground conditions can become poor due to water saturation. For more information on the ground topography see the ‘Site Layout & Grounds’ Tab.

All of our shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible, please speak to a member of staff if you require assistance.

Please note: We do not provide a buggy service for customers to travel around the site.

Access Information Pack

A downloadable Access Information Pack will be sent out via email ahead of the event to all confirmed applicants who have completed our Access Request Form. This will include arrival / departure information, distances around site, access maps, information on facilities and more. 

We recommend you also download the Boardmasters app. Here you’ll find set times and essential festival updates as well as being able to access the interactive map – with a dedicated ‘accessible’ filter to see facilities around the site. 

Food & Drink

There will be a variety of food options available at the festival which cater to individual food preferences and allergies – including Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan.

A full list of food vendors will be available via the Boardmasters app so you can browse and plan ahead. If you’re unsure we recommend you speak to the vendor staff and they will recommend suitable options for you. 

If for any medical reason you require bringing your own food or non-alcoholic beverages into the Main Arena due, please include details of your access requirements in your Access Request Form or email us

Chairs & Seating

For health and safety reasons, we do not allow camping chairs or inflatables into the Main Arena. There are plenty of areas to sit at the event . 

It it is an essential medical requirement that you bring your own seating, please include this in your Access Request Form or get in contact. 

We appreciate this page may not cover everything you need to know or wish to know about the event. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Access Team. 

Email: [email protected]

Please note: We are a small team. We aim to respond to all email enquiries within 7 working days, however this can take longer during busy periods. 

On show days, our email will not be monitored as frequently as we’ll be working operationally on-site. Once you arrive at the event, speak to a steward, security or member of the Access Team for assistance and they’ll do their best to help.