Boardmasters plans to increase the capacity at its popular annual music festival held at Watergate Bay from 2024 onwards.

Organisers Vision Nine is due to submit a licensing application to Cornwall Council imminently.

The licence proposes an updated event safety management plan, extending parts of the perimeter, amendments to its noise conditions and operating schedule.

It follows public consultation the company has carried out.

The company has not at this stage stated the capacity it hopes to increase to, which currently stands at 50,000 people.

Boardmasters festival team sent out a letter to local residents on Friday detailing its plans to increase the capacity.

The letter stated: “Dear residents, we’re writing to advise you of the proposed new licence application that is being submitted imminently for Boardmasters Festival.

“We have taken on board feedback from the local residents' consultations we held over two days In Newquay earlier this year and have continued consultation with planning officers, local councillors, crowd management experts, traffic management consultants, noise consultants, local businesses and more. 

 “Our application aims to ensure the continued safe running of the festival and minimise the impact the festival has locally, whilst ensuring Boardmasters can continue to contribute significantly to the local economy by providing jobs in the local community and direct contracts for local businesses. 

“We are seeking an increase to our capacity from 2024 onwards, which will include both additional ticket holders and staff. 

“These staff will include crew, security, crowd management, waste management and other staff required.  

“The licence also proposes an updated Event Safety Management Plan, extending parts of the perimeter and amendments to our noise conditions and Operating Schedule. 

“The full application along with an information deck will be available publicly to view.

"We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the licence application, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Read the full article in next week’s Newquay Voice.