Newquay Boardmasters festival comes to town

Europe’s only surf, skate and music festival returns to Newquay today with thousands of revellers expected to enjoy the ultimate lifestyle experience against a spectacular coastline backdrop.

The Fistral Beach site, where surfing in the UK began, plays host to the best in action sports including the ASP World Tour Surfing events and The Vans Summer Sessions. Friday and Saturday sees the party expand to the Festival site at Watergate Bay. Known by some as ‘Cornwall’s festival', the Boardmasters delivers a laid back festival atmosphere. Music offerings across eight stages include the likes of Ed Sheeran, Maximo Park, Dizzee Rascal and Radio 1 favourite Zane Lowe.

And as Newquay prepares to welcome thousands of enthusiastic festival goers, work is underway to make sure the party is a safe and social one.

As part of Newquay Safe's partnership working, the night time Street Safe portacabin will be in operation, staffed by Devon and Cornwall Police and South Western Ambulance Service. The Street Safe mobile unit will also be out and about to help people in need; whether it is a lost wallet or a safe place to gather their thoughts.

Working closely with Street Safe are the local Christian organisation Street Pastors who help anyone in need of assistance. Volunteer teams work on Friday nights into the early hours of Saturday morning to help anyone in trouble.

To keep traffic moving during the event, Headland Road will be closed from today until Sunday and there will be a park and ride on the A3075 near Trevemper, to take people into town, for the duration of Boardmasters.

Newquay Police will be continuing their No Nonsense campaign to reduce crime and disorder. So far this financial year, crime in Newquay is down twenty-five per cent.