Boardmasters 2026: what police want you to know in Newquay

Tens of thousands of people are about to pour into Newquay for one of the biggest weeks in Cornwall’s summer, and the officers of Devon & Cornwall Police will be arriving right alongside them. Before the first act takes to the stage at Boardmasters 2026, the force has set out how it plans to keep everyone safe, and the handful of simple things it wants festival goers to do for themselves.

Officers on site, on the roads and in town

Devon & Cornwall Police has been working with the festival’s organisers and partner agencies for some time to keep the event running smoothly. Police Commander Superintendent Vicky Howell said her team had been in regular contact with Boardmasters organisers and partners, “working together to support a safe and enjoyable festival for all those who have bought tickets”.

“Boardmasters is a huge event, a real highlight of the summer calendar, and one which brings people from all over the country to Newquay during what is already an incredibly busy time of year,” she said.

Officers will be posted at the festival itself, out on the roads and in the town centre. Vicky Howell said the aim was to keep both festival goers and local residents safe and to keep crime to an absolute minimum.

“Our officers will be visible throughout the festival so please speak to us if you have an issue, or even just come up and say hi. We are always happy to chat,” she said.

The force has put dedicated resources in place for the event so that normal policing across the wider area will not be disrupted while the festival is on.

Vicky Howell had a firmer word for anyone thinking of causing trouble. “While our officers will do everything they can to safeguard those who attend Boardmasters, those who see fit to act in a criminal manner will be dealt with swiftly and robustly,” she said. She added that everyone heading to the site should take basic precautions and look out for each other while respecting the local community.

The safety advice police want you to read first

Most of what keeps a festival weekend from going wrong comes down to a few basic habits. Police are asking everyone at Boardmasters to keep these in mind.

See it, Say It, Stop It. If you see something that does not feel right or makes you uncomfortable, report it. Speak to the nearest steward, security staff member or police officer, or head to one of the festival’s welfare tents. They are in the main arena and the campsites, and they are open 24 hours a day.

Never leave your drink unattended, even a soft drink. If you think your drink has been spiked, or that you have been spiked in any other way, go to the nearest welfare tent or speak to a member of festival staff such as security or an Oxfam steward. Police suggest reading the spiking FAQs on the Boardmasters website before you travel down.

Keep valuables out of your tent and your car. There are thefts from tents every year, so do not leave anything worth taking in yours. Check your car daily, and leave the glove compartment empty and open.

Keep your phone, cash and cards on you, even at night. Boardmasters is a cashless festival, so bars, food trucks and traders only take card payments. There is no need to bring a large amount of cash with you.

Take the “anti” away from anti-social. Drink responsibly and put your own safety and everyone else’s first. Shouting, swearing and loud music can frighten or distress the people around you. If you need help or advice and are not sure who to ask, find security, stewards or police on site or around Newquay.

Sex without consent is rape. No ifs, no buts, no excuses. There is no consent if agreement has been forced or coerced rather than given freely, or if someone is impaired through drink or drugs, or is not conscious. Anyone who needs help or advice can find it at dc.police.uk/consent.

How to report a problem

If you are a victim of crime at the festival, tell an on-site steward, a member of security or a police officer straight away. The welfare tents in the main arena and campsites are open around the clock for anyone who needs them.

Away from an emergency, a crime or incident can be reported through the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.