POLICE made just six arrests during the Boardmasters Music Festival at Watergate Bay.

Organisers Vision Nine say there was a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour and zero confirmed spiking incidents recorded, as verified by “independent data and frontline partners.”

Most medical and welfare presentations were alcohol-related, with a reduction in cases linked to illicit substances. The festival saw a drop from 2.65 per cent of attendees seen through its medical centres in 2024, to 1.79 per cent in 2025. There were zero hospitalisations across the weekend.

There was also a “notable” reduction in the rate of recorded sexual assaults per attendee compared with 2024. These figures have been verified by Devon and Cornwall Police, safeguarding specialists, SARSAS and welfare teams, all of whom reported improved conditions and fewer interventions over the course of the festival.

Newquay Inspector Steve Johnson said: “This year we saw a reduction in the number of incidents reported to police in relation to Boardmasters, with a total of six arrests made. In both the planning phase and during the festival we worked closely with partner agencies to create and implement robust plans which promoted a safe and smooth-running event for those attending and for the local community. I’d like to thank the officers, festival staff and all the partners who played a part in bringing those plans together and delivering a safe event.”

Andrew Topham, CEO of Boardmasters said: “While one incident is always one too many, this reduction shows that the work we do, alongside our partners, is making a real difference. We remain committed to creating a space where everyone, of all ages, can enjoy the festival safely and respectfully, and doing everything we can to prevent harm whilst supporting those affected.

“As a festival, we are keen to collaborate with the wider events industry to explore how we can collectively address the root causes of harmful behaviour, develop initiatives at scale and create long-term positive impact. At the same time, we will continue to invest in on-site support services, ensuring every attendee has access to the care, guidance, and protection they need while at the festival.”

Lorri Weaving, CEO of SARSAS added: “SARSAS is proud to be part of the welfare team at Boardmasters, providing expert, trauma-informed support for anyone who needs it. We ensure that everyone is offered choice around their options and compassionate support by our experienced team, whether they have experienced any kind of sexual assault or harassment, either at the festival or at another time in their life. While no large event can ever completely remove the risk of harmful behaviour, what matters is how organisers prepare and respond. By putting dedicated, expert support in place, Boardmasters demonstrates that it takes the safety and wellbeing of its attendees seriously. In our experience, they invest real care and meaningful resources into looking out for young people and fostering an inclusive and respectful atmosphere. We believe all festivals should follow this example.”

Vision Nine says there have been no confirmed cases of spiking at Boardmasters over the past two years.

A spokesperson said: “Despite contradictory claims and misinformation circulating on social media, spiking has not been a prevalent issue at Boardmasters, and over the past two years, there have been no confirmed cases at the festival. In 2024, there were 55 reported spiking cases, all of which subsequently tested negative. This year, those numbers fell to 14 reported spiking cases and of the 14 reports, everyone tested on site by the festival’s expert teams via a urine test, tested negative for substances associated with spiking.

“In light of the troubling societal issue of sexual assault that can occur in everyday life, whilst Boardmasters cannot control the behaviour of others, the festival recongises the importance of fostering a safe,inclusive and respectful environment for all. Boardmasters is passionate about being a force for good in Cornwall and the South West and has demonstrated a continued commitment and ongoing investment in prevention, education, and onsite resources across a breadth of topics to support young people.

“The festival actively engages with parents and guardians via industry-leading webinars covering topics including alcohol, sexual activity and accessing help at the festival. Boardmasters also engages directly with young people all year round through in-person workshops and school tours in partnership with Schools Consent Project and It Happens Education, working alongside volunteer lawyers to educate students on the legal definition of consent, aiming to normalise conversations, safeguard young people and reduce sexual offending rates. Boardmasters remains committed to preventing spiking and educating attendees about risks, helping young people feel informed and supported before arriving at the festival.”

Boardmasters say they have extensive resources and services at the festival focused solely on the safety and wellbeing of attendees. These include 24-hour static and roaming security; high-vis patrols day and night; Oxfam stewards; hospital-level medical care staffed 24 hours a day by A&E doctors, nurses and paramedics; dedicated welfare provision including mental health practitioners, safeguarding professionals and a 24-hour dedicated SARSAS team offering support for sexual assault or domestic abuse incidents, both live and historic.

Nine 24-hour staffed campsite hubs also provide a point of contact to access these services. By having supportive resources on site, Boardmasters aim to ease pressure on local services.

A spokesperson for Vision Nine said: “Antisocial behaviour clearly breaches Boardmasters’ ethos and guidelines, and anyone found acting in such a way is immediately removed from the site. The festival continues to strive to eradicate antisocial behaviour and takes all measures necessary to improve the experience for everyone.

“The Boardmasters team works closely with authority partners including Devon and Cornwall Police and the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to develop a robust plan prioritising public safety. Multi-agency collaboration and a yearly preparation process, was bolstered in 2025, with sub-groups focusing on Coastal Safety, Traffic, Security, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Local Infrastructure and Medical & Emergency Planning.

“Over the past two years, no reported spiking cases have been confirmed at Boardmasters. This year, while a small number of attendees reported feeling that they may have been spiked, all later either withdrew their reports or tested negative through the festival’s rigorous on-site testing process, conducted by qualified medical professionals. The festival has dedicated safety teams, trained staff, spiking test kits, medical professionals and specialist welfare teams ready to support anyone who feels unwell or unsure, without judgement. Case details are reviewed collaboratively by Welfare teams, medical staff, safeguarding teams, and Devon & Cornwall Police to ensure thorough investigation and care.

“Boardmasters is committed to building on this momentum, with plans already in motion to further enhance prioritising safety at next year’s festival.”