Entertainment

The South West of England is gearing up for a vibrant festival season in 2026, offering a diverse range of events catering to music and arts enthusiasts. From large-scale celebrations like Boardmasters to more intimate gatherings, the region promises a summer filled with live music, cultural experiences, and unforgettable moments. Planning your summer already? Here’s a look at some of the key festivals taking place across Cornwall and Devon.

With a wealth of options available, choosing the right festival can be a challenge. The South West’s festival landscape is incredibly varied, offering everything from established, large-capacity events to smaller, more niche celebrations. This guide aims to provide an overview of some of the highlights, helping you to find the perfect festival to suit your tastes. The region’s popularity as a festival destination continues to grow, attracting both established artists and emerging talent.

Boardmasters: A Cornish Institution

Boardmasters, held annually in Newquay, Cornwall, from August 5-9, 2026, remains a cornerstone of the South West festival scene. Known as a “rite of passage” for many young people in the region, the festival combines music with surfing and beach culture at Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach. This year’s lineup boasts a mix of established headliners and rising stars, promising something for everyone.

The 2026 edition features performances from Fatboy Slim and Kasabian, offering high-energy sets for festival-goers. Alongside these established acts, Boardmasters is also showcasing more thought-provoking artists like REN and Loyle Carner, demonstrating a commitment to musical diversity. New music fans will be pleased to see BBC Introducing Artist of the Year Jacob Alon and Liang Lawrence, a BBC Introducing in the South West artist, also on the bill. BBC News reports that Lily Allen will also be performing her new album at the festival this summer.

Tunes Festivals: Music Across the South West

For those seeking a festival closer to home, the Tunes series offers events throughout the year in various locations across the South West, extending from the far west of the UK down to Perranporth. These festivals are known for their stunning settings, including locations like Carlyon Bay and Powderham Castle, and a focus on nostalgia with their headliners and supporting acts. The Tunes festivals provide a convenient and accessible way to experience live music in beautiful surroundings.

Spotlight on Emerging Talent: BBC Introducing

The South West is a hotbed for musical talent, and BBC Introducing plays a crucial role in showcasing emerging artists. In January 2026, BBC Introducing highlighted six artists poised for a breakthrough year. Among them are Frey, a Plymouth-based artist creating a unique blend of jungle music, and Abbie Piper, a Cornish performer known for her heartfelt vocals.

Frey’s single “Game Boy,” released in September 2025, garnered nationwide attention and multiple plays on BBC Radio 1, and she even performed at Boardmasters. Abbie Piper’s debut EP, “Mirror Talk,” marks the beginning of what promises to be a successful career. These artists, along with others championed by BBC Introducing, represent the vibrant future of music in the South West.

The BBC One South West schedule for 2026, available online, doesn’t currently list specific programming related to festival coverage, but it serves as a reminder of the BBC’s ongoing commitment to regional arts and culture.

As the summer approaches, the South West’s festival season is set to deliver a diverse and exciting range of experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the large-scale energy of Boardmasters, the intimate settings of the Tunes festivals, or the discovery of emerging talent through BBC Introducing, there’s a festival in the South West to suit every taste. Keep an eye on festival websites and social media channels for further lineup announcements and ticket information.

What are you most looking forward to this festival season? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us grasp which events you’ll be attending!

Argentine influencer Julieta Poggio is turning heads with a dramatic hair transformation and a sensual photoshoot released just ahead of Valentine’s Day. The former Gran Hermano contestant unveiled a new blonde hairstyle, complete with a straight cut and bangs, alongside a series of images that have quickly gained traction on social media.

Poggio’s latest glance is a departure from her previous style, and the accompanying photoshoot embraces a bold aesthetic. The images, shared on her Instagram account, feature the influencer posing with cherries and cakes, clad in red lingerie, and accompanied by the caption “Dirty Valentine.” This stylistic choice signals a continuation of Poggio’s growing influence as a fashion icon, particularly among younger audiences.

The photoshoot showcases Poggio’s evolving sense of style, which has increasingly incorporated elements of Y2K fashion and a relaxed, vacation-inspired vibe. She’s grow known for blending pastel tones, open-weave fabrics, and asymmetrical cuts, often set against both natural and urban backdrops. This latest look builds on that foundation, adding a touch of playful sensuality.

Poggio’s Instagram post included a carousel of images and a behind-the-scenes video, offering fans a closer look at the photoshoot. In one striking image, she reclines on a beige armchair, sporting a red lace lingerie set and holding a cherry to her vividly red-lipsticked lips. Another photo features a beige floral-patterned lingerie top paired with pink bottoms, and a lit cigarette.