Boardmasters 2025 Reports Drop in Anti-Social Behaviour and No Confirmed Spiking Cases

As Boardmasters 2025 wrapped up, organisers reported a major step forward in safety and wellbeing, with figures showing a sharp drop in anti-social behaviour and no confirmed spiking incidents recorded at this year’s event.

Big Improvements in Safety

Independent data and reports from frontline partners confirmed that, despite claims and misinformation on social media, spiking was not a prevalent issue. Over the past two years, no reported cases have been confirmed at the festival.

In 2024, 55 suspected spiking incidents were reported, all of which later tested negative. This year, that number fell to 14, with all tested on site by expert teams returning negative results for substances associated with spiking.

Most medical and welfare visits were linked to alcohol, with fewer cases related to illicit substances. Medical centre visits dropped from 2.65% of attendees in 2024 to 1.79% in 2025, and there were no hospitalisations across the weekend.

Devon & Cornwall Police Inspector for Newquay, Steve Johnson, said:

“This year we saw a reduction in the number of incidents reported to police in relation to Boardmasters, with a total of six arrests made. In both the planning phase and during the festival we worked closely with partner agencies to create and implement robust plans which promoted a safe and smooth-running event for those attending and for the local community. I’d like to thank the officers, festival staff and all the partners who played a part in bringing those plans together and delivering a safe event.”

Working Towards Long-Term Change

Boardmasters CEO Andrew Topham praised the progress while stressing that even one incident is too many:

“While one incident is always one too many, this reduction shows that the work we do, alongside our partners, is making a real difference. We remain committed to creating a space where everyone, of all ages, can enjoy the festival safely and respectfully, and doing everything we can to prevent harm whilst supporting those affected. As a festival, we are keen to collaborate with the wider events industry to explore how we can collectively address the root causes of harmful behaviour, develop initiatives at scale and create long-term positive impact. At the same time, we will continue to invest in on-site support services, ensuring every attendee has access to the care, guidance, and protection they need while at the festival.”

Specialist Support on Site

SARSAS CEO Lorri Weaving highlighted the value of the festival’s welfare services:

“SARSAS is proud to be part of the welfare team at Boardmasters, providing expert, trauma-informed support for anyone who needs it. We ensure that everyone is offered choice around their options and compassionate support by our experienced team, whether they have experienced any kind of sexual assault or harassment, either at the festival or at another time in their life. While no large event can ever completely remove the risk of harmful behaviour, what matters is how organisers prepare and respond. By putting dedicated, expert support in place, Boardmasters demonstrates that it takes the safety and wellbeing of its attendees seriously. In our experience, they invest real care and meaningful resources into looking out for young people and fostering an inclusive and respectful atmosphere. We believe all festivals should follow this example.”

Reduced Incidents Across the Board

This year saw a notable drop in recorded sexual assaults per attendee compared to 2024, with figures verified by Devon & Cornwall Police, safeguarding specialists, SARSAS and welfare teams. All reported improved conditions and fewer interventions.

Boardmasters continues to take a zero-tolerance stance on anti-social behaviour, removing anyone found to be acting in breach of its guidelines.

Safety Measures and Education

The festival’s safety efforts extend beyond the event itself, with year-round education programmes. Boardmasters runs webinars for parents and guardians on topics such as alcohol, sexual activity and accessing help, as well as school workshops in partnership with Schools Consent Project and It Happens Education.

On site, there is 24-hour static and roaming security, high-vis patrols, Oxfam stewards, hospital-level medical care with A&E doctors, nurses and paramedics, mental health practitioners, safeguarding professionals and a dedicated 24-hour SARSAS team. Nine staffed campsite hubs are available for attendees to access services.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the 2025 success in mind, Boardmasters is already planning to expand its safety measures for next year’s event, which will run from 5th–9th August 2026.