Boardmasters has confirmed that its capacity and operational hours will remain unchanged for the 2026 festival, following the formal submission of its licensing application to Cornwall Council. The festival is set to return to its dual home of Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach from 5th – 9th August 2026.
This decision means the festival will welcome 58,000 people to the site next summer, a figure comprising 53,000 ticket holders and 5,000 staff and performers. The announcement follows a rejected bid last year to increase capacity to 66,000 due to safety concerns, leading organisers to stick with the existing, approved numbers for the upcoming event.
While the core footprint and hours remain the same for 2026, organisers have submitted a request to extend the Main Stage finish time to 23:00 BST on Thursdays, starting from 2027. If approved, this change would eventually replace the traditional Thursday night silent disco on the main stage.
Current noise limits are also being reviewed as part of the application. The festival is proposing “strong safeguards” to manage the difference between early and late-evening noise levels while minimizing disturbance to the local community.
A 28-day public consultation will begin on 12th January 2026. A community meeting is also scheduled for 18:00 on 14th January at the Boardmasters Beach Bar, giving local residents a chance to discuss the plans directly with organisers.
The decision to maintain current capacity levels reflects a continued focus on safety and community relations. Boardmasters reported a significant drop in crime and anti-social behaviour at the 2025 event, with zero confirmed spiking incidents and only six arrests across the weekend.
Organisers stated their focus remains on “maintaining a safe, well-managed and experience-led event,” while ensuring the impact on local residents is carefully managed.
Despite the steady operational approach, fans can look forward to a massive musical programme, with over 50 acts revealed in the first wave announcement. Electronic icon Fatboy Slim and indie-rock heavyweights Kasabian have been confirmed as headliners, joined by Loyle Carner, Rudimental, and The Kooks.
Other notable bookings include Welsh artist Ren making his festival debut, and multi-instrumentalist Tash Sultana playing an England festival exclusive. The festival has also introduced an “Afternoon Special Guests” slot, featuring Dizzee Rascal (Friday), Example (Saturday), and Tinie Tempah (Sunday).
Tickets are currently on sale, with 5 Day Camping passes starting from £279 plus booking fees. 4 Day Camping is available from £269, while 3 Day Camping starts at £259. A second wave of artists is expected to be announced at the end of December.
Image credits:
Matt Eachus
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