Nestled between the golden sands of Fistral Beach and the cliffside beauty of Watergate Bay, Boardmasters began in 1981 as a humble surf competition. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s now one of the UK’s most iconic festivals, blending world-class music, extreme sports, and coastal culture into a five-day celebration of summer.
The turning point came in 2005, when music was introduced to the mix. What started as a few local bands playing to surfers became a full-blown multi-stage festival. Today, Boardmasters hosts over 50,000 attendees, with past headliners including Florence + The Machine, Foals, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, The Prodigy, and Kings of Leon2.
Let’s be honest: the main stage is epic. But if you spend all weekend parked there, you’ll miss the real magic. The smaller stages—BBC Introducing, The Cove, The Point, Keg & Pasty, and Land of Saints—are where future headliners cut their teeth and where you’ll find the stories worth telling.
Imagine heading home and saying, “I saw them before they blew up.” That’s the kind of bragging rights you earn by exploring.
Here’s some of the stages that have been really popular at Boardmasters in years gone by, I’m sure that they’ll be back again in 2025
Keg & Pasty: A pop-up pub with live music, local ales, and spontaneous singalongs.
The Point: Outdoor DJ sets and MCs with a view of the Atlantic.
Land of Saints: A massive big top hosting genre-bending acts and late-night surprises.
The Cove: Acoustic-led performances with a sea breeze and sunset backdrop.
BBC Introducing: The Westcountry’s finest, curated for discovery.
To help you prep your playlist, the Sonic Nomads will release a Boardmasters special edition on SoundCloud, spotlighting under-the-radar acts and exclusive interviews. Keep an ear out as we get closer to August—it’s your backstage pass to the festival’s future stars.
Boardmasters isn’t just about catching the biggest names—it’s about finding your new favourites, supporting emerging talent, and making memories that no one else has. So grab your mates, wander the stages, and let the music surprise you.
Because the best sets? They’re often the ones you stumble upon….