Boardmasters 2025 delivered a sun-drenched spectacle that felt more like a dream than a weekend on the Cornish coast. With Watergate Bay shimmering below and the promise of wall-to-wall sunshine fulfilled in full, thousands descended on the clifftop site for a genre-spanning celebration of music, surf, and summer. From the thunderous energy of The Prodigy on the main stage to RAYE’s soulful, chart-topping set and Central Cee’s razor-sharp bars slicing through the golden dusk, every corner of the festival pulsed with life. Across the sprawling site — from the laid-back vibes of The View stage to the late-night chaos of Unleashed — Boardmasters proved once again why it’s the crown jewel of the UK’s summer circuit.
The drizzle had the decency to clear an hour before our arrival, so the wellies stayed behind and the walking boots got their moment in the sun — or at least the Cornish cloud cover. With schools out, bucket hats sold out, and spirits sky-high, Boardmasters 2025 was officially underway.
Though the main stage was still catching its breath, Thursday night was anything but quiet. The arena buzzed with not-so-silent discos, where festival-goers chose between red and blue channels — bass-heavy bangers or pop classics — and danced like their lives depended on it. Watching Ms Pink drop a drum and bass set in the Unleashed tent while 10,000 kids belted out One Direction was surreal, chaotic, and oddly perfect.
Cowboy boots were everywhere — whether a nod to fashion or folklore, it was hard to tell. I left mine at home but packed my Daisy Dukes for Friday. Risky, perhaps, but it’s Boardmasters. Anything goes… until security says otherwise.
Food stalls were firing on all cylinders: burgers, burritos, crepes, noodles, and the legendary crumble stand already had a queue worthy of Glastonbury. Mental note: crumble is Friday’s mission.
We caught Karum Cooper spinning a killer set at The View stage — fresh off his Glastonbury appearance with Webmoms — and then headed to The Keg & Pasty for Blonk 182, a Blink tribute band that had the crowd bouncing like it was 2003. Not bad for a Thursday.
Then it was back to the van for some shut-eye and a chance for our feet to recover.
After eight hours of solid sleep (a rare feat at Boardmasters), we emerged from the van feeling like new men. A failed shower hunt led to strategic wet wipe deployment, followed by coffee and a fully clothed wander to the site—because nobody needs to see us in pre-caffeine disarray.
We bumped into a few members of the Rock Choir en route to their morning singing session in Cribbar Village. They hinted at pop-up performances across the weekend, so we’ll be keeping our ears peeled for spontaneous harmonies.
The lineup was stacked: Polly Money, Too Many T’s, Alfie Templeman, Fat Dog, Sports Team, The Wombats, and RAYE were all on our hit list, with plenty of room for surprises.
After watching the press team demolish full English breakfasts, we settled on a crepe (that’s a pancake for the non-Francophiles). It was lush. Dinner plans? TBC.
Cornwall-born, London-based Polly Money kicked off our day with her breezy indie-pop set. Having toured with The 1975 and supported Muse at Stade de France, she’s no stranger to big stages. Her set was the perfect sonic stretch to ease the crowd into Friday’s festivities.
Take a Chance on Us, an ABBA tribute act from Devon brought glitter, glam, and pure joy to the arena. Founded by Rhiannon Tree and featuring seasoned performers Karma Delacey and Mike Norfolk, they nailed the look and sound. Even the sceptics were dancing. Brighton-based alt-pop artist James Marriott drew a huge crowd of devoted fans. With a sold-out UK/EU tour and a growing discography, he’s fast becoming a Gen Z icon.
KEO, a London alt-rock outfit delivered a gritty, grunge-infused set, showcasing tracks from their new EP Siren. Their sound added welcome edge to a pop-heavy lineup. Yorkshire-born Beth McCarthy brought raw emotion and pop-rock energy. A TikTok sensation and former The Voice contestant, she’s known for tracks like “She Gets the Flowers” and her unapologetic LGBTQ+ anthems6.
Celebrating 20 years since Employment, Leeds legends Kaiser Chiefs tore through their classics. Ricky Wilson was in full acrobatic mode, leaping off anything that stood still. The crowd? Electric.
We first interviewed Alfie Templeman when he was barely out of school uniform. Now 21, the Bedfordshire multi-instrumentalist has two albums under his belt and a sound that blends indie-pop with disco and slacker rock. His set was heartfelt, high-energy, and magnetic.
Fat Dog are a London-based collective who delivered a chaotic, genre-defying set of Balkan-infused punk. The keyboardist crowd-surfed during the first track, and the singer roamed the pit mid-song. The energy was feral, and the fans—especially the lad in the “WOOF” tee—were loving it. Liverpool’s indie veterans The Wombats proved their staying power. Despite their heyday predating most of the crowd’s birth, hits like “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Moving to New York” had everyone singing along.
South London’s RAYE closed the night in style. Dressed in red and flanked by backing vocalists, she delivered a masterclass in pop performance. With six BRIT Awards and billions of streams, she’s cemented her place as one of the UK’s brightest stars. Cornwall-born, London-based Charlie Boon held his own against the main stage headliner. His rave-infused house set kept the Mordros crowd buzzing. With residencies at Motion and The Depo, he’s one to watch.
Finally, Basslayerz, a Nottingham-based DnB trio—MC Spyda, Blu Bomma, and DJ Slipz—shook the tent to its foundations. Known for high-octane sets and collabs with Tiësto and Hedex, they delivered a sonic assault that left no molar unshaken.
We made it back to the van in good time, boots off, heads buzzing, and ready to recharge for Saturday. If Friday was anything to go by, Boardmasters 2025 is shaping up to be one for the books.
If Friday at Boardmasters was a warm-up, Saturday was the full sprint—sun-drenched, sweat-soaked, and packed with genre-hopping brilliance that proved why this Cornish coastal bash is one of the UK’s most beloved festivals. From singalong chaos to introspective indie, Saturday delivered a kaleidoscope of sound that left no ear untouched.
After a much-needed rinse in the festival showers—hot, wet, and borderline spiritual—we hit the ground running, ready to soak up the sonic offerings. With a lineup that spanned alt-indie, UK rap, electronic soul, and everything in between, anticipation was high for acts like Deadletter, Katy B, Nelly Furtado, Central Cee, Ocean Alley, Maribou State, Newton Faulkner, and underground darlings Venice Treacle.
The day kicked off with Massaoke, the ultimate crowd karaoke experience. The band tore through a jukebox of anthems—Guns N' Roses, Queen, The Killers, The Village People, Coldplay—each one met with a wall of voices from the crowd. It was pure, unfiltered joy. No egos, just hits. No one was safe from the singalong fever.
Next up, Casey Lowry brought his signature blend of indie-pop and cheeky charm to the main stage. His enthusiasm was palpable—inviting everyone, including a group of 'road men' to join the party. They did, and they stayed. Tracks from his album landed perfectly, buoyed by a crowd that matched his energy beat for beat.
Deadletter were a revelation. The six-piece alt-indie outfit, known for their brooding sound and post-punk edge, elevated their set with a full-time saxophonist—because let’s be honest, everything’s better with a sax. Their performance was dark, heavy, and euphoric. The lead singer’s silhouette against the bright backdrop became a photographer’s dream, throwing shapes like a possessed marionette. A definite festival highlight.
Over at The View stage, Kitty Crocker was mid-set when we arrived, her indie-folk tunes floating effortlessly in the sun-drenched air. Her band—possibly part of a larger musical collective—played with tight cohesion, suggesting a fluid, collaborative spirit. The vibe was mellow, the crowd attentive, and the music resonant.
Arthur Hill took the main stage and made it his own. A fresh face for many, his set was a pleasant surprise—tight, melodic, and full of charisma. Expect his socials to light up post-Boardmasters; this performance was a breakout moment.
Saturday’s “Special Afternoon Guest” slot went to BRIT School alumni Rizzle Kicks, who proved they’re far more than a novelty act. Their set was a masterclass in crowd engagement—games, singalongs, and infectious beats. Drawing from their new album, they balanced nostalgia with fresh material, reminding everyone why they were once chart-toppers and why they still matter.
Hard Life—formerly Easy Life—brought their soulful, hip-hop-infused sound to a packed tent. The name change (thanks to a legal scuffle with EasyGroup) hasn’t dulled their shine. Their latest track “Tears” hit hard, and the crowd—especially the front rows—responded with unfiltered enthusiasm. Screams, dancing, and a palpable connection.
At just 23, Songer is already a streaming juggernaut with 200 million plays under his belt. His fusion of UK Garage, Drum & Bass, and Hip-Hop was magnetic, drawing a massive crowd to the main stage. His lyrical flow and stage presence were undeniable—this is an artist on the cusp of superstardom.
Backstage at The View, we caught up with Newton Faulkner for a portrait overlooking Watergate Bay. Ever the character, he jokingly offered to go topless—classic Newton. On stage, he was sublime. Armed with loop pedals, a fleet of guitars, and his signature soul-folk sound, he reminded everyone why he’s a Boardmasters favourite.
At the Keg & Pasty venue, Venice Treacle delivered a 40-minute set of angular guitar riffs and rhythmic precision that they’ve coined “Quank.” It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it works. We grabbed sausage rolls and pints, letting their sound wash over us like a sonic baptism. One of the most exciting new acts on the scene.
Julian ventured into Mordros (affectionately dubbed “Mordor”) to catch Maribou State’s set. The electronic collective blended downtempo grooves with soulful vocals, creating a lush, immersive experience. With three albums and a fourth on the way, they’re a must-see for fans of genre-defying electronica.
The night closed with Central Cee, the UK rap titan who’s rewriting the rulebook. His stage setup was stark—just him, a backdrop pulsing with visuals—but it was all he needed. His storytelling was raw and resonant, especially on “Can’t Rush Greatness,” a track that felt like a mission statement. From the photo pit, a sea of phones lit up the crowd—20,000 strong, capturing every moment.
With Saturday’s sonic whirlwind behind us, we opted for an early night, ready to greet the surfers and beach dwellers at dawn (well, 8:30am). Sunday promises more magic, but Saturday? Saturday was unforgettable.
As the sun crept over the Cornish horizon on Sunday morning, we stirred from our slumber with a surprising burst of efficiency—an hour earlier than Saturday, no less. The reward? A blissfully queue-free shower experience. In and out in five minutes flat. Festival miracles do exist.
Back at the van, we began the bittersweet ritual of packing down. The plan was clear: enjoy one last euphoric blast from The Prodigy, then make a swift exit before the night swallowed us whole. As much as we longed to stay and capture the nocturnal magic, Monday’s 9am reality loomed large.
We rambled down the hill toward Watergate Bay, where I demolished a hot dog with the kind of speed that would make competitive eaters blush. Flip-flops on, we watched surfers carve through the waves while bikini-clad bathers plunged into the sea, washing away the remnants of Saturday’s indulgence in one bracing splash.
By 10am, the beats were already bouncing from Wax, the beach bar perched above the bay. Julian, ever the madman, opted for a 5K run along the sand while I chose the more sensible route—sunbathing and soaking up that sweet, sweet vitamin D.
Post-crepe (savoury, of course), we headed to the Mordros stage where Overpass were mid-soundcheck—or so we thought. Turns out they’d already started, and we missed the pit run. Gutted. Still, I caught 20 minutes of their set, which was nothing short of electric. The Birmingham-based indie rockers have been making waves with their punchy riffs and youthful swagger, and it showed. Afterward, I chatted with half the band about everything from Cornish Airbnbs to ferry crossings and their upcoming Reading & Leeds appearances. They were buzzing for a well-earned break—and rightly so.
Next up: Cassia. This indie-pop trio from Macclesfield delivered a euphoric, sun-drenched set that had the crowd swaying in unison. Their tropical-tinged sound was the perfect soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon, and their infectious energy was impossible to resist.
Curious and craving something raw, I wandered over to The View stage to catch Tummyache. Fronted by Soren Bryce, the band delivered a sublime set that oscillated between lush highs and guttural lows. Bryce’s vocals—equal parts scream and serenade—cut through the sea breeze like a knife. With the back of the stage removed, the crashing waves of Watergate Bay served as a cinematic backdrop. It was one of those rare, transcendent festival moments where music and nature collide in perfect harmony.
Natasha Bedingfield took to the main stage like the seasoned pro she is, belting out her hits as the sun bathed the crowd in golden light. Her voice was as strong as ever, and the crowd lapped up every note. A nostalgic treat for long-time fans and a sun-soaked singalong for everyone else.
Back at Mordros, Flowdan was preparing to unleash his lyrical fire. The Grammy-winning MC let his DJ warm up the crowd before stepping out to deliver a masterclass in grime and bass. His presence was magnetic, his flow razor-sharp. A true icon of the British urban scene, and he proved it with every bar.
Franz Ferdinand stormed the Mordros stage with the kind of swagger only years of experience can bring. Their set was a greatest hits parade—“Take Me Out,” “Do You Want To,” and more—each one met with deafening cheers. The tent was rammed, and the energy was electric. Getting out of the pit was a mission, but totally worth it.
On the main stage, Myles Smith surprised me. I didn’t recognise the name, but as soon as he launched into one of his tracks, I was singing along. With over 90 million global streams and a rapidly growing fanbase, he’s clearly one to watch. His acoustic-driven pop blended perfectly with the fading light and festival vibes.
Sunday afternoon at Boardmasters saw the Main stage erupt with raw energy as Bob Vylan delivered one of the most electrifying sets of the weekend. From the very first note, the duo commanded attention—Bobby Vylan began with a moment of stretching and meditation, a calm before the storm, while drummer Bobbie Vylan unleashed a thunderous barrage that set the tone for what was to come. But this wasn’t just a performance—it was a protest. Bob Vylan used their platform to speak out against injustice, voicing their outrage over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calling out political entities like UKIP and the Reform Party. Their set was unapologetically political, charged with fury and compassion. Bobby addressed the crowd directly, acknowledging the controversy surrounding Boardmasters’ ties to investment firm KKR, which has faced criticism for its financial involvement in Israeli tech companies—some allegedly linked to surveillance in occupied territories—as well as in weapons manufacturing and fossil fuels. He made it clear that the band had considered pulling out of the festival entirely. But they chose to stay—for their fans. Bobby explained that every penny earned from their performance would be donated to Palestinian charities, turning their appearance into an act of solidarity and resistance. The crowd responded with thunderous applause, many visibly moved by the band’s honesty and conviction. Bob Vylan didn’t just play a set—they made a statement. And in doing so, they reminded everyone that music can be more than entertainment—it can be a catalyst for change.
London Grammar brought their signature chill to the early evening slot. Hannah Reid’s ethereal vocals floated over the crowd like a dream, and the drone footage—buzzing around the stage and beaming onto the big screens—added a surreal, cinematic layer to their performance. It was hypnotic.
Wet Leg followed with a high-octane set that was slightly marred by retina-searing strobes and an LED overload. Still, their quirky charm and infectious tracks like “Wet Dream” had the crowd bouncing. The singer’s recent transformation—from Mormon wife to gym bunny sex kitten—was on full display, and she owned it. My double hand clap during the chorus even earned a cheer from the front row. Fifteen seconds of fame? I’ll take it.
Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for: The Prodigy. The stage bathed in red, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. Liam and Maxim emerged to thunderous applause and wasted no time unleashing a barrage of classics. “Breathe,” “Firestarter,” “Omen”—each one hit like a sonic sledgehammer. Maxim even made his way into the photo pit, stalking the crowd like a predator before returning to the chaos on stage. The lights were manic, the sound feral. It was a masterclass in controlled anarchy. The Prodigy didn’t just play Boardmasters—they obliterated it.
As much as we wanted to stay and soak up every last beat, reality called. We made a swift exit to the van and began our journey back to Devon, leaving behind a festival still pulsing with life.
We had covered over 27 miles of walking, seen countless acts, ate some amazing food and shared the press tent with some of the finest people in the industry. A massive thanks to Alex and her team from Gala PR who kept us all in check, the friendly security team who kept us all safe, the litter pickers who kept everything nice and clean and YOU, the festival goers who helped to make it the success that it was.
By midnight, I was in bed, buzzing. It took two hours to drift off, my mind replaying every set, every moment. Was it all a dream? Maybe. But if it was, it was the best kind.
Until next year, Boardmasters. You were unforgettable.
BOARDMASTERS RETURNS FROM 5TH - 9TH AUGUST 2026
WITH THE NEW LOYALTY ONSALE ON WEDNESDAY 13TH AUGUST, 10AM (FOR 2024 AND 2025 TICKET BOOKERS)
EARLY BIRD ONSALE ON THURSDAY 14TH AUGUST AT 10AM
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Words - Steve Muscutt
Pictures - Julian Baird
