Boardmasters Launches ‘Breaking’ Competition to Platform Emerging UK Talent

The festival has opened applications for a new competition offering emerging artists from the South West of the United Kingdom the chance to perform on the festival’s Main Stage this August!

Boardmasters 2026 is set to return to the stunning Cornish coastline from August 5 to 9. This year’s festival is shaping up to deliver yet another unparalleled experience that will blend iconic clifftop vistas with a massive line-up of international stars, including Lily Allen, Fatboy Slim, Kasabian, and The Kooks. Beyond the Main Stage, the festival features eclectic performances from Loyle Carner, Rudimental, REN, Tash Sultana, and rising talents like Joy Crookes and Jacob Alon. While the music is the heartbeat of the event, the soul of Boardmasters remains firmly rooted in the ocean, where we’ll see world-class WSL surf competitions draw elite athletes to the legendary breaks of Newquay.

As part of its ongoing commitment to championing emerging talent from the region, the festival has launched the Boardmasters Breaking initiative, a high-stakes talent search specifically for artists based in the South West of England. Open to vocalists, bands, DJs, and creators of all genres and ages, the program offers a rare opportunity for regional talent to perform on one of the country’s most high-profile festival stages. Applicants must either originate from or currently be based within the South West of England.

The selected winner will earn an opening performance slot on the festival’s iconic Main Stage on Sunday, August 9, placing them alongside some of the most celebrated names in modern-day music. In addition to performing at the festival, the chosen act will receive full weekend festival access along with a +1 per performer, exclusive Artist Area access on the day of their set, professionally captured photo and video content from their performance, a dedicated feature on CLUNK Magazine’s Instagram platform, and a special announcement across Boardmasters’ official social channels.

The Boardmasters team will carefully review all submissions before a shortlist is presented to BBC Introducing, who will ultimately select the final winner. The successful act will be officially announced on Monday, May 25.

Applications for Boardmasters Breaking are now open here

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