Boardmasters 2025 Returns with Enhanced Safety and Revamped Festival Layout

With Boardmasters 2025 kicking off this Wednesday 6th August, organisers have revealed a host of changes aimed at transforming the festival experience – and strengthening safety across the board.

The five-day event, which returns to Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach in Newquay, promises not only a refreshed layout and new creative zones, but also some of the most comprehensive safety plans in the festival’s history.

A Safer, Stronger Festival for 2025

The Boardmasters team have spent the last year working closely with Cornwall Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, and the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to deliver what they describe as a “robust plan” for public safety.

This year’s preparations have gone beyond the standard annual collaboration. New sub-groups were formed covering everything from Coastal Safety and Medical Planning, to Security, Safeguarding and Local Infrastructure.

As part of these changes, Boardmasters 2025 will feature:

• A restructured layout with improved crowd flow

• More high-vis security patrols day and night

• Additional search lanes to speed up entry

• Expanded 24/7 support and campsite hub connectivity

• New free Wi-Fi zones across the site

Medical points in the main arena and campsites will be staffed around the clock by A&E doctors, nurses, paramedics and more. Organisers say these professionals aim to treat most cases on-site to ease pressure on local NHS services.

There will also be a strong focus on welfare and safeguarding. The Welfare Team and SARSAS will return, offering confidential specialist support for anyone dealing with harassment, sexual assault or domestic abuse. A safeguarding team, trained officers and mental health practitioners will be available 24 hours a day. The festival has also established nine fully staffed campsite hubs acting as direct links into festival management.

Andrew Topham, Founder and CEO of Boardmasters, said:
“Boardmasters remain saddened by the isolated incident in 2024. Delivering a safe and well-organised festival is our highest priority, and we are proud of the rigorous months of planning, sub-groups and close collaboration between Boardmasters, Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council and our other authority partners to ensure that this year’s event meets the highest standards. Boardmasters are grateful for the ongoing support and cooperation of our authority partners.”

Reviving Cultural Roots and Surfing Spirit

Boardmasters 2025 is about more than just safety. This year’s edition is being described by organisers as a reimagining of the entire festival experience, with a stronger focus on Boardmasters’ cultural heritage dating back to 1981.

Changes at the Watergate Bay site include:

• A refined layout with more immersive spaces

• New stages and reimagined zones for creativity

• Expanded entertainment with talks, workshops and wellness offerings

• A return of the much-loved skate ramp to the Headland

• The Boardmasters OPEN surf competition back at Fistral Beach

Boardmasters is also catering to the growing demand for upgraded experiences. Festivalgoers can expect new destination dining options, a central hub at the campsite village and other premium offerings that organisers say still retain the “coastal, carefree spirit” of the event.

Superintendent Ben Asprey from Devon and Cornwall Police commented:
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone attending the festival can enjoy themselves in a safe and secure environment. We have worked collaboratively with Boardmasters and a number of partner agencies in order to prioritise public safety. We welcome the improvements made and are confident they will support the safety and wellbeing of all festivalgoers.”

Dawn Grant, Boardmasters Safeguarding Lead, added:
“Boardmasters put in months of planning to prioritise creating a safe, supportive environment where all young people can enjoy the festival confidently. We understand that some younger customers chose Boardmasters as their first festival and we want their experience to be a positive one… We take our duty of care seriously and proactively share information directly with young people through school tours and with parents and guardians via industry-leading webinars.”

Ashley Mann, Operations Manager for Cornwall & Isles of Scilly at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Public safety is our top priority, and we’re proud to be working closely with Boardmasters organisers, Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council and other authority partners to deliver a well-coordinated response plan. These enhanced safety measures mean our crews will be ready to respond quickly and effectively should the need arise, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending.”

Newquay Station Manager for Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, Joshua Jones, said:
“We have been working closely with Boardmasters organisers to ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are in place. The event has a good track record for fire safety, and we will be actively involved throughout, working alongside their firefighting team. Our presence will help ensure we are fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any fire emergencies that may arise.”

Boardmasters 2025 takes place from 6th to 10th August and is expected to draw thousands to Cornwall’s coast.

For more information, including travel advice and safety guidelines, visit the Boardmasters website and their social media channels.