Words and photos by: Lucy Williamson
With hundreds of acts spanning across 11 stages, including the newly designed The View stage, which overlooked the shimmering waters of Watergate Bay, Boardmasters 2024 was a year to remember! The excitement surrounding the South West music scene was brimming throughout the festival, with many emerging musicians and bands taking to the stage.
To celebrate the incredible music scene in the South West, we’ve put together a list of 5 acts you should add to your festival playlist!
Peri Rae
The View stage highlighted some of the South West’s most exciting new acts, including the indie-pop artist, Peri Rae and her band. Their performance on Friday afternoon was full of energy, with the crowd dancing and singing along to tracks from Peri’s EP, i moved to the beach, alongside some exciting new material. We cannot wait to see what plans she has in store for the coming months!
FFO: Phoebe Bridgers, Nina Nesbitt, Lizzy McAlpine
Saff Juno
Early on Saturday brought the Cornish mizzle, but soggy ponchos couldn’t dampen the spirits of those gathered to watch Saff Juno’s set at The View! Atmospheric and ethereal, Saff’s sound is reminiscent of the likes of Aurora and Birdy, which made the set almost enchanting. A true joy to watch Saff and her tight-knit band putting on a stellar set!
FFO: AURORA, Birdy, dodie
The Beau Bennett Collective
From their early days playing in grassroots venues around Falmouth to performing at Boardmasters, The Beau Bennett Collective highlighted their homecoming to Cornwall with a truly polished set beaming with melodious vocals, tight musicianship and smiles all around from the band and the crowd!
FFO: Ellur, Gatlin, MUNA
Tors
Fresh off a US tour, indie band Tors took to the Land Of Saints stage and took the crowd by storm on a mellow Sunday afternoon. Their soulful tunes and impressive three-part harmonies filled the tent, creating an atmosphere of energy and joy. It’s moments like this that showcase why the South West music scene is thriving with incredible music!
Haytor
Sunday afternoon saw Haytor making waves at The View stage, performing hit tracks including Osaka and Love Songs. With the sun shining above, their lively set and anthemic feel-good vibes were truly incredible, and we’re so excited to see what they have planned next.
FFO: Sam Fender, The 1975, Catfish and The Bottlemen
From indie-pop sensations to anthemic performers, the South West is thriving with so many amazing acts that keep the local music scene so fresh and exciting. Make sure to keep a lookout for these acts at your local music venue and support grassroots music!
Relive more highlights of Boardmasters 2024 in ISSUE 04 of Whisper Magazine, out now and grab your tickets for Boardmasters 2025 here.