Boardmasters introduces new ticket ballot for residents

Organisers of the Boardmasters festival have announced a new initiative to help residents secure tickets through a ballot system.

As part of a series of new measures, businesses will also be able to apply for "affordable" trader pitches across both festival sites at Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach - an initiative organisers say will foster growth and celebrate the vibrant local economy and community spirit.

It follows last week’s announcement that Central Cee will join the 2025 line-up as the third and final headliner, alongside RAYE, The Prodigy, and other top names, including Nelly Furtado, Myles Smith, and Natasha Bedingfield. The surf and music festival returns from the 6th - 10th of August.

Under the new ticket ballot, people with a Cornwall postcode will be able to apply for day tickets for two people per application, valid for either Friday 8th, Saturday 9th, or Sunday 10th August 2025. Applications open this Friday and close on Sunday, 16th February, via the Boardmasters website. Tickets will be free - subject to a mandatory £27.50 charity donation per ticket. Proceeds will go to the Boardmasters Foundation. 

Festival organisers have stressed that this does not replace the existing Local Residents’ Ticket scheme but is an additional initiative to ensure more Cornwall residents have the opportunity to attend.

Alongside the ballot, Boardmasters is offering low-cost trader pitches to local businesses. The festival says the aim is "to celebrate and uplift Newquay’s independent businesses by giving them an affordable platform to engage with a wider audience."