Yesterday, Boardmasters concluded with an enchanting headline performance by Florence + The Machine, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. It was a remarkable closing act that made this year’s festival truly sensational. Tens of thousands of devoted fans gathered at Boardmasters’ venue, Watergate Bay, to enjoy an incredible lineup of internationally acclaimed artists and countless exciting experiences beyond the music.
The headline set by Florence + The Machine was incredibly euphoric. Florence took to the stage, appearing to float as she sang along with the crowd to popular songs like “You’ve Got The Love,” “Dog Days Are Over,” and “Shake It Out.” Prior to the headline act, Dermot Kennedy, an Irish singer-songwriter, delivered a captivating performance of his powerful and emotional tracks that have propelled him to #1 album status. Other artists such as Tion Wayne, Sofi Tukker, Caity Baiser (who surprised festival goers with an impromptu set at The Cove), and Black Honey ensured that the main stage maintained a high-energy atmosphere from beginning to end.
Land Of Saints attracted fans with an impressive lineup featuring Jockstrap, Squid, Connie Constance, Shygirl, and ended the night with Four Tet and Joy (Anonymous). Unleashed showcased high-energy dance and d’n’b acts like Bru-C, Tom Zanetti, Riton, and Charlie Hedges. The Point kept the crowd dancing with DJs Charlie Boon, Sally C, Sarah Story, and a b2b set from Paul Woolford and Danny Howard. The View stage offered a diverse mix of new music and rising stars including VC Pines, Caravaña Sun, Aine Deane, and many more.
Additionally, The Dockyard offered drum’n’bass music, while The Submarine provided DB90 and late-night revelry. The Transatlantic Lounge featured 80s cheese and illuminated dance floors. The Green Team diligently carried out their daily beach cleans, joining festival attendees in making significant strides towards sustainability goals. Porth Beach, Watergate Bay, Great Western, and Fistral Beach were among the locations where beach cleans occurred.
The winners of the 2023 Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 Animal Pro and Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 1,000 Reef Longboard Pro were determined in three-to-five foot surf at Fistral beach during Boardmasters. Yolanda Hopkins (POR), the reigning European Champion, secured a historic three-peat victory at the Animal Pro, overcoming British rising star Alys Barton (GBR). In a wave-starved heat, Kai Odriozola (ESP) emerged as the victor over Ido Arkin (ISR) by capitalizing on the best scoring opportunity. At just 17 years old, the young San Sebastian surfer clinched his first professional tour win in his second QS Final appearance.
Alice Lemoigne (FRA), the former world runner-up, showcased her dominance in the Cornish waters by completely dominating the women’s final of the Reef Longboard Pro. With this victory, she became the first surfer to achieve five wins at Boardmasters. However, her record was short-lived as Edouard Delpero (FRA) joined her in the last heat of the day and also secured his fifth win. Hailing from Biarritz, France, Edouard defeated Martin Coret (REU), Jon Garmendia (ESP), and Ignacio Pignataro (URY) in the final event. In a friendly competition with his brother Antoine, Edouard surpassed him by securing his fifth win, while both had previously won four times at Fistral. This victory marks Edouard’s 12th professional win to date.
Today, all camping festival goers are heading home and the post-event clean up operation will begin right away. Boardmasters encourages all camping attendees to take home their tents and Leave Only Footprints. Boardmasters’ team of volunteers, supervisors, charity partners and in-house team will be on site to clear the site once festival goers have left. The clean up operation is a robust and thorough process, with the main aim to leave Boardmasters’ beautiful Newquay home at Watergate Bay in pristine condition. Campsites nearest to Watergate Bay road will be prioritised first. The fields will be clear by the end of the week. Help the Homeless will be salvaging any quality tents that are left behind to help those in need. It’s certainly been a Boardmasters for the ages. Boardmasters will be back next year, with details to be announced very soon. For more information and to sign up for the 2024 presale for exclusive 24 hour ticket access, visit www.boardmasters.com.
