Boardmasters organisers dispute claims of spiking incidents

Friday, 15 August 2025 11:11

Boardmasters organisers have responded to claims of spiking at this year’s festival, saying there were no confirmed incidents.

Organisers said there had been a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour and “zero confirmed spiking incidents recorded at this year’s festival, as verified by independent data and frontline partners.”

Parent company Vision Nine said: “Despite contradictory claims and misinformation circulating on social media, spiking has not been a prevalent issue at Boardmasters, and over the past two years, there have been no confirmed cases at the festival. In 2024, there were 55 reported spiking cases, all of which subsequently tested negative. This year, those numbers fell to 14 reported spiking cases and of the 14 reports, everyone tested on site by the festival’s expert teams via a urine test, tested negative for substances associated with spiking.”

The company said most medical and welfare presentations were alcohol-related, with fewer linked to illicit substances.

It reported that 1.79% of attendees used medical centres this year, compared with 2.65% in 2024. No hospitalisations were recorded over the weekend.

Devon and Cornwall Police Inspector for Newquay, Steve Johnson, said: “This year we saw a reduction in the number of incidents reported to police in relation to Boardmasters, with a total of six arrests made. In both the planning phase and during the festival we worked closely with partner agencies to create and implement robust plans which promoted a safe and smooth-running event for those attending and for the local community. I’d like to thank the officers, festival staff and all the partners who played a part in bringing those plans together and delivering a safe event.”

Organisers said there had also been a reduction in anti-social behaviour, including sexual assault, but emphasised that even one incident was too many. They reported a lower rate of recorded sexual assaults per attendee compared with 2024, adding that “These figures have been verified by Devon and Cornwall Police, Safeguarding specialists, SARSAS and Welfare teams, all of whom reported improved conditions and fewer interventions over the course of the festival.”

Boardmasters CEO Andrew Topham said: “While one incident is always one too many, this reduction shows that the work we do, alongside our partners, is making a real difference. We remain committed to creating a space where everyone, of all ages, can enjoy the festival safely and respectfully, and doing everything we can to prevent harm whilst supporting those affected. As a festival, we are keen to collaborate with the wider events industry to explore how we can collectively address the root causes of harmful behaviour, develop initiatives at scale and create long-term positive impact. At the same time, we will continue to invest in on-site support services, ensuring every attendee has access to the care, guidance, and protection they need while at the festival.”

Earlier this week, Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) Manager Mark Warren said some businesses had seen a reduction in trade during the event.

BID said town centre businesses remained optimistic, despite some reporting one of their quietest trading weeks of the year.

The organisation said the festival brings tens of thousands of visitors to Watergate Bay and Fistral but does not replace the spending of the wider holiday crowd.

One positive noted was improved traffic management, which BID said led to smoother arrivals and departures for festival-goers and reduced congestion in the town centre.

Several businesses, however, reported unusually empty supermarket car parks for the time of year.