Kieran Webber
Director and Founder of CLUNK Magazine, CLUNK Events, and other CLUNK affiliate businesses. You’ll probably find me tucked away somewhere sending emails, listening to music, and creating content.
Boardmasters 2026 is just round the corner so to help you get the most out of the Cornish festival we’ve put together this handy list of artists you MUST check out this year
It’s that time of the year again where we head to Newquay for a week of sun, surf, and live music. Yes, it’s Boardmasters time. As ever, there is a lineup that has something to offer for everyone but there are some standouts and ones you absolutely MUST add to your itinerary. Allow us to guide you to the right and best artists at Boardmasters 2026.
Getdown Services
Getdown Services are a band that is on everyones lips at the moment and for good reason. The duo from Bristol are about to be one of this countries largest creative exports in a while. It’s been a long(ish) road for the band though who have been relentlessly touring for the past two years. However, 2026 is the year the band has really taken off with performances on Jools Holland, festival slots at Truck, Latitude, and more. Not to mention their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Massive Champions’ which is out August 14th, with lead singles ‘I can’t Die Like That’, ‘Cha Cha Slide’ and ‘Radiator’ amassing millions of streams collectively. If there is one artist to watch at Boardmasters 2026 it is Getdown Services.. they’ll be headlining one day.
Watch their KEXP session here:
Lambrini Girls
The punk outfit from Brighton exploded into the mainstream with their 2025 debut ‘Who Let The Dogs Out’, featuring viral hits ‘Cuntology 101’ and ‘Love’. It’s a seething punk record that is relentless in its energy, from the get go with ‘Bad Apple’ you thrown into a chasm of frantic energy, full of seething rage. It’s one of the best punk albums in the past 20 years. This matched with their wild live shows has made Lambrini Girls a force to be reckoned with. The Mordros stage will not know what’s hit it. Another artist that is essential viewing for those attending Boardmasters, especially for those looking for that guitar driven sound.
Watch their KEXP session here:
The Darkness
The Darkness are a band that needs no introduction and arguably one of the greatest rock bands of the 21st Century. The band exploded back in 2003 with their debut album ‘Permission To Land’, which featured hit songs ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’, and ballad ‘Love Is Only A Feeling’. In fact, that album has one of the best opening songs on a rock album with ‘Black Shuck’. Since then the band have consistently been in the public eye and rock n roll zeitgeist opening for Guns N Roses, touring, releasing albums, and dominating Youtube with the ‘Justin Hawkins Rides Again’ series. As someone that has seen their live set at least 3 times now you’re guaranteed a rollicking time that demands head-banging, moshing, and pure rock joy.
Listen/watch ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’ here:
Keo
Keo are fast becoming leaders of the new wave of grunge that is emerging at the moment, alongside Wunderhorse, Geese, and Bleech 9:3. They’ve already played Boardmasters back in 2025 and now they return a bigger band, with more confidence, and importantly more music. If you want to catch a band just before they have their major breakout then Keo is a must watch.
Watch/listen to ‘Pistol’ here:
Joshua Idehen
We first got a taste of Joshua Idahen at Green Man Festival back in 2025 and weren’t really sure what to expect. What we got was a eclectic mix of spoken work mixed with jazz, dance, and more. It was incredibly intoxicating in the best way. Since then, we’ve got his third album ‘I Know You’re Hurting, Everyone Is Hurting, Everyone Is Trying, You Have Got To Try’, continuing his positive messaging through his artistry and frankly, big beats. There is a certain guarantee that Joshua will be an incredible set (as he always is) at Boardmasters. For those looking to dance and those looking to open their eyes then this set will be for you.
Listen/watch ‘This Is The Place’ here:
Loyle Carner
Loyle Carner is another artist that needs no introduction as he has been capturing audiences since his 2017 debut LP ‘Yesterday’s Gone’ and 2019 follow up ‘Not Waving, But Drowning’. His deeply poetic, honest, vulnerable, relatable lyricism mixed with chilled delivery makes him a once in a lifetime artist. Arguably one of the most overlooked rappers from the UK on the global stage. The infusion of jazz into his music creates a 90’s sensibility, in line with artists such as De La Soul, The Pharcyde, and more. Since the huge success Loyle has kept his dedicated fanbase that has grown steadily throughout his releases, including 2025’s ‘hopefully !’
His presence on stage is magnetic as is his music. Truly, we cannot wait to get lost in the sounds of Loyle Carner at Boardmasters Festival 2026.
Listen/watch ‘About Time’ here:
Nia Archives
Nia Archives has been hailed as the leading face of this new generation of jungle music and the millions of steams amassed by her hit songs ‘Baiana’ and ‘Forbidden Feelings’ cements this. Normally, an artist like Nia would be in one of the dance tents at Boardmasters but this year she heads to the main stage. This is going to be a set of epic proportions and those in the crowd are going to remember it for the rest of their lives.
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