Boardmasters 2021: Can I go to Newquay by train?

Almost 20 trains are being provided for this year’s Boardmasters Festival but travellers are being warned that they must reserve a place; wear a face covering on board; and be aware of alterations to other local services.

With the beach festival returning for the first time since 2018, train operator Great Western Railway will operate a specific train-reservation only system ensuring everyone who wants to travel is able to book a service of their choice.

To provide these services, GWR will make changes to other trains in Devon and Cornwall and says customers should check their journey before they travel at www.gwr.com/check.  

The company is providing 18 services to support travel to and from the event, but is also reminding customers that surfboards cannot be carried on long-distance trains; and customers are expected to wear a face covering on board.

GWR West Cornwall Station Manager Sharon Holloway explains:

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming people back to Newquay Station for the Boardmasters Festival. To try to keep everyone as safe as possible, a place must be reserved when you buy your train ticket and face coverings are expected to be worn during the journey.

“We would also like to remind those travelling by train that we cannot carry surfboards, trolleys, and excessive amounts of luggage; and queuing systems may be in operation at busier stations on route to help you board safely.”

What do I need to pack?

With these restrictions in place GWR is advising customers to think carefully about what they need.

To avoid disappointment when arriving at stations and at the festival those travelling should:

• Reserve a seat with your ticket at GWR.com or through the GWR app
• Allow extra time because trains to and from Newquay will be busy
• A queueing system will be in place at stations to help people board their reserved train
• Remember your Railcard
• Charge your phone if you have an electronic ticket

What should I leave at home?

• Surfboards cannot be taken on long-distance trains and local hire is recommended
• Trolleys (wheeled cases are allowed but four-wheel trolleys and sack trucks will not be)

Specific train reservations will be required on all services to Newquay on Wednesday 11, Thursday 12, and Friday 13 August and from Newquay on Monday 16 August.

As well as additional rail services on the Newquay branch line, extra buses will support the rail service from intermediate stops.

On Monday 16 August direct services towards London Paddington from Penzance will start at Plymouth; alternative services will operate between Penzance and Plymouth where customers can change for services towards London Paddington.

GWR has been providing rail services throughout the pandemic and has worked to ensure that these are as safe as possible, including enhanced cleaning regimes. This work continues as it starts to welcome more people back to the railway.

The train operator has also provided extra staff at key stations to offer help and guidance.

Travelling by train is low risk as carriages are well ventilated with air regularly refreshed either by air conditioning systems, or by doors and windows being opened.

Notes to editors

Great Western Railway (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. 

GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year. 

GWR’s enhanced cleaning regime includes:

• A 24% increase in cleaning hours every week since March 2020
• Sanitising (fogging) of 1,120 vehicles every 4 weeks
• Carrying out 2,150 on board surface tests (ATP) every four weeks, to ensure the effectiveness of our cleaning
• 272 train cleaning processes reviewed, and many adapted
• Hand sanitising facilities at key stations across its network.