Boardmasters Submits 2026 Licence Application With No Capacity Changes

Published On: 19 December 2025Last Updated: 19 December 2025By CornishStuff

Boardmasters has published details of its licensing application for the 2026 festival, confirming there are no plans to increase capacity, expand the site, or change existing hours or activities.

The application has now been submitted to Cornwall Council and relates to the long term planning of the event, which takes place at Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach.

No Change to Capacity or Site Layout

The festival will remain at its existing daily capacity of 58,000 people. This includes 53,000 ticket holders and 5,000 staff and performers.

There are no proposed changes to the current site layout or overall festival footprint. Existing permitted hours and licensable activities will also remain the same, with no changes to the types of activities or their timings.

Boardmasters has confirmed that this continuity is intended to ensure the event remains predictable, well planned and respectful of its surroundings.

📷Credit: Adam Lievesley

Limited Adjustments Proposed

A small number of changes are included in the application. These focus on increasing existing technical noise limits while keeping strict controls in place to prevent public nuisance. Safeguards would remain, including maintaining the difference between earlier and later evening noise levels.

Any changes to noise arrangements would continue to be discussed with Environmental Health and specialist advisers.

The application also includes a request for permission for the Main Stage to run until 11pm on Thursdays from 2027 onwards only. This would not apply to the 2026 festival.

All extended activity would remain subject to noise controls and would not permit nuisance off site.

📷Credit: kiwimcmc

Acts Already Announced for 2026

The 2026 festival has already announced more than 50 acts, including Kasabian, Fatboy Slim and Loyle Carner. A second wave of artist announcements is expected at the end of the month.

Community Engagement and Consultation

Following the licence application submission on Monday 12th January 2026, a 28 day public consultation period will begin.

A Community Meeting is scheduled for 6pm on 14th January at the Boardmasters Beach Bar. Residents and stakeholders will be able to view the full application on Cornwall Council’s website once the consultation opens.

Boardmasters has said it will continue engaging with local residents, businesses and community stakeholders throughout the consultation period and will share updates as the process continues.

📷Credit: Matt Eachus(TheMancPhotographer)

Ongoing Community and Economic Support

The festival has reiterated its commitment to supporting Cornwall’s economy through seasonal jobs, opportunities for local contractors, and protecting the coastline and surrounding environment.

It also continues to operate the Boardmasters Foundation, established in 2017. The foundation has raised more than £700,000 since it began, supporting hundreds of local charities, schools, businesses and community groups. A newer partnership with Cornwall Community Foundation aims to strengthen how funding reaches groups in Newquay and across Cornwall.