Boardmasters Festival is gearing up for an unforgettable return in 2026, unveiling a huge first wave of artists set to take over Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach from 5–9 August. The iconic five-day celebration, known for blending live music, surfing, and coastal culture, promises one of its most exciting editions yet.
Leading the charge are two major UK heavyweights: Kasabian and Fatboy Slim. Kasabian, famed for their explosive live shows and a run of seven consecutive UK No.1 albums, will bring a hit-packed set featuring classics alongside new material such as “Hippie Sunshine” from their upcoming ninth album. Sharing top billing is electronic pioneer Fatboy Slim, whose career spans more than four decades. With timeless crowd-pleasers like “Praise You,” he’s expected to deliver a high-energy performance that turns the coastline into a giant dancefloor.
The stellar names don’t stop there. Indie favourites The Kooks join the line-up, bringing their unmistakable sunny guitar-pop sound, while acclaimed rapper and storyteller Loyle Carner adds a dose of thoughtful lyricism and soulful delivery to the mix. Together, they help form a diverse, crowd-pleasing list of performers.
More than 50 additional acts have also been confirmed as part of the festival’s expansive 2026 roster. Special afternoon guest headliners include grime legends Dizzee Rascal and Tinie Tempah, as well as multi-genre hitmaker Example. Fans can expect even more high-octane moments with Pendulum [Live], dance icons Rudimental, and Welsh artist Ren, who will make his first-ever appearance on a major festival main stage. Tash Sultana also joins the festival for what will be their only English festival performance of the year, offering a rare chance to catch their captivating one-person show.
But Boardmasters is far more than a music festival. Rooted firmly in surf culture, it also hosts the Boardmasters Open—one of the UK’s most iconic surf competitions and part of the World Surf League’s Men’s and Women’s Pro events. Beyond the waves, festival-goers can dive into an impressive lineup of coastal experiences, including skate contests, cliffside yoga classes, sound baths, spa sessions, and a wide variety of Cornish food offerings.
Set across the breathtaking twin sites of Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, the festival embraces its rugged coastal setting. With sunsets over the Atlantic and a lively beach-side atmosphere, Boardmasters continues to be one of the most distinctive festival experiences in the UK. Organisers describe it simply as a “rugged rave on a ragged coastline,” and 2026 looks set to live up to that promise.
Fans hoping to secure tickets won’t have long to wait. Presale opens on Thursday, 27th November at 10 am, following the sign-up deadline the previous night. Flexible payment plans, including monthly options starting under £30, aim to make the festival accessible to as many people as possible.
With massive headliners, exciting new talent, and a packed programme of surf and lifestyle events, Boardmasters 2026 is shaping up to be a spectacular summer highlight.
