Boardmasters announces safety improvements ahead of festival return

With the Boardmasters festival set to get underway this week, organisers have announced what they describe as a “wealth of improvements” to public safety.

The festival says it has worked closely with partners over the last year to develop a robust plan that prioritises the wellbeing of attendees.

It follows an incident during the 2024 festival in which seven people were taken to hospital after a crowd surge during Friday night’s performances.

Organisers say the multi-agency collaboration that takes place annually in preparation for the event has been strengthened this year, with dedicated working groups focused on key areas including coastal safety, traffic, security, safeguarding, health and safety, local infrastructure, and medical and emergency planning.

Enhancements for 2025 include changes to artist scheduling, infrastructure layout, staffing deployment, public signage, and medical and welfare provision.

Boardmasters says it has increased 24/7 security across campsites, with more high-visibility patrols operating day and night. Entry is expected to be faster this year, with additional search lanes aimed at reducing queue times.

The festival is also highlighting the extensive resources dedicated to customer safety, including around-the-clock hospital-level medical care.

Andrew Topham, Founder and CEO of Boardmasters, said:
"Boardmasters remain saddened by the isolated incident in 2024. Delivering a safe and well-organised festival is our highest priority, and we are proud of the rigorous months of planning, sub-groups and close collaboration between Boardmasters, Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council and our other authority partners to ensure that this year’s event meets the highest standards. Boardmasters are grateful for the ongoing support and cooperation of our authority partners."

Superintendent Ben Asprey of Devon and Cornwall Police also welcomed the changes:
"We are committed to ensuring that everyone attending the festival can enjoy themselves in a safe and secure environment. We have worked collaboratively with Boardmasters and a number of partner agencies in order to prioritise public safety. We welcome the improvements made and are confident they will support the safety and wellbeing of all festivalgoers.”

Ashley Mann, Operations Manager for Cornwall & Isles of Scilly at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"Public safety is our top priority, and we’re proud to be working closely with Boardmasters organisers, Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council and other authority partners to deliver a well-coordinated response plan. These enhanced safety measures mean our crews will be ready to respond quickly and effectively should the need arise, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending.”

Boardmasters 2025 runs from 6–10 August and is expected to welcome thousands of attendees to the Newquay area over the five-day event.