Boardmasters 2024 Essential Guide

key info

• Opening Times – click HERE
• Shuttle Bus info – click HERE
• Maps – click HERE
• Download the brand new Boardmasters App on Apple or Android for set times and essential info!

What to pack?

Maybe it’s your first festival and you’re not sure what to take? Don’t worry, we’re here to help with our handy packing guide, letting you know everything you should (and shouldn’t) be taking with you…

✅ Your tickets. Make sure you have them either printed out or ready on your phone

✅ Bank card – our bars and traders are cashless

✅ Your ID – which must be a drivers licence, passport or other PASS ID. It must be in date, and we don’t accept photocopies or pictures.

✅ A reusable water bottle. Lots of you have been asking if you can bring single use bottles. We’d really rather you help us #LeaveOnlyFootprints and bring a reusable one.

✅ A GOOD quality tent. Let’s be honest, the weather hasn’t been great this Summer. Bring a good tent that’s not going to leak. Not a cheap, pop-up one.

✅ Sleeping bag, pillow and a torch.

✅ Clothes for all weathers. Wellies, boots, hoodies, rain jacket as well as your trainers etc. It can get pretty chilly at night – make sure you have some layers.

✅ Suncream.

✅ Contraception.

✅ Medications – Don’t forgot to refill any prescriptions now and pack and take these with you. It’s a good idea to take a blank prescription with you in the event that you lose your medication, it will be easier to get this replaced.

✅ Mini first aid kit with plasters, paracetamol, anti-histamines (if you need them), insect repellent

✅ If you use technology to manage your health e.g. continuous glucose monitoring, please make sure you have another way of doing so just in case. If you need help on site, go to the medical centre in either our main arena or campsites.

✅ Portable phone charger or book one with Charge Candy

Don’t forget, there’s some things you can’t bring with you. See our prohibited items list here 

HAVE YOU PLANNED HOW TO GET HERE?

CAMPING AT BOARDMASTERS?

🚍 If you’re traveling by coach, you’ll be dropped off at our Boardmasters Coach Station. Easy!

🚘 Getting dropped off? Follow directional signs for GREEN/A3059. You’ll see these as you get near to Newquay.

Our drop off area is a short walk from Malibu, Waimea and Lakeys campsites. See our campsite map.

Please do not go to WHITE/PARK & RIDE. Drop off and pick up is not available in this car park.

🚙 Parking for the weekend? If you’ve already booked premium on site parking – follow GREEN/A3059 signs.

If you haven’t, it’s SOLD OUT. Head to our brand new Park & Ride for easy access to the festival. Follow signs for WHITE/Park & Ride as you get near to Newquay.

🚂 Travelling by Train? Hop on a shuttle bus to the show! Prices and operating times can be found below.

JOINING US FOR THE DAY?

🚍 If you’re traveling by coach, you’ll be dropped off at our Boardmasters Coach Station. Easy!

🚘 Getting dropped off? Follow directional signs for GREEN/A3059. You’ll see these as you get near to Newquay.

Please do not go to WHITE/PARK & RIDE. Drop off and pick up is not available in this car park.

🚙 Parking for the day? Head to our brand new Park & Ride for easy access to the festival. Follow signs for WHITE/Park & Ride as you get near to Newquay.  We don’t have any day parking available at the festival.

🚂 Travelling by Train? Hop on a shuttle bus to the show! Prices and operating times can be found below.

Read our Travel page for more info and FAQs. 

FESTIVAL SAFE

Our friends at Festival Safe have some fantastic guides to help you make the most of your festival:

• First Timers
• Be Prepared
• Camping
• Wellbeing

OUR DRUGS & PROHIBITED ITEMS POLICY

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.

#BeSafeBeSound

Like all major events and festivals, we have measures in place to keep you safe:

• Be patient with security checks and don’t give security, staff or stewards a hard time. It might seem inconvenient, but these measures are in place to help you.
• It is essential that you don’t bring unnecessary items to the event; this will help to speed up searches and your entry to the event.
• If you spot someone acting suspiciously, report it to police or to security staff immediately: don’t leave it to someone else.
• In an emergency, if you think there is an immediate risk, always call 999 and look around you for help from staff – especially those with radios who can raise the alarm quickly.
• Don’t leave bags unattended or anywhere they could cause a security scare. And never agree to look after anyone else’s bags, no matter how genuine they seem.
• If there is an incident, listen to staff and any announcements.
• Remember, the chance of being caught in a terrorism incident is small. But if it happens – Run, Hide, Tell.

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF

• Only bring essential items
• Mark your property – put your postcode on your belongings, including your tent. This will significantly reduce any risk of theft and increase the chance of return if found!
• If you choose to carry cash and valuables, don’t keep them all in the same place!
• We are a cashless festival, so please make sure you have your funds loaded onto a card
• If you lose something, please check at lost property first – located HERE incase the item has been handed in. Lost Property opening times are Wed 12:00 – 21:00, Thurs – Sun 0700 – 2100, Mon 0700 – 12:00.
• If you think something has been stolen, report online HERE or call 101 from any phone. Reporting via this process will generate a crime reference number.
   

Look out for each other #GoodVibesOnly

• Everyone should be able to have fun and express themselves at Boardies so we ask you to embrace our #GoodVibesOnly.  
• It should go without saying, but harassment, racism or abuse of any kind have no place at Boardies.  
• If you see someone behaving disrespectfully, please speak to a steward or member of security.  

Be Kind

Be Part Of The Boardies Crew

The Boardies crew…love the ocean, music, Cornwall and the people who make the festival special. We respect other people and practice active consent. We appreciate and respect the power of the Ocean. 

Be a Good Friend

There are things you can do to stay safe and look after each other.  Make sure that everyone gets home safely at night and people are not left to walk back to camp on their own. If anyone in your crew does need help, we have 24 hour support with no judgement. 

Be a Helping Hand

If you see someone you don’t know, who looks like they are struggling or needs some help, ask if they are ok or alert a steward or member of event staff. We ask you to call out unacceptable behaviour.

Be Respectful

Celebrate Our Differences

We are all friends here. We welcome everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

Respect Our Community (home, staff & neighbours)

Boardmasters can’t take place without the support of people in the area, so be respectful of local residents who live near festival sites. Treat everyone with respect and remember it is somebody else’s local. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any kind of antisocial behavior.

Protect Our Home

Boardmasters was born out of our desire to give back and support the culture and surrounding communities. We are striving to leave as little an impact on the land as we possibly can.

Please Don’t wee (or worse) on the ground and never leave a tent behind.

Be Yourself

Love Who You Are

You are welcome as you are and you should treat others with the same respect. Festivals are a place to make new friends and you play a big part in making it a fun experience for all. 

Own Your Decisions

Do the usual things, drink water, wear sunscreen, bring clothes for all weathers, and use them all at the right moments! Make informed decisions and don’t overdo it.  

If you’ve taken something and you’re feeling unwell, overwhelmed or scared, head to Medical and Welfare and our teams will look after you with zero judgement. 

Remember, the welfare team is there to help you, not to tell the police.

Dance Like No One’s Watching

Remember festivals are a place to make new friends and have a great time, so dance like no one is watching, because they probably aren’t. Even if they are, who cares…

Look after yourself 

• We want you to have a great time, but please don’t put yourself at a risk of harm.  
• Please pay attention to and abide by our prohibited items list  
• If you’re found to be in possession of any prohibited items or illegal substances, you will be asked to leave the festival. 

Keep safe by the coast 

• If you’re headed to the beach during the festival, please pay attention to tide times and follow directions of lifeguards. If you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.  
• Watergate Bay is a Tidal beach. We’ll be closing the entry to the beach a few hours before the tide comes in. Missed your chance? Head to Porth Beach instead. Walking routes will be signposted at the festival. 

Check out Festival Safe 

• Festival safe has a load of info and tips to help you look after yourself at a festival. Read more here.

HAVE A GOOD TIME

Following the simple steps below will make your festival experience so much more enjoyable!

• Drink water and stay hydrated – bring a reusable water bottle or purchase a Boardmasters one from our merch stand and fill up at the many free water points around site
• Part of the fun of a festival is the unexpected, but a little bit of planning will help you avoid a Festival Fail on the weekend. Make sure you pack appropriate for the fun in the day and also to stay warm at night
• Apply suncream – this is available from Welfare and take advantage of any shaded spots around site
• Make yourself familiar with the food and drink available onsite and plan ahead if you have any specific dietary needs. You can see what food vendors will be on site in our app.
• Don’t forgot to refill any prescriptions now and pack and take these with you. It’s a good idea to take a blank prescription with you in the event that you lose your medication, it will be easier to get this replaced.
• Bring a mini first aid kit with plasters, paracetamol, anti-histamines (if you need them), insect repellent etc.
• If you use technology to manage your health e.g. continuous glucose monitoring, please make sure you have another way of doing so just in case. If you need help on site, go to the medical centre in either our main arena or campsites.
• Know your limits and those of your friends, you’ll have a much better festival if you avoid over-doing it. If you are concerned that one of your friends requires assistance, ask a steward or a member of security to help get you to a Medical or Welfare Point. You will not get into any trouble.
• Please be aware that Cornwall has only one hospital to serve the County. Please make use of our Medical or Welfare points. If you’re not staying at the festival, and it’s not a medical emergency, please contact NHS 111 first. This will help ensure you receive the right care in the right place, at the right time. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS

• Respect the coastline – do not litter or leave your rubbish behind.
• Take home great memories and your tents
• ❌ Don’t drop cigarettes or vapes on the ground. Please use vape bins provided in the arena & campsite or take them home with you. There are safety issues with the lithium batteries inside them prone to causing fires if damaged when binned in general waste or recycling. Batteries hidden inside vapes can cause fires if crushed or damaged in general recycling or waste streams. Vapes must be recycled separately at the specific bins located in the campsites and arenas, or please take them home with you.

Still have some questions? Find detailed info here