Boardmasters has officially kicked off the countdown to 2026, unveiling Fatboy Slim and Kasabian as the first headliners for the Cornish festival.
Returning to the cliffs of Newquay from 5th – 9th August 2026, the festival’s first wave announcement includes a major festival debut, a UK exclusive performance, and a new “Afternoon Special Guests” format. Organizers have also confirmed the full list of ticket prices ahead of the presale launch this Thursday.
Boardmasters 2026 Line-up Highlights
Electronic music legend Fatboy Slim and Leicester rock giants Kasabian top the bill for the first phase of announcements. They are joined on the main stage roster by The Kooks, Loyle Carner, and Rudimental.
The announcement is particularly notable for two special bookings: Ren, the Welsh singer-songwriter, will make his first-ever festival appearance, while multi-instrumentalist Tash Sultana has been confirmed for an England Festival Exclusive set.
The festival has also revealed specific day splits for its “Afternoon Special Guests,” bringing three heavyweights of the UK scene to the coast:
- Friday: Dizzee Rascal
- Saturday: Example
- Sunday: Tinie Tempah
The undercard features a mix of established names and rising stars, including Pendulum Live, James Arthur, Matt Corby, The Darkness, Goldie Live, Brooke Combe, and The Royston Club.
Beyond the Music & Surf
Boardmasters is more than just a music festival; organizers describe it as a “rugged rave on a ragged coastline.” The event spans two stunning locations: the main arena at Watergate Bay and the surfing hub at Fistral Beach.
- Surfing: The Boardmasters Open returns with the WSL Men’s & Women’s Pro and Junior Open competitions.
- Wellness: The Zennor Haven wellness area offers yoga on the cliffs, sound baths, and ice baths.
- Activities: Fans can expect “Muscle Beach” outdoor gyms, skate battles, comedy, bingo, and the famous silent disco.
- Food: A huge focus on local Cornish produce and world flavors.
Ticket Prices & Presale Info
The Presale starts at 10am on Thursday 27th November, open to those who register on the Boardmasters website before midnight on Wednesday 26th November. The General Sale will follow on Friday 28th November at 10am.
Below is the confirmed pricing structure for 2026. Please note these are “starting from” prices and exclude the Litter Bond (typically £10, refundable) and booking fees.
| Ticket Type | Entry Day | Price (From) | Coach Bundle (From) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Day Camping | Wednesday | £279 | £254 |
| 4 Day Camping | Thursday | £269 | £244 |
| 3 Day Camping | Friday | £259 | £234 |
| VIP Camping | Wednesday | £379 | £344 |
| 3 Day No Camping | Friday | £269 | N/A |
Payment plans are back, including PayPal Pay in 3 options, allowing attendees to secure their ticket with a deposit and split the balance into monthly installments starting from approximately £26 per month.
VIP Perks: VIP ticket holders gain access to the Hospitality Lounge (located in the main arena with a private bar, luxury toilets, and DJs) and benefit from Fast Track entry lanes.
Accommodation & Upgrades
For those preferring not to bring their own gear, the festival offers a range of “Boutique” and pre-pitched options:
- Pre-Pitched Tents: Prices range from £119 (Basic) to £359 (Bell Tent).
- Boutique Camping: Luxury options start at £779 for a Classic Bell Tent, rising to £2099 for a Luxury Emperor Tent.
- Live-In Vehicles: Campervan passes start from £195.
Campers can also upgrade to Family Chilled or Chilled Camping (16+) zones for a quieter experience, with upgrades starting around £35.
Essential Info
Age Restrictions: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over (one adult can supervise a maximum of two under-16s). Children aged 0-5 go free, while those aged 6-12 require a Child Ticket (from £35) and 13-15s need a Teen Ticket (from £180).
Accessibility: Boardmasters has partnered with Nimbus Disability to streamline access. Fans can link their Nimbus Access Card to apply for a free Essential Companion ticket if required.
As always, the festival takes place across two sites: the main music arena at Watergate Bay and the surfing competitions at Fistral Beach, featuring the Boardmasters Open WSL competitions.
Image credits:
Matt Eachus
Will Bailey
Disclosures: TheFestivals is funded through advertising and sometimes earns a commission on purchases made through links on this website, including in this article: None
Add as a preferred source