Few Injured in Crowd Surge at Boardmasters Festival

Several attendees were injured during a crowd surge at the Boardmasters music festival in Newquay, according to Devon and Cornwall Police. The police reported that a small number of individuals sustained injuries, which were either treated on-site by medical personnel or taken to local hospitals for further evaluation. Fortunately, none of the injuries were deemed serious, and authorities confirmed that the incident was isolated, allowing the festival to continue as planned. In response to the surge, a spokesperson for Boardmasters announced the cancellation of DJ Sammy Virji's set and the temporary closure of The Point stage to facilitate medical assistance for those affected. The spokesperson emphasized that safety remains the festival's top priority and expressed gratitude to both the artist and the audience for their understanding during the situation. They reassured attendees that all other stages were operating normally, and performances would proceed as scheduled. DJ Sammy Virji expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of his performance but acknowledged the importance of prioritizing safety. In an Instagram post, he conveyed his feelings of being "gutted" about the situation while recognizing the seriousness of crowd surges. He reiterated that the decision to halt the performance was beyond his control and hoped for the audience's understanding regarding the festival's focus on well-being. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of crowd management at large events, underscoring the need for vigilance in ensuring attendee safety.