Police presence increased ahead of Boardmasters

Festival goers given advice to stay safe

Police are upping patrols in Newquay as up to 50,000 festival goers are expected to flock to the area ahead of Boardmasters.

The festival has been going since 1981 when it started as a surfing competition. In 2005, it was expanded to include music acts with this weekend's lineup including the likes of Lorde, Liam Gallagher, Dermot Kennedy and Cian Ducrot.

A range of advice is available to those attending the event.

• See it, Say It, Stop It - If you have seen something that doesn’t feel right or makes you feel uncomfortable report it to us - contact the nearest steward, security staff, police officer or go to one of the festival’s welfare tents which are located in the main arena and campsites, and open 24 hours a day.
• Need support? The Sanctuary is open 24-hours a day at Boardmasters and offers specialised education and support regarding relationships, consent, harassment and sexual assault. 
• Never leave your drink unattended, even soft drinks and if you think your drink has been spiked, please go to the nearest medical tent or speak to a member of festival staff. 
• Don’t leave anything valuable in your tent – there are a number of thefts every year.  Check your car daily and leave your glove compartment empty and open.  
• Try and keep your phone, cash and cards on you, even at night.  Boardmasters is a cashless festival, with bars, food trucks and traders only accepting card payments, so there is no need to bring a large quantity of cash to the festival. 
• If you are a victim of crime, contact on site festival stewards, security or police immediately. 
• Take the ‘anti’ away from anti-social. Please drink responsibly and put your safety and that of others first. Be considerate of others around you. Shouting, swearing and loud music may cause fear and distress to others. If you need help and advice but aren’t sure who to speak to please find security, stewards or police on-site or in and around Newquay. 
• Remember, sex without consent is rape. No ifs, no buts, no excuses.  There is no consent if agreement has been forced or coerced and not given freely, or if a person is impaired through drink, drugs or is not conscious. If you need help and advice visit: dc.police.uk/consent  

Chief inspector Russ Dawe said: “We have been preparing for the anticipated large number of visitors who will be coming to Newquay for the annual Boardmasters festival, which takes place during one of the busiest periods in Cornwall’s calendar.  

“As part of our annual policing operation and to help ensure the event runs smoothly, we will have extra patrols in Newquay for the duration of the festival and we’ll also have a visible presence on the festival site itself.    

“The front counter at Newquay Police Station will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm and we will also be deploying resources in and around the road network, town and event, including roads policing, firearms and plain clothed officers, which are all part of our plans to keep residents and visitors safe.   

“We urge festival goers to take responsibility for their own safety, in what is one of the busiest weeks of the year in the county. 

“Devon and Cornwall Police, in collaboration with the festival organisers, acknowledge that safeguarding underpins all elements of this event and on this basis, we ask you to take care of your friends and family at the festival – we want everyone to enjoy this event in a safe environment.”