Boardmasters drug warning as thousands set to attend

Safety measures have been improved for this year's event after seven people were injured in a crowd surge in 2024

Sniffer dogs and increased police patrols will be deployed on roads as up to 58,000 people descend on the area for a five-day festival.

Police and Boardmasters organisers are cracking down on illegal drugs, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy across the surf and music festival in Newquay.

Drug detection dogs will be working at all gates at the festival, which runs from Wednesday until Sunday, and searches are a condition of entry, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Anyone found with illegal substances or banned items will be refused entry and could face being arrested.

Supt Ben Asprey, who is in charge of the festival's police operations, said: "Drug suppliers don't sell drugs for fun or as a public service, they sell entirely for profit and have no concern about the harmful effects the substances they sell could have on people who buy them."

He added that there is a chain of criminality including exploitation, coercion and violence behind the illegal drugs trade.

About 58,000 people are set to attend the festival, which runs until Sunday

Organisers have worked with police, the ambulance and fire service and other bodies to improve safety after seven people were hurt in a crowd surge last year.

Police will be present throughout the festival, as well as extra patrols in Newquay and on the roads.

Supt Asprey advised festival-goers: "If you're attending the event, please be safe, look out for each other and stay hydrated."

Police reminded revellers to report anything which does not feel right to a steward, security staff, police or at the festival's 24-hour welfare tents at the main arena and campsites.

Headliners

Festival headliners include 90s electronic pioneers The Prodigy, pop songstress Raye, and rapper Central Cee.

Also taking to the stage across the weekend are indie band Kaiser Chiefs, chart-topping singer Natasha Bedingfield, and hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks.

Campsites and car parks are due to open at 10:00 BST and will close at 12:00 on Monday.

The festival is spread over two locations with the main arena and campsites at Watergate Bay, whilst Fistral Beach hosts the Boardmasters Open, surf competition and shopping village.

A one-way traffic system and soft road closures have also been introduced to reduce the impact during peak arrival and departure times.