Words and photos by: Lucy Williamson
Boardmasters and BBC Introducing in the South West have announced the winner of the Boardmasters Breaking competition.
The competition gave artists in the South West the chance to perform at one of the UK’s biggest festivals. And with thousands of applications, Falmouth-based folk singer-songwriter Essy Sparrow has been announced as the worthy winner!
The news was announced live across BBC Radio Cornwall, Devon and Somerset during BBC Introducing in the South West with Daniel Pascoe.
From being kindly invited to Essy’s first gig at Sunshine Cafe in Penryn in spring 2025, we were blown away by her incredible songwriting and wholesome approach to running live shows. Alongside the live music, there were arts and crafts such as embroidery, badge making and temporary tattoos, with quotes like “girlhood” and “Artists Dreamers”, a nod to Essy’s songs.
In summer 2025, Essy opened the Boardmasters BBC Introducing line-up for Sunday at The View stage for a sun-soaked performance, where she was joined by a full band and her best friends as backing dancers, which was a dream come true for Essy!
As a champion of the grassroots music scene herself, we are absolutely over the moon for Essy, who will open the Boardmasters Main Stage on Sunday 9th August.
Tickets including weekend camping, day tickets and coach bundle options are now on sale at boardmasters.com