Less anti-social behaviour at this year's Boardmasters festival
Organisers say there were also zero confirmed spiking incidents
Last updated 15th Aug 2025
As Boardmasters 2025 draws to a close, the festival is reflecting on a year defined by progress, with safety, wellbeing and community connection at the heart of the experience.
Organisers today reveal a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour and zero confirmed spiking incidents recorded at this year’s festival, as verified by independent data and frontline partners.
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.
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% of attendees seen through its medical centres in 2024, to 1.79% in 2025. There were zero hospitalisations across the weekend.
Devon & Cornwall Police Inspector for Newquay, 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 says Boardmasters is committed not only to improving safety at our own festival but also to contributing to broader societal change: “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.”