More than 46,000 music fans are expected to gather at Watergate Bay for this year’s Boardmasters festival, with around 90 artists set to perform across the weekend. Alongside established headline names, a new generation of South West musicians will also take the spotlight.
The festival line-up includes Mercury Prize nominee Loyle Carner, singer-songwriter Joy Crookes and Brit Award-nominated jungle artist Nia Archives.
All three artists received early backing from BBC Introducing, which supports unsigned and emerging musicians through radio exposure, live opportunities and festival partnerships.
This year, BBC Introducing in the South West has worked with Boardmasters to help select performers for The View stage, highlighting some of the region’s most promising new talent.
South West Artists Bringing Fresh Sounds to Boardmasters
Essy Sparrow: From Local Talent to Main Stage Performer
Essy Sparrow will open the Main Stage on Sunday 9 August after becoming the first winner of the Boardmasters Breaking competition.
Selected by BBC Introducing in the South West from nearly 700 entries, Sparrow earned the opportunity after impressing judges with her coastal indie-folk style and independent approach to music.
Her authentic songwriting has helped her build a following of almost 38,000 people across social media platforms, with fans drawn to her personal lyrics and DIY approach to developing her career.
Speaking about the opportunity, Sparrow said her journey showed that “brilliant artistry does not have to just come from the city”.
The South West musician added: “I grew up in the South West, so to get to play the main stage at a major festival just half-an-hour from my home is wild to me.”
Abbie Piper: Cornwall Singer Returns to Boardmasters
Cornwall-based artist Abbie Piper will perform on The View stage on Friday 7 August at 15:30 BST.
Piper released her debut EP Mirror Talk earlier this year and quickly gained attention after achieving back-to-back BBC Introducing in the South West tracks of the week.
Her powerful vocal style has drawn comparisons with artists such as Amy Winehouse and Joy Crookes, helping her stand out among the festival’s rising performers.
Although she only began uploading her music towards the end of last year, Piper has already secured airplay on BBC Radio 1.
The performance will also mark a return to Boardmasters for Piper, who previously appeared at the festival as a teenager more than a decade ago.
Peri Rae: A New Voice in Surf Culture
Peri Rae will perform on The View stage on Saturday 8 August at 15:45 BST after joining the festival line-up at short notice.
The artist has returned to releasing music this year with a new direction, moving towards a heavier and more intense sound.
In recent months, preview clips of her latest release have attracted more than one million views on social media, helping her reach a wider audience.
One of her songs, inspired by the experiences of women in surf culture, sparked a wider discussion online, with hundreds of women sharing their own stories and perspectives.
Rae said: “What started as a fun, rebellious anthem has become a conversation about belonging, confidence and taking up space.”
The performance will be a significant return for Rae, who previously played The View stage at Watergate Bay two years ago, describing that appearance as the biggest moment of her career so far.
Boardmasters Continues Supporting New Music Talent
While major festival names often attract the biggest crowds, Boardmasters continues to provide a platform for emerging artists from across the UK.
Through partnerships with organisations such as BBC Introducing, the Cornwall festival is helping new musicians reach larger audiences and create opportunities beyond their local scenes.
This year’s event will once again showcase the growing influence of South West talent, with artists such as Essy Sparrow, Abbie Piper and Peri Rae representing the next wave of British music.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.