Boardmasters 2026 reveals its plans for a bigger Cornwall festival

The surf competition that started it all is getting a serious upgrade for 2026, and it is one of a long list of changes Boardmasters has just announced. Organisers have set out new food venues, more camping choices, a first ever family area and an expanded wellness programme, all built around the Cornish coast. Festival Director Rob Spring put Cornwall at the centre of it. “Everything starts with Cornwall,” Rob said. “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.”

📷Credit: Jason Feast

A bigger year for the surf at Fistral

At the heart of Boardmasters is the sport that inspired it more than four decades ago, and the competition is taking a notable step up. For 2026 the event moves from a World Surf League QS2000 to a QS4000.

That upgrade doubles the ranking points on offer at Fistral Beach, which makes Boardmasters a more important stop on the European qualifying circuit. The bigger points haul is expected to draw stronger international fields. It also gives competitors a more valuable result towards qualification for the Challenger Series, including local surfer Lukas Skinner. For Lukas and others chasing that next level, a strong week at Fistral now carries far more weight than before.

📷Credit: Adam Lievesley

Cornwall’s food culture takes centre stage

Food keeps growing as part of the Boardmasters experience, with a focus on quality and local suppliers across the site.

Cliff Top will host an expanded line-up of premium and local traders showcasing flavours from Cornwall and further afield. For the first time there will also be a dedicated campsite restaurant offering sit-down dining, giving guests a new way to relax and refuel between sets. Joining the mix is Dome, a brand new food destination bringing together a curated collection of independent food brands into venues built for discovery and socialising.

📷Credit: Adam Lievesley

New workshops and a first family area

Building on its arts programming, the festival is adding more hands-on workshops for all ages, inspired by Cornwall’s environment and creative community. One highlight is a Whales in Watercolour session led by local artist Holly from Wild and Wave, where people learn watercolour techniques while painting their own humpback whale. There are also ocean-inspired Resin Art workshops where festival-goers can make bespoke pieces shaped by the Cornish coastline.

For the first time Boardmasters will run a dedicated Family Area, a space designed for all generations to take part in creative activities and enjoy a more relaxed festival together.

📷Credit: Josh Harkon

Ocean conservation, told through art

As part of its ongoing partnership with Oceana, Boardmasters is making The View the home of its ocean conservation storytelling for 2026.

A series of striking fabric artworks created by students and young people from Cornwall, in collaboration with Falmouth University, will be shown across The View. The installations celebrate Cornwall’s connection to the sea while raising awareness of the need to protect it for future generations.

Keg and Pasty gets a new home

One of the most-loved venues, Keg and Pasty, has been reimagined with a new home and a fresh look inside Cliff Top. It returns with a packed bill of comedy, emerging artists and 80s karaoke. Its Thursday takeover, Keg & Pastonbury, is back too, bringing a full evening of cover bands to kick off the weekend.

More choice across the campsites

The camping offer is getting a range of upgrades. A new Premium Campsite Village brings Pre-Pitched Camping and Boutique Camping together in one area, with access to wellness treatments, a restaurant and a lounge for downtime. Families get a new option in Chilled Family Camping, a quieter area set aside for them to enjoy the festival together.

📷Credit: Adam Lievesley

Ways to move, recharge and reset

The wellness and sports side has grown for 2026 too. New additions include movement classes, Box Fit sessions, saunas and ice baths, delivered with local South West businesses, giving attendees a way to balance the big nights with time to recover.

By pulling together world-class surfing, music, food, art, wellness and community, Boardmasters says 2026 will be its most immersive edition yet. For Lukas Skinner and the rest of the field heading to Fistral, the stakes have just gone up.

📷Credit: Matt Eachus

📷Credit: Matt Eachus

📷Credit: Jason Feast

📷Credit: Sam Mcmahon

📷Credit: Matt Eachus

📷Credit: Adam Lievesley

📷Credit: Josh Harkon

📷Credit: Adam Lievesley

📷Credit: Josh Harkon

📷Credit: Matt Eachus

📷Credit: Josh Harkon

📷Credit: Will Bailey

📷Credit: Will Bailey

📷Credit: Will Bailey

📷Credit: Will Bailey