Boardmasters festival, usually known for its lively music and surf culture, turned chaotic this year as attendees recounted distressing experiences during a crowd surge at the event held on August 9th in Newquay, Cornwall. Many concertgoers were left injured, with one young woman suffering a fractured knee after being toppled by the surge.
Among the injured was Jade Brooks, 23, who was attending the festival alongside her brother and cousin. They arrived early to secure good spots for DJ Sammy Virji’s set, hoping to enjoy the music. But as the area began to fill with enthusiastic festival-goers, things quickly took a turn for the worse. Brooks described the frantic scenario, stating, “We were packed in like sardines.”
Witnesses reported the surge caused people, including children, to have serious injuries, with one woman saying she saw attendees being "crushed against the barriers." Panic ensued when experienced crowd managers and security teams struggled to maintain order among the throngs of people pouring toward the stage. One concertgoer who attempted to help said, "There were just arms and legs everywhere. Kids were crying, there were kids being carried.”
This terrifying episode was not isolated; attendees shared their traumatic incidents on social media, with claims of broken ankles and dislocations rising from the chaos. Local police confirmed they had been alerted to the situation, reporting, “Following the crowd surge at Boardmasters festival, there were a small number of attendees injured, but they are not considered serious.” Nevertheless, seven individuals were taken to hospitals as a precaution, and thankfully, all were later released.
Another victim of the crowd surge, Brooks recounted the moment everything fell apart. “When more and more people were flocking in, I felt enclosed and wanted to get out. But everywhere you turned, there was no way to escape.” Her recounting of the incident was chilling as she described how she was at the bottom of the pile when the crowd pushed back and caused everyone to fall. "I was screaming: ‘My legs!’ when I heard the crunch as someone landed on it,” she said.
Battered by pain and shock, Brooks recalls the dreadful wait after being told by security to head to the welfare tent. “I found hundreds of people waiting. When the medics eventually checked my leg, it was swollen to twice its size,” she lamented.
Brooks, who works as a dancer and hospitality worker, was candid about the aftermath of her injury, lamenting how her traditional family holiday had turned sour. "We come to Cornwall every year, and now the second week of our holiday is ruined. I want my money back and compensation for destroying this holiday with my family,” she expressed.
Given the size of the crowd—over 58,000 people—some festival-goers had raised concerns about safety beforehand. Crowd surges have been documented as growing issues at both concerts and festivals, leading to calls from some high-profile figures for better attendee management and safety measures. The Boardmasters event claimed to prioritize safety, stating, "We have experienced pit management and security teams on-site, along with comprehensive medical provisions to respond to any incident immediately.”
Those attending the events reported feeling anxious about the massive influx of concert-goers, especially when their safety was compromised. Reports soon emerged of additional issues occurring throughout the festival weekend, contributing to mounting frustration. The incidents reflect the wider concerns about festival safety, especially when incidents like the tragic crowd crush at Brixton Academy and other venues emerge as stark reminders of the risks involved.
Debates surrounding attendee limits and safety reviews at live events have resurfaced. Following the recent surge and injuries at Boardmasters, some festival-goers are calling for immediate changes to the way attendance is managed to prevent future injuries. “They need to assess crowd densities and take action to avoid these disasters,” one attendee argued.
Brooks stated, “I could hardly walk, let alone dance. This should never have happened.” The festival plans to continue operations, but many are left feeling unsettled about the safety measures less than 24 hours after the surge, sparking social media discussions about the overall management of crowds and safety protocols.
The Boardmasters festival has released statements asserting their commitment to security and attendee safety. They promised thorough reviews and operational assessments post-incident. “These incidents will be analyzed closely to assure systems are updated and improved as necessary,” they noted.
Authorities involved with the festival, including local police, confirmed no serious injuries had occurred and maintained it was “an isolated incident” where crowd dynamics had shifted alarmingly. While many left the grounds on August 9th with injuries, they’re hopeful their stories might promote change and lead to heightened awareness and precautionary measures for future events.
The Boardmasters crowd surge reshaped the experience of those attending this beloved annual festival. With memories now tainted by chaos and injury, many are advocating for newfound awareness concerning festival safety as concert settings remain highly unpredictable. The festival experience should be about enjoyment, music, and liberation, not fear and pain.
