Boardmasters 2025 Traffic Management Plan Announced

Boardmasters has confirmed significant updates to its 2025 traffic management plan, with key changes aimed at keeping roads clear and reducing disruption around Newquay and Watergate Bay as festivalgoers begin to arrive.

One-Way Systems and Diversions Begin This Week

The main objective this year is to keep traffic flowing smoothly, particularly during peak arrival and departure times. A larger traffic management provision has been introduced, alongside new one-way systems and targeted road closures.

From Wednesday 6th to Thursday 7th August, a one-way system will be in place both on-site and on surrounding roads. This system will operate from 06:00 to 00:00 each day. It returns for the festival exit phase on:

• Sunday 10th August from 18:00 to 03:00

• Monday 11th August from 08:00 to 14:00

As part of the changes, vehicles will not be allowed to turn left out of Priory Road and Rialton Road onto the A3059 towards the festival site. Instead, traffic will be diverted down to Nansledan Roundabout, then to Quintrell Downs Roundabout and on to Halloon Roundabout.

These diversion times will be active during:

• Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th August: 08:00 – 04:00

• Sunday 10th August: 18:00 – 03:00

• Monday 11th August: 08:00 – 14:00

The plan has been developed in collaboration with Cornwall Council Highways and Streetworks Teams, Devon and Cornwall Police, National Highways, and local transport providers.

Watergate Road Closures for Crowd Safety

Watergate Road (B3276) will see closures under an Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO), implemented for crowd safety during the festival period. The affected stretch runs from Porth (Alexandra Road at Lewarne Road junction) through to the junction of Watergate Bay and Trevarrian Hill.

Closures will be active during the following times:

• Wednesday 6th August: 06:00 – 04:00 (Thursday)

• Thursday 7th August: 09:00 – 04:00 (Friday)

• Friday 8th August: 09:00 – 04:00 (Saturday)

• Saturday 9th August: 09:00 – 04:00 (Sunday)

• Sunday 10th August: 09:00 – 04:00 (Monday)

• Monday 11th August: 04:00 – 14:00 (or earlier depending on traffic flow)

No Boardmaster Resident Passes Required

Residents and those visiting local businesses or properties within the affected areas will still be able to access their destinations as normal. Traffic marshals will be on hand to guide those with a specific address or purpose in the area. However, anyone else will need to follow the signed one-way systems in place.

Boardmasters is urging all local road users to adhere to the diversion signage to help reduce congestion and keep things moving. There will be no resident pass or permit scheme for this year’s event.

Why It Matters

The Boardmasters traffic scheme has been created with input from multiple agencies, based on lessons from the 2024 event. By taking greater control over roads near the site, organisers hope to reduce the impact on the local community and avoid bottlenecks on the area’s arterial routes.

Festivalgoers, commuters, and residents are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time if travelling through the Newquay and Watergate Bay areas from Wednesday 6th August through to Monday 11th August.