BOARDMASTERS is submitting a licensing application to ensure the music festival can continue after next year’s event.

Organisers Vision Nine’s application is not seeking any increase to capacity, no changes to the festival’s footprint, and no alteration to existing permitted site hours or licensable activities.

The company plans to make various changes after next year’s Boardmasters when the existing licence expires that includes plans to allow the main stage to operate until 11pm on Thursdays, which would not take effect until 2027 if permission is granted. The application will also include a request to increase the existing noise limits for the 2026 music festival.

A spokesperson for Vision Nine said: “The application forms part of routine long-term planning and reflects the festival’s commitment to operating transparently, sustainably and in close partnership with the local community.

“The focus this year remains on maintaining a safe, well-managed and experience-led event that brings significant cultural and economic benefits to Cornwall, while ensuring that the impact on local residents is carefully managed and continually improved.

“Boardmasters is committed to protecting the key areas that matter most to the community, with no change to capacity. The event will remain at its existing daily capacity of 58,000 including 53,000 ticket holders and 5,000 staff and performers.

“There are no proposed changes to the current, established site layout or festival footprint and no changes to existing hours. Licensable activities will not change, with no changes to the types of activities or to their current timings. This continuity ensures that the festival remains predictable, well planned and respectful of its surroundings.

“The small number of changes included in the application are intended to support the long-term development of the festival in a controlled and community-minded way.

“These changes are limited and designed to help the festival grow responsibly, while continuing to respect the local community.

“They include adjustments to current noise limits, alongside strong safeguards to prevent disturbance, and keeping the difference between earlier and later-evening noise levels. All of this would continue to be discussed with environmental health and specialist advisers.

“They’re also asking for permission for the main stage to run until 11pm on Thursdays from 2027 onwards only. This would not apply to the 2026 festival.

“All extended activity would remain fully bound by noise controls and will not permit nuisance off-site. These adjustments are intended to give the festival the tools to evolve artistically while safeguarding the experience of local residents.

“Boardmasters has always taken pride in working collaboratively with Cornwall Council, environmental health, the safety advisory group and local residents and businesses. This application continues that approach in that it is steady, measured and built on transparency. The festival will continue engaging with community stakeholders throughout the consultation period, ensuring questions can be addressed and feedback heard.

“Boardmasters remains committed to delivering an event that supports Cornwall’s economy. Commitments include seasonal jobs and opportunities for local contractors, protecting the coastline and surrounding environment, and upholding the best-in-class safeguarding and welfare practices.”

The licence application is being submitted on Monday, January 12, which will be followed by a 28-day public consultation period.

A community meeting will be held at the Boardmasters Beach Bar on January 14 at 6pm. Residents and stakeholders will be able to view the full application via Cornwall Council’s website once the consultation opens.

Boardmasters will continue to share updates throughout the consultation period.