'Sun, sea and good vibes' at Boardmasters 2025

Emma (left) and Kate say they are most excited to see RAYE perform this year

Festival goers in Cornwall are praising the "vibes and sunshine" ahead of Boardmasters' packed weekend of music and surfing.

Upwards of 58,000 people are set to flock to Newquay for the five-day event, which will see performances from stars including RAYE, Central Cee, and The Prodigy.

Surfing is also taking place at Fistral Beach, with the Boardmasters Surf Open 2025 which started on Wednesday.

The Kaiser Chiefs will also take to the stage on Friday, an opportunity lead singer Ricky Wilson said was "a privilege".

"It's always good to come to Cornwall," Wilson said. "We've been here many times to visit but to play here is a rarity."

The indie rock band last played the festival in 2016 and bassist Simon Rix said the experience was "sensational".

Simon Rix (left) and Ricky Wilson were last at Boardmasters with Kaiser Chiefs in 2016

Emma, who has travelled from London, said Newquay was an "unbelievable" backdrop for the festival.

"It's great so far. I've been to Boardmasters before and it's such a great atmosphere here," she said.

"It a really good vibe. We have the sun, the sea, and so much to do here."

Her friend Kate, also from London, is visiting the festival for the first time.

"I love it here. It's gorgeous and everything is great. I'm most excited to see RAYE."

Meanwhile Debbie and her daughter from Bedfordshire have been camping nearby for the last week.

"We're loving it," said Debbie. "It's our first time here and we can't believe it; it's amazing.

"We've been at Watergate Bay listening to the build-up all week and watching it from the campsite."

'Biggest surfing event'

As well as music, there are also ongoing surfing competitions at Fistral Beach.

The events include the Boardmasters OPEN men's and women's division and the Boardmasters Longboard OPEN men's and women's division.

Robert Blythe, one of the commentators for the media team, said the Boardmasters Surf Open was "the biggest event in the UK surfing calendar".

Robert Blythe said the Surf Open is "vital" for young surfers

"I'm from south Wales and grew up competing in surfing so to be asked to commentate here is a real honour, treat and a privilege."

He said the "high calibre" of surfing on display was important for the future of the sport.

"This attracts surfers not only from across Britain but from Europe and around the world.

"What we're seeing this week is so vital for UK surfers, especially for the youngsters, because seeing these people can help them set their aspirations."

Mr Blythe also praised the weather despite a brief spot of drizzle on Thursday.

"We have been blessed with beautiful sunshine. The beach has been absolutely packed with spectators and supporters.

"But it certainly makes our job, and the enjoyment for spectators, so much better and easier when the sun's shining."