Boardmasters Launches New Competition for South West Artists to Play Main Stage

One Cornish Festival Slot Could Change a Local Artist’s Career

Imagine opening the Main Stage at Boardmasters in front of thousands of festival-goers, with your set professionally filmed and shared across the festival’s channels. For one South West artist this summer, that’s about to become very real.

What’s on offer

Boardmasters has opened applications for Boardmasters Breaking, a new competition giving emerging artists from the South West the chance to perform on the Main Stage at this year’s festival. The competition is open to vocalists, bands, DJs and artists of any genre or age, with one rule on eligibility: entrants must be from, or based in, the South West.

The winner picks up an opening slot on the Main Stage on Sunday 9th August, plus full weekend festival access with a +1 per performer. They’ll also get into the Artist Area on the Sunday, walk away with professionally shot content from their performance, a dedicated feature on CLUNK Magazine‘s Instagram, and a dedicated announcement across Boardmasters’ social channels.

How the winner gets picked

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by the Boardmasters team, with the final winner chosen by BBC Introducing. The lucky act will be revealed on Monday 25th May.

When and where

Boardmasters returns to Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach in Newquay from 5th to 9th August 2026, bringing its mix of music and surf to the Cornish coastline. The festival site spans clifftop views, multiple arenas and world-class surf competitions, alongside wellness, creative and community programming.

Who’s playing this year

The 2026 line-up features Lily Allen, Fatboy Slim, Kasabian, The Kooks, Loyle Carner, Rudimental, REN, Tash Sultana, Joy Crookes, Jacob Alon and Lambrini Girls, with more acts to be announced. WSL surf competitions also return as part of the festival’s beachside programme.

Applications for Boardmasters Breaking are open now.