Almost 20 trains are being provided for this year’s Boardmasters Festival but travellers are being warned that they come with conditions.

These include that passengers must reserve a place, wear a face covering on board and be aware of alterations to other local services.

With the beach festival returning to Newquay for the first time since 2018, train operator Great Western Railway will operate a specific train reservation only system, ensuring everyone who wants to travel is able to book a service of their choice.

To provide these services, GWR will make changes to other trains in Devon and Cornwall and it has warned that customers should check their journey before they travel at www.gwr.com/check

The company is providing 18 direct services to support travel to and from the event, but is also reminding customers that surfboards cannot be carried on long-distance trains, and customers are expected to wear a face covering on board.

Boardmasters is taking place in Newquay next week

Boardmasters is taking place in Newquay next week

GWR West Cornwall station manager Sharon Holloway said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming people back to Newquay Station for the Boardmasters Festival. To try to keep everyone as safe as possible, a place must be reserved when you buy your train ticket and face coverings are expected to be worn during the journey.

“We would also like to remind those travelling by train that we cannot carry surfboards, trolleys, and excessive amounts of luggage; and queuing systems may be in operation at busier stations on route to help you board safely.”

With these restrictions in place GWR is advising customers to think carefully about what they need.

To avoid disappointment when arriving at stations and at the festival those travelling should:

• Reserve a seat with your ticket at GWR.com or through the GWR app

• Allow extra time because trains to and from Newquay will be busy

• A queueing system will be in place at stations to help people board their reserved train

• Remember their Railcard

• Charge their phone if you have an electronic ticket

Surfboards cannot be taken on long-distance trains and local hire is recommended. Wheeled suitcases are allowed but four-wheel trolleys and sack trucks will not be.

Specific train reservations will be required on all services to Newquay next Wednesday to Friday, August 11 to 13, and from Newquay on Monday, August 16.

As well as additional rail services on the Newquay branch line, extra buses will support the rail service from intermediate stops.

It will also mean some changes to other services. On Monday, August 16 direct services towards London Paddington from Penzance will start at Plymouth; alternative services will operate between Penzance and Plymouth where customers can change for services towards London Paddington.